Athletics Giving Officer

About the role

The Athletics Giving Officer (AGO) is responsible for raising financial support for Lycoming College and the Warrior athletics program. The AGO will build relationships with individuals and organizations for the purpose of creating a pipeline of donors from whom the College can secure annual, major, and planned gifts.

Responsibilities

• Conduct 75+ in-person or virtual visits annually from a portfolio of up to 150 assigned prospects to cultivate their interest in and increase their support of the College and Warrior athletics.
• Aid in the management of the Corporate Partnership program of the Warrior Club, including the solicitation of sponsorships and the execution of deliverables that are included in sponsorship agreements.
• Plan and execute the Warrior Club annual giving program, as directed by the Director of Annual Giving and in collaboration with the Director of Athletics, with general objectives of retaining current donors, acquiring new donors, and maximizing financial support for each of Lycoming’s athletics teams and for the department as a whole.
• Collaborate with Marketing & Communications to plan and execute a communications strategy for Warrior Club members; and collaborate with Alumni Engagement to plan and execute Warrior Club events.
• Help to identify the fundraising needs and priorities for athletics; develop written communications, case statements, proposals, and strategies that will support the College’s efforts to raise funds for such priorities.
• Conduct discovery visits with qualified prospects as identified through research to determine their philanthropic interests and capacities; and solicit their interest in and support of the College.
• Keep detailed and accurate records of contact with all prospects and work closely with advancement operations to gather meaningful information on prospects.
• Provide support for the Warrior Club Advisory Council, including coordinating meetings and other activities, managing communications, and identifying prospective members.
• Assist in the implementation and execution of capital campaigns, fundraising strategies and initiatives, development events, volunteer management, and special projects as directed by the Director of the Annual Fund.
• Collaborate with the Director of Annual Giving and the Senior Director of Advancement Operations to prepare annual goals that identify priorities; set strategies for moves management expectations of assigned portfolio; and identify professional development opportunities to improve knowledge and skills and stay current with trends in development.
• Marginal functions: Efficient and responsible management of travel scheduling and use of Athletics Fundraising program budget. Contact a variety of alumni and friends in addition to assigned prospects through written correspondence, telephone calls, and participation in special events such as Homecoming, Alumni & Reunion Weekend, donor appreciation events, volunteer committee meetings, and regional alumni activities. Occasionally participate in the planning and management of such events. Represent Lycoming College as available at a variety of events, both regionally and on campus, including Homecoming, Alumni & Reunion Weekend, and commencement. Keep abreast of trends in the development profession by reading various publications, networking with peers at other institutions, and attending conferences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Proven success in fundraising, sales, or similar client relationship-based field; higher education experience preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially listening skills for discerning donors’ interests and concerns.
• High motivation for success coupled with diplomacy, tact, and consistent follow through.
• Ability to forge strong working relationships with others and a capacity for engaging confidence and trust among prospects and donors.
• Understanding and appreciation for the mission of a small, residential, liberal arts and sciences college.
• Willingness and ability to work both independently and as a member of a team.
• Willingness and ability to travel.
• Computer skills essential (knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel; experience using email and internet).
• Demonstrates professionalism and contributes to fostering a positive work/learning environment.
• Demonstrates effective organizational and time management skills.
• Demonstrates effective conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Exercises self-control and perseverance when dealing with students, employees, co-workers.
• Exhibits consistency, resourcefulness and resilience.
• Ability and willingness to work occasional evening and weekend hours in addition to the regular workday.
• A valid PA driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to the College’s insurer is required.

What We Offer!

Lycoming College has an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Health & Wellness Benefits: Health insurance – with a wide variety of health plan options available, Dental insurance, including orthodontia coverage. Vision insurance, Flexible spending accounts for medical expenses and dependent care expenses, Life & accidental death and dismemberment insurance, Long-term disability insurance, Short-term disability insurance, Cancer insurance, Personal accident insurance, Wellness program, Employee assistance program.
• Retirement Benefits: 403(b) retirement plan with up to 8% contributions from the College, Tuition Benefits: Free tuition for employees, spouses, and eligible dependents at Lycoming College, Free tuition for eligible dependents at over 600 colleges nationwide through Tuition Exchange, Inc., Free tuition for employees, spouses, and eligible dependents at the Pennsylvania College of Technology, Paid Leave Benefits: Generous paid time off (PTO), Paid Parental Leave, 14 holidays per year, Summer hours.
• Employee Perks: 15% discount at the campus bookstore, excluding textbooks and snacks. Reduced rates for meal packages for on-campus dining facilities. Use of the campus recreations center and gym facilities for employees. Use of the campus Library.