Development Officer/Senior Development Officer - Athletics

About the Role

Bucknell University is seeking Athletics Development Officers and Senior Development Officers to join the University Advancement team. The positions collaborate with the Strategic Philanthropy Team and head coaches to secure significant revenue for Athletics, requiring frequent travel and attendance at athletic events to build relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and friends.

Responsibilities

• Portfolio Management (≈70%)
  • Engage in strategic face‑to‑face meetings with athletic prospects and donors to advance them through the donor continuum.
  • Secure individual gifts of $100,000 or more and meet data‑driven annual metrics.
  • Manage the full portfolio lifecycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Build and grow a prospect pipeline across alumni, parents, and friends of the University.
  • Plan and host campus visits and experiences that prepare donors for leadership‑level giving.
  • Steward existing donors to foster enduring relationships.
  • Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, including contact reports, strategies, and next steps.
  • Staff athletic and large‑scale campus events; coordinate visits for individual constituents.
  • Travel frequently to support portfolio engagement and stewardship.
• Strategy, Outreach & Engagement (≈30%)
  • Develop strategies that align athletic donor interests with Bucknell’s priorities.
  • Collaborate with university leadership to tailor donor‑engagement approaches and maximize fundraising outcomes.
  • Participate in portfolio strategy reviews.
  • Partner with University Advancement colleagues to oversee strategic athletic development events and conduct intentional follow‑up to secure gifts.
• Additional non‑essential tasks and responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Development Officer, Athletics

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Four (4) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Broad knowledge of fundraising principles in collegiate sports.
• Proficiency with database functions/reports, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Demonstrated track record of creative, collaborative strategy leading to successful gift closures.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Senior Development Officer, Athletics

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six (6) years of successful experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
• Broad knowledge of fundraising principles in collegiate sports.
• Proficiency with database functions/reports, Microsoft Office Suite, and Google Suite.
• Demonstrated track record of creative, collaborative strategy leading to successful gift closures.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Preferred Qualifications

Development Officer, Athletics

• Major‑gift experience with a successful track record of closing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts in higher education.
• Proven success building revenue‑generating programs.
• Experience in athletics fundraising or a related role.
• Knowledge of and commitment to NCAA rules compliance; familiarity with NCAA Division I programs.

Senior Development Officer, Athletics

• Eight (8) years of leadership and major‑gift experience with a successful track record of closing six‑ and seven‑figure gifts in higher education.
• Proven success building revenue‑generating programs.
• Experience in athletics fundraising or a related role.
• Knowledge of and commitment to NCAA rules compliance; familiarity with NCAA Division I programs.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain stationary for extended periods, sit at a computer, and use a mouse/keyboard for long durations.
• Capacity to work in a demanding environment with multiple competing deadlines and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to travel with or without accommodations.

Benefits

• Flexible scheduling options determined by role.
• Medical, prescription drug, vision, dental, life, and long‑term disability insurance options.
• 10% employer contribution to retirement plan (no employee contribution required for non‑exempt positions).
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, a community service day, and 19 paid holidays (including two full weeks for Winter Break).
• Tuition remission for eligible employees, spouses/partners, and various tuition programs for children.
• Comprehensive employee wellness program with incentives.
• Additional benefits such as parental leave, employee assistance program, fitness center membership, and other perks accessible via Bucknell ID.

Pay

Salary ranges are:

• Development Officer, Athletics: $72,600 – $90,800
• Senior Development Officer, Athletics: $88,000 – $110,000

The final offer will be based on a review of the candidate’s credentials, internal equity, and Bucknell’s compensation philosophy.

Schedule

This is a full‑time position (40 hours per week, 52 weeks per year) with a regular on‑campus presence. The role requires frequent travel, attendance at athletic and university events, and occasional evening and weekend work for events such as Homecoming, Family Weekend, and Reunion Weekend. A hybrid work arrangement may be considered, but an active on‑campus presence and participation in athletic events are expected.