George Washington University
Associate Director of Development, Athletics
George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Job Overview
The University Advancement (UA) Division is seeking an Associate Director of Development, Athletics. UA is responsible for leading the university's alumni and fundraising efforts and seeks to promote a culture of philanthropy throughout the university community, including alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff, corporations and foundations, patients and other friends. Our goal is to advance GW’s mission of excellence in education, research, scholarship, and patient care. The Athletics Fundraising Team is designed to build strong relationships between fans and alumni, former student‑athletes, and GW families and the university, facilitating upwards of $2M annually in support of the athletics department attainment goal. Reporting to the Executive Director of Development, this position will engage with a portfolio of approximately 90–120 prospects to secure gifts ranging from $50,000 to $500,000+ from prospects. The Associate Director of Development will work closely with prospect research and development/alumni relations colleagues in identifying, cultivating, and tracking major gift prospects while establishing effective working relationships with fellow school/unit fundraisers, deans, department heads, faculty and administrative staff of the university to accomplish fundraising goals.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategies to move major and principal gift prospects through the donor continuum with urgency each fiscal year, securing gifts to meet annual personal attainment goals.
Travel to meet with prospects and donors to conduct fundraising work and grow a diverse donor base.
Work with the athletics marketing and communications team to ensure the engagement of fans with philanthropic support of athletics as a whole.
Build and maintain relationships with coaches and administrators across the department to understand and communicate funding priorities.
Operate with independence and initiative while collaborating with team members to share best practices.
Maintain proper documentation of fundraising activities in the database (Advance) including strategies, correspondence, visits, proposals, and solicitations.
Prepare briefing packets for university leadership, assist in the creation of letters of support, concept papers, proposals, and reports for funders on behalf of the athletics unit and faculty.
Conduct an average of 12–15 prospect visits monthly and document all discovery, cultivation, and stewardship interactions.
Minimum Qualifications Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Willingness to make cold calls to secure face‑to‑face visits with prospects and leverage those meetings to translate into philanthropic support.
Ability to travel regularly and to work many weekends and evenings.
Previous higher education fundraising experience including major gift fundraising desired.
Previous athletics fundraising experience desired.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of parent, planned giving and alumni giving.
Demonstrated ability to speak and write persuasively about higher education.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective communication with high level internal and external audiences.
Ability to work well with diverse constituencies and to lead/train volunteers.
A strong record of collaborating with a team to achieve common goals.
Strong organizational, database management and project management skills combined with a strong attention to details.
Utilization of sound judgement and experience in handling confidential information.
Creativity combined with tenacity and a can‑do spirit which reflects the athletic values of determination, commitment and respect.
Benefits GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.
EEO Statement The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
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Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement strategies to move major and principal gift prospects through the donor continuum with urgency each fiscal year, securing gifts to meet annual personal attainment goals.
Travel to meet with prospects and donors to conduct fundraising work and grow a diverse donor base.
Work with the athletics marketing and communications team to ensure the engagement of fans with philanthropic support of athletics as a whole.
Build and maintain relationships with coaches and administrators across the department to understand and communicate funding priorities.
Operate with independence and initiative while collaborating with team members to share best practices.
Maintain proper documentation of fundraising activities in the database (Advance) including strategies, correspondence, visits, proposals, and solicitations.
Prepare briefing packets for university leadership, assist in the creation of letters of support, concept papers, proposals, and reports for funders on behalf of the athletics unit and faculty.
Conduct an average of 12–15 prospect visits monthly and document all discovery, cultivation, and stewardship interactions.
Minimum Qualifications Qualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Preferred Qualifications
Willingness to make cold calls to secure face‑to‑face visits with prospects and leverage those meetings to translate into philanthropic support.
Ability to travel regularly and to work many weekends and evenings.
Previous higher education fundraising experience including major gift fundraising desired.
Previous athletics fundraising experience desired.
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of parent, planned giving and alumni giving.
Demonstrated ability to speak and write persuasively about higher education.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for effective communication with high level internal and external audiences.
Ability to work well with diverse constituencies and to lead/train volunteers.
A strong record of collaborating with a team to achieve common goals.
Strong organizational, database management and project management skills combined with a strong attention to details.
Utilization of sound judgement and experience in handling confidential information.
Creativity combined with tenacity and a can‑do spirit which reflects the athletic values of determination, commitment and respect.
Benefits GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well‑being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit https://hr.gwu.edu/benefits-programs.
EEO Statement The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
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