Assistant Director of Athletics, Development

About the University

The University is committed to providing an educational, residential, and working environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Members of the University community, applicants for employment or admissions, guests and visitors have the right to be free from harassment or discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, gender, sex, pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, genetic information, national origin, ethnicity, family responsibilities, marital status, veteran or military status, citizenship status, or any other status protected by applicable law. Sexual harassment, including sexual violence, is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

University Mission

The University of Scranton is a Catholic and Jesuit university animated by the spiritual vision of Saint Ignatius Loyola, a tradition of excellence, and a commitment to the common good. The University is a community dedicated to the formation of students, and to the freedom of inquiry and personal development fundamental to the growth in wisdom and integrity of all who share its life.

Job Purpose

The Assistant Director will manage a comprehensive fundraising program to support athletic programs and student athletes at the University, consisting of three components: annual team and unrestricted athletics support, capital projects, and endowment. This position will engage athletic department leadership and coaches in advancing the Scranton Athletics Fund and identifying, cultivating and soliciting alumni, parents and friends. This position will also work closely with other front-line fundraising staff to ensure that the athletics fundraising plan is well integrated with other advancement strategies. The position will report to the Associate Vice President for Development and have the responsibility to solicit and close individual gifts.

Essential Duties

• Plan and implement a comprehensive athletics development program to focus on annual support, for both teams and the area of greatest need within athletics, as well as capital projects and endowment
• Manage a portfolio of major and annual gift prospects for athletics (approximately 125-150) and develop effective gift solicitation strategies for these prospects
• Engage coaches and other athletics department staff in identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding gift prospects
• Plan, along with University Advancement event and athletics staff, athletic development cultivation and engagement events such as the Carlesimo Golf Tournament & Award Dinner
• Develop a team-oriented philanthropy challenge to increase philanthropic participation by alumni, parents and friends of Scranton Athletics
• Work with Marketing Communications to develop associated collateral materials for use in print solicitations, electronic solicitations and a strong web presence
• Work with coaches and the Executive Director of Athletics, develop a plan for annual alumni team cultivation activities, such as alumni games or social gatherings
• Ensure that appropriate NCAA compliance issues are adhered to in all fundraising activity

Additional Skills Required

• Excellent communication, public speaking and organizational skills required
• Ability to function as a member of a team, while also acting independently
• Must be a strategic thinker and planner, have ability to manage multiple tasks and have excellent time management skills
• Must possess strong interpersonal skills necessary to cultivate donors and close gifts
• Proficient in use of technology to support activity

Position Requirements

• The ability to uphold human dignity and respect by recognizing each person’s worth, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating others with kindness, fairness, and empathy
• Must be able to respect, support and contribute to the University’s Catholic and Jesuit mission

Minimum Education Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree is required

Preferred Education

• Minimum Job Experience Requirements: A minimum of three (3) years of successful fund raising experience is required; athletics development experience is preferred.
• A strong knowledge/interest/background in collegiate athletics is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Years of Experience: 3
• University Classification: Professional
• FLSA Classification: Exempt
• Schedule/Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Full Time/Part Time: Full-Time
• Annual Schedule: 12