Western Kentucky University, a member of Conference USA and a Football Bowl Subdivision NCAA member institution, seeks to hire an individual for the full-time position of Assistant Athletic Director, Major Gifts.  This is a 12-month, full-time position.  This position will report directly to the Associate Athletic Director/Executive Director of HAF.  Applicants must have a commitment to and responsibility for adhering to all rules and regulations of WKU, Conference USA and the NCAA.

Position Summary

The Assistant Athletic Director, Major Gifts is a frontline fundraiser who identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards major and principal gift donors. The Assistant Athletic Director will help plan and provide direction on fundraising initiatives and priorities. This position will also assist in the management and sales of all premium seating opportunities for football and men’s basketball.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

The following duties are customary for this position but are not to be construed as all-inclusive.  Duties may be added, deleted, and assigned based on management discretion and institutional needs.

• Manage a prospect portfolio of 75-100 prospects rated at $25K+.
• Conduct 40-50 qualification meetings at the $25k+ level; 20+ solicitations at the $25K level; and 100-125 meaningful meetings per year.
• Develop engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for former student-athletes.
• Responsible for all fundraising activities for assigned sports. Work with coaches and programs to plan and execute fundraising strategy.
• Participates in the strategic planning for Division of Athletics as it relates to major gift fundraising. Works with the Executive Director as well as other athletics leadership team members to identify fundraising needs and help establish goals.
• Provides direction to execute events designed to increase giving and generate revenue working with specific sports on solicitation appeals.
• Collaborate closely with donors, volunteers, and University leaders to identify new prospects.
• Perform administrative duties related to advancement work including documenting activity, writing proposals, inputting engagement plans in relationship management database, and adhering to Foundation policies.
• Develop and support clearly defined and strategic fundraising priorities within the campaign and articulate compelling cases to advance these priorities.
• Collaborates on development-related communications
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills Considered Essential for Success:

• Must be self-motivated.
• Must demonstrate attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and networking skills with individuals and groups
• Experience in Advance donor software along with Archtics/Ticketmaster ticketing system preferred
• Must be a goal oriented self-starter who can manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree.
• 2+ years of related professional fundraising experience, including individual donors capable of gifts of $1 million or more, and demonstrated success in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major individual gifts

About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 17,500 students (32% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and nearly 2,900 faculty and staff employees.Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. With an ethnically and diverse population, more than 85 languages are spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community... home.Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

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