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
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Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
role at
Syracuse University
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, personalize 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.
About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit
http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
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.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
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Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
role at
Syracuse University
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, personalize 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.
About Syracuse University Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience. The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the University’s 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit
http://www.syracuse.edu.
About The Syracuse Area Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.
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.
Commitment to Supporting and Hiring Veterans Syracuse University has a long history of engaging veterans and the military-connected community through its educational programs, community outreach, and employment programs. After World War II, Syracuse University welcomed more than 10,000 returning veterans to our campus, and those veterans literally transformed Syracuse University into the national research institution it is today. The University’s contemporary commitment to veterans builds on this historical legacy, and extends to both class-leading initiatives focused on making an SU degree accessible and affordable to the post-9/11 generation of veterans, and also programs designed to position Syracuse University as the employer of choice for military veterans, members of the Guard and Reserve, and military family members.
Commitment to a Respectful and Welcoming Community Syracuse University fosters a welcoming learning environment where students, faculty, administrators, staff, curriculum, social activities, governance, and all aspects of campus life reflect a broad range of perspectives and experiences. The University community values the many similarities and differences among individuals and groups. At Syracuse, we are committed to preparing students to engage with and appreciate the richness of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences that shape our society. To achieve this, we strive to cultivate a community that respects and encourages open dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect.
#J-18808-Ljbffr