Syracuse University
Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
Job Title Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
Location
Campus
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$132,000
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S6
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full‑time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Executive Director serves as a strategic partner in overseeing strategy, operations, communications, and donor outreach and stewardship that advance the athletic department’s mission, elevate institutional reputation, and deepen engagement with key athletic stakeholders, including alumni, donors, staff and past and present student athletes. This senior‑level leader guides a comprehensive strategy for donor solicitation, donor stewardship, event management, and operational excellence for the Cuse Athletics Fund. The position plays a critical role in enhancing the donor experience, managing high‑impact cultivation and recognition events, and optimizing internal processes that support the university’s comprehensive fundraising efforts for intercollegiate athletics. As a key member of the athletic advancement leadership team, the role will partner with leaders throughout the central Advancement operation and serve as an additional strategy leader for the Champion Cuse campaign.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, or advancement operations. Demonstrated experience in building and managing comprehensive stewardship programs. Proven track record of successfully planning and executing high‑level events for sophisticated donor audiences. Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, coaches, and senior administrators. Experience working with CRM /fundraising databases (Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms). Valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules and athletics competitions.
Skills and Knowledge Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct. Work effectively under pressure and time constraints and ability to work off‑hours, including weekends and nights. Well‑developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required.
Responsibilities Define the strategic direction for CAF and athletics advancement to ensure alignment with institutional/divisional priorities and fundraising goals. Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long‑range strategy to advance and strengthen communications, donor outreach and donor stewardship. Lead strategic planning for major, high‑profile initiatives, events, and/or recognition programs. Translate athletic department priorities into compelling, high‑impact donor activities. As a member of the CAF leadership team, collaborate with the Senior Vice President, Athletic Director, and other unit leaders on the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, parents, staff and former/ current student athletes. Lead strategic planning and delivery of communications, marketing, and stewardship initiatives to enhance solicitation, engagement, external voice and public perception. Build, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with academic and administrative units across the university. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Build team capacity to manage complex portfolios independently while maintaining standards of quality and alignment with institutional/divisional goals. Drive operational improvements across internal and external units. Identifying and implementing emerging technologies, operational systems, and donor engagement tools that enhance efficiency, personalise experiences, and position CAF at the forefront of modern athletic fundraising. Serve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and key campus partners on event strategy and impact. Oversee and manage all aspects of events, stewardship, donor relations and alumni engagement programming. Serve as primary liaison between CAF and the University & Advancement events team. Serve as the primary steward for the Legends Society (Syracuse’s premier athletic donor recognition society). Manage the reporting, operations and logistics for the Athletics Orange Council. Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess event effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned. Act as the subject matter expert for project management, operational workflows, and advancement services within the department.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
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Location
Campus
Commitment to On-Campus Experience
Syracuse University is committed to delivering an exceptional student experience through vibrant, engaged campus communities. This position is based at the above campus location and requires regular in‑person presence to support our students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to our thriving academic environment. Syracuse University values the collaboration, mentorship, and spontaneous connections that happen when our community works together on campus. Remote work arrangements are limited in accordance with University policy.
Pay Range
$132,000
Pay rates at Syracuse University are based on a combination of factors including, but not limited to, the job responsibilities; the candidate’s education, training, work experience and key competencies; the university’s strategic priorities; internal peer equity; applicable federal, state, local laws, grant funding and contractual requisites; and external market analyses.
Staff Level S6
FLSA Status Exempt
Hours
Standard University business hours
8:30am – 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am – 4:30pm (summer)
Hours may vary based on operational needs.
Job Type Full‑time
Unionized Position Code Not Applicable
Job Description
The Executive Director serves as a strategic partner in overseeing strategy, operations, communications, and donor outreach and stewardship that advance the athletic department’s mission, elevate institutional reputation, and deepen engagement with key athletic stakeholders, including alumni, donors, staff and past and present student athletes. This senior‑level leader guides a comprehensive strategy for donor solicitation, donor stewardship, event management, and operational excellence for the Cuse Athletics Fund. The position plays a critical role in enhancing the donor experience, managing high‑impact cultivation and recognition events, and optimizing internal processes that support the university’s comprehensive fundraising efforts for intercollegiate athletics. As a key member of the athletic advancement leadership team, the role will partner with leaders throughout the central Advancement operation and serve as an additional strategy leader for the Champion Cuse campaign.
Education and Experience Bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, or advancement operations. Demonstrated experience in building and managing comprehensive stewardship programs. Proven track record of successfully planning and executing high‑level events for sophisticated donor audiences. Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, coaches, and senior administrators. Experience working with CRM /fundraising databases (Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms). Valid Driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle is required. Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules and athletics competitions.
Skills and Knowledge Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct. Work effectively under pressure and time constraints and ability to work off‑hours, including weekends and nights. Well‑developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners. Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required.
Responsibilities Define the strategic direction for CAF and athletics advancement to ensure alignment with institutional/divisional priorities and fundraising goals. Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long‑range strategy to advance and strengthen communications, donor outreach and donor stewardship. Lead strategic planning for major, high‑profile initiatives, events, and/or recognition programs. Translate athletic department priorities into compelling, high‑impact donor activities. As a member of the CAF leadership team, collaborate with the Senior Vice President, Athletic Director, and other unit leaders on the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, parents, staff and former/ current student athletes. Lead strategic planning and delivery of communications, marketing, and stewardship initiatives to enhance solicitation, engagement, external voice and public perception. Build, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with academic and administrative units across the university. Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Build team capacity to manage complex portfolios independently while maintaining standards of quality and alignment with institutional/divisional goals. Drive operational improvements across internal and external units. Identifying and implementing emerging technologies, operational systems, and donor engagement tools that enhance efficiency, personalise experiences, and position CAF at the forefront of modern athletic fundraising. Serve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and key campus partners on event strategy and impact. Oversee and manage all aspects of events, stewardship, donor relations and alumni engagement programming. Serve as primary liaison between CAF and the University & Advancement events team. Serve as the primary steward for the Legends Society (Syracuse’s premier athletic donor recognition society). Manage the reporting, operations and logistics for the Athletics Orange Council. Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess event effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. Other duties as assigned. Act as the subject matter expert for project management, operational workflows, and advancement services within the department.
Physical Requirements
Not Applicable
Tools/Equipment
Not Applicable
Application Instructions
In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.
EEO Statement
Syracuse University is an equal‑opportunity institution. The University prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, marital status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law to the extent prohibited by law. This nondiscrimination policy covers admissions, employment, and access to and treatment in University programs, services, and activities.
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