Associate Athletic Director - Major Gifts

$100,000 - $100,000/Yr

Rice University - Houston, TX

Full-time - Mid Level

Houston, TX

Educational Services

About the position

The Associate Athletic Director - Major Gifts at Rice University is responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the development of major gift support for athletic fundraising priorities. This role involves working closely with senior development staff and key prospects to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donor relationships, specifically targeting gifts ranging from $100K to $4.9M. The position requires a strategic approach to fundraising, collaboration with various stakeholders, and the execution of fundraising strategies for specific athletic campaigns.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of major gift prospects focusing on $100K+ gifts.
• Identify fundraising priorities and devise plans and strategies to accomplish goals.
• Collaborate with coaches, athletic staff, and development colleagues to support fundraising initiatives.
• Assist in development-related communications and events.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• 5+ years of related professional fundraising experience, including individual donors capable of gifts of $1 million or more.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major individual gifts.
• Ability to develop and initiate new strategies.
• Advanced problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work well under pressure and manage projects simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office suite.
• Excellent data analysis skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team to meet expected deadlines and schedules.
• Excellent client service orientation and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and motivate others.
• Strategic skills to craft and implement fundraising and/or project plans.

Nice-to-haves

• 6+ years of experience in fundraising with an institution of higher education.
• Working knowledge of CRMs.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) certification.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Professional development opportunities