Assistant Director of Athletics Engagement and Fundraising

About the role

The Assistant Director will implement annual giving initiatives and engagement plans designed to increase alumni, parent, and friend participation and support for Wesleyan Athletics. They will plan and implement strategic engagement opportunities, including in-person, virtual, and small cultivation events, and collaborate with Athletics, Advancement Communications, University Communications, Engaged Philanthropy, coaches, volunteers, alumni, parents, student-athletes, and donors.

Responsibilities

• Implement annual giving initiatives and engagement plans designed to increase alumni, parent, and friend participation and support for Wesleyan Athletics.
• Plan and implement strategic engagement opportunities, including in-person, virtual, and small cultivation events, traveling as needed to represent Wesleyan Athletics and the University.
• Partner with coaches, athletic department staff, alumni volunteers, and Advancement colleagues to support engagement and fundraising activities that strengthen constituent relationships and encourage philanthropic support.
• Collaborate closely with Advancement Communications and University Communications, including participation in content planning meetings, to identify, develop, and promote athletics-related stories and content that support fundraising, engagement, stewardship, and institutional priorities.
• Manage athletics storytelling efforts that highlight student-athlete achievement, alumni engagement, donor impact, and the value of the scholar-athlete experience.
• Write, edit, and develop compelling communications and content that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy on student-athletes, teams, and the broader Wesleyan Athletics community.
• Manage online engagement and fundraising campaigns utilizing key technology platforms and other projects as needed.
• Build and manage online engagement and fundraising campaigns utilizing key technology platforms and other projects as needed.
• Track, analyze, and report on athletics engagement and annual giving metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of campaigns, events, and outreach efforts, and recommend opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Along with the Director of Athletic Fundraising, manage the Athletics Advisory Council meetings and other volunteer engagement initiatives.
• Manage, train, and supervise student workers, interns, and ambassadors as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in relationship building, programming, fundraising, customer service, marketing and outreach, organizational support, or other related work; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Relevant professional, graduate-level, and intercollegiate student-athlete experience may be considered.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to draft clear, professional materials for a variety of audiences.
• Highly organized and efficient, capable of managing multiple projects with competing priorities while maintaining high standards and flexibility.
• Demonstrated attention to detail.
• Proactive self-starter with demonstrated ability to work productively both independently and collaboratively with teams.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to organize information, monitor progress toward goals, and analyze data to support decision-making.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to set priorities, support measurable goals, and manage against project timelines.
• Demonstrated commitment to working within a diverse environment and interacting collegially with individuals of different backgrounds with varied personalities and work styles.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills, encompassing the capacity to investigate, interpret, and concisely summarize multifaceted information on individuals or groups.
• Experience using or the ability to quickly learn CRM, fundraising, and constituent engagement systems.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with tact and diplomacy and maintain confidentiality of sensitive matters.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Must be at least 20 years of age and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license for a minimum of three years with a satisfactory driving record.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends and holidays as required.

Qualifications

• Experience in nonprofit or similar mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, or supporting events or engagement activities.
• Experience working with volunteers and donors.
• Experience with donor management systems.

Benefits

• Comprehensive group insurance plans.
• Wellness programs and incentives.
• Generous paid time off and retirement plans.
• Flexible work schedules.
• Employee and dependent tuition programs for those who qualify.

Contact Information

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to [insert email address]. For full consideration please apply by July 29th, 2026. For more information visit https://www.wesleyan.edu/hr/handbook/compensation-practices/index.html.