Director of Major Gifts, Athletics

Summary

Position Title

Director of Major Gifts, Athletics

Department

University Advancement

Position Reports to (Position Title)

Senior Vice President, Strategic Operations & Senior Vice President, Athletic Director

Effective Date

July 1st, 2023

Status

Full Time/Exempt

Job Summary

The Major Gifts Officer, Athletics is responsible for developing and implementing strategies to secure support for the athletics program at Jacksonville University. The MGO will serve as the University Advancement liaison to the Athletics department, with major gift support provided to the other areas of University Advancement as needed. With a dual-report to the Senior Vice President, Strategic Operations and the Athletic Director, this position will work collaboratively across the University Advancement and University Athletics departments to develop donor strategy, build relationships, and achieve fundraising goals.

his is an exciting opportunity for a fundraiser who thrives in a fast-paced, intercollegiate environment. The MGO, Athletics will have a tangible impact on the growing success and momentum of the University’s Athletics programs as part of a transformational University-wide fundraising campaign.

Jacksonville University’s Athletics encompasses 17 sports teams across NCAA Division I, ASUN Conference, and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC). More than 450 student athletes are Jacksonville Dolphins, participating in 10 women’s and 7 men’s programs. Investments in Athletics facilities and programs in recent years have propelled Jacksonville Athletics to new heights, attracting a diverse student body who seek success in the classroom, on their playing surface, and in the community. The Basketball Performance Center opened in Spring 2022 and the Athletics Fieldhouse underwent renovations to the weight room and training room in Summer 2020. In 2019, the Rock Lacrosse Center opened, home to two Top 20 lacrosse programs (men’s and women’s) and featuring All-American selections in Men’s and Women’s lacrosse last Spring.

Jacksonville University Athletics has earned multiple conference championships and NCAA tournament berths in each of the last five years, as well as multiple conference coach-of-the-year honors. Jordan Mincy was named the Joe B. Hall Award winner as the nation’s top first-year head coach in 2021-2022. This Spring, Jacksonville Athletics enjoyed wins over Duke, Stanford, Florida, Miami, Arizona State, and Georgetown.

 

 

 

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Duties/Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive major gifts program to support Athletics at the University, including strategies for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gift prospects.

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; develop and maintain relationships with these individuals to secure gifts in support of Athletics priorities.

• Engage in personal outreach, all necessary travel, oversight of gift closure process, and meeting metrics that include an expectation of, at minimum, 100-125 personal touchpoints/visits per year.

• Work alongside the Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations to establish a plan with specific goals and timetables to raise major and planned gifts within the scope of special projects, campaigns, endowment or annual fundraising needs.

• Collaborate with the Director of Athletics and other Athletics staff to develop fundraising priorities and initiatives that are aligned with University and campaign goals.

• Develop a compelling case for support encompassing the wide array of funding opportunities within Jacksonville University Athletics.

• Partner with top University leaders, including the President, Provost, Senior Vice President for Strategic Operations, Deans, and campaign counsel as well as the senior leaders of University Advancement to provide strategic planning and implementation of the University’s multi-million-dollar capital campaign.

• Work with the Senior Vice President of Strategic Operations and Athletic Director to grow sponsorships for Athletics while driving revenue for the University.

• Strategize giving and engagement opportunities with leadership and coaches including capital projects, Dolphin Dash, Tip Off Club, special receptions and events, etc.

• Capitalize on the success and unprecedented excitement for Jacksonville Athletics to cultivate beneficial relationships with prospective supporters from alumni, parents, and friends of the university through high-touch and mass engagement strategies to increase prospect engagement.

• Foster collaborative and open communication with all coaches and teams to identify needs within the Athletics Department.

• Manage the growth strategy, implementation, and evaluation for athletics fundraising.

• Enhance board member engagement to help maximize the fundraising potential of JAX Backers and other sport specific advisory boards.

• Work with Advancement Marketing and Communications to develop major gift materials (e.g. proposals, overviews and other informational and stewardship materials).

• Work with Advancement Services to request research and other information on alumni, parents, and friends to qualify interest and giving potential.

• Track and report relationship management activity using Raisers Edge® constituent relationship management system.

Required Skills/Abilities

Jacksonville University is seeking a proven fundraiser with a demonstrated track record of accomplishments. The ideal candidate will possess the following:

• Must understand and be conversant in the business and vernacular of intercollegiate athletics.
• Ability to construct, articulate and implement an annual strategic development plan for a department.
• Demonstrated expertise in major gift fundraising, including successfully securing gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Experience developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies and plans.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate the mission, vision, and priorities of the University to various audiences.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to develop compelling proposals and other donor- facing materials.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals including alumni, faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers.
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to forge new relationships on behalf of the University.
• Ability to represent the University with professionalism, integrity, and enthusiasm.
• Knowledge of the Jacksonville and Florida philanthropic communities.
• Strong familiarity with fundraising software, preferably Raiser’s Edge.
• Work is primarily indoors, but requires the incumbent to be in an outdoor environment when traveling between campus buildings, visiting outdoor sports facilities or being off-campus.
• Attendance at evening and weekend events is required.
• Off-campus travel is required; occasionally, position may require travel beyond the Jacksonville metropolitan area.

Education, Certificates, Licenses, & Experience

• Six to eight years of fundraising or nonprofit experience, most of which is in a higher education setting or transferable field, Division I Athletics preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required, Master’s degree preferred.
• Strong computer literacy skills and the ability to learn new software.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able to travel.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to bend, stoop, and reach.
• Manual dexterity to efficiently operate a computer keyboard and other business machines.
• Adequate hearing to communicate effectively in person and by phone.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

Important Note

This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and/or skills required for this position. The University reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs.

To Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, list of references, and JU application to Kate Hughes at search@angelettigroup.com.