Associate Director / Director of Major Gifts-Utah State Athletics

The Associate Director / Director of Major Gifts for Utah State Athletics will join a dynamic athletics advancement team as Utah State University enters an exciting new era in the Pac-12 Conference. The position title and level (Associate Director or Director) will be determined based on the duties assigned and selected candidate’s qualifications and relevant experience (see Qualifications section).

This position is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding members of the Blue A Society. They will assist in expanding the Blue A Society into a comprehensive major giving society that inspires long-term donor engagement and investment. This individual will strategically develop proposals and secure major gifts to meet annual fundraising and cash revenue goals.

Working collaboratively across the university, the Associate Director/ Director partners with athletics leadership, coaches, central advancement, and university administrators to advance fundraising initiatives and strengthen donor relationships.    

Responsibilities

Major Gift Fundraising

• Develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.

• Personally solicit leadership and major gifts in support of athletics priorities.

• Build strong relationships with the local community, fans and donors.

• Meet annual fundraising and revenue goals.

Collaboration

• Partner with athletics, advancement and university staff.

• Work closely with central advancement offices.

• Have a firm understanding of USU’s gift accepting and crediting policies and procedures and USU’s naming policy.

Travel and External Engagement

• Attend athletic competitions, donor events, and alumni gatherings.

• Represent the athletic department at fundraising and stewardship events.

• Work evenings and weekends as needed for games and special events.

Data and Performance Management

• Maintain accurate donor records.

• Track visits, proposals, solicitations, and fundraising metrics.

• Prepare reports on fundraising progress.

Reporting

• Will report to Assistant Athletics Director of Major Gifts

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• The positions will be hired at either an Associate Director (Development Officer II) or Director (Development Officer III) based upon duties assigned and qualifications.  For:

  • Associate Director: Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus two years of fundraising, development, advancement, or related sales experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Director: Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus four years of related experience OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• For both levels:

  • Proven ability to engage in complex gift conversations, with a record of closing major gifts or contracts.

  • Demonstrated record of managing donor and prospect portfolios and achieving fundraising goals.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with senior administrators, faculty, and advisory boards.

  • Willingness and ability to travel extensively.

Preferred Qualification:

• Collegiate athletics fundraising experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge and understanding of current theory and practice in the corporate and foundation relations and engagement field.

• Ability to develop and execute a comprehensive communications and engagement strategy.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, presentation, and interpersonal/relationship-building skills.

• Ability to work effectively with faculty, top executives, and community leaders.

• Ability to analyze and interpret marketing data.

• Ability in planning and implementing long- and short-range development initiatives in conjunction with strategic planning processes.

• Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate, and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.

• Demonstrated organizational skills and experience in managing events and other complex activities in support of development objectives.

• Ability to plan schedules and meet deadlines.

• Ability to follow University policies and procedures.

• Computer skills, including proficiency with databases and software.