Job Details

Director of Development for Athletics Major Gifts - T10132
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Position Number: 6039313
Location: Cullowhee, NC
Position Type: Development and Fund Raising

Director of Development for Athletics Major Gifts - T10132

Western Carolina University

Department: Office, VC, Advancement

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is the main Cullowhee, NC campus. This position is exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA). This position is time-limited, and continued employment is contingent upon the availability of funding. The anticipated duration of the appointment is through March 30, 2028.

The Director of Development for Athletics Major Gifts is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift donors, including alumni, friends, former student-athletes, and season ticket holders of Western Carolina University (WCU). This role plays a critical part in the comprehensive fundraising efforts within Athletics, helping to secure philanthropic support for athletics programs, facilities, and scholarships.

This person will play a critical role in the successful completion of the Fill the Western Sky Campaign, WCUs effort to raise philanthropic dollars to support infrastructure improvements for athletics facilities.

This position will develop and implement strategic fundraising initiatives, manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major gift prospects, and work collaboratively with internal and external partners to enhance donor engagement. Frequent travel and work outside of regular business hours are required to meet with prospects and attend university and athletic events.

Responsibilities:
Development and Fundraising Strategy

Develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors.
Manage a portfolio of approximately 75 major gift prospects, focusing on gifts of $25,000 and above.
Conduct regular prospect visits and maintain consistent and appropriate donor engagement.
Collaborate with Annual and Planned Giving teams to ensure a coordinated approach to fundraising efforts.
Prepare donor proposals and gift agreements as needed.
Ensure proper stewardship of current donors to strengthen long-term relationships.

Collaboration and Internal Partnerships

Work closely with Athletics leadership, coaches, and university advancement staff to align fundraising priorities with institutional goals.
Partner with Alumni Relations, Prospect Research, and other development teams to identify and integrate resources for donor engagement.
Serve as a key point of contact for Athletics fundraising initiatives, supporting engagement efforts at athletic events and donor functions.

Prospect and Donor Engagement

Conduct face-to-face visits with prospective donors, with a target of at least 12 meaningful contacts per month.
Develop personalized cultivation and solicitation plans tailored to donor interests and financial capacity.
Participate in stewardship activities, including donor recognition events and facility tours

Administration and Reporting

Maintain up-to-date records in the universitys donor database (Raisers Edge NXT).
Prepare contact reports and track donor interactions in compliance with advancement office policies.
Provide regular updates and progress reports on fundraising activities to leadership.
Assist with campaign planning and execution as needed.

WCUs Prospect Management Guidelines can be found here - https://www.wcu.edu/WebFiles/WCU_Prospect_Management_Guidelines.pdf

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:
Minimum Qualifications:

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.
Degree from an accredited university
2-3 years experience in a fundraising environment. Other account-based revenue generating experience will be considered such as sales, nonprofit management, grant-writing, investment management, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:

3-5 Years experience in higher education fundraising
Experience working in athletics based fundraising environment
Experience working with the Raisers Edge NXT relationship management system
Experience working within a capital campaign environment

Position Type: Time-Limited Full-Time

Special Instructions to Applicants:

To be considered, you must apply online. Hard copy materials will not be accepted for review.

Applicants must attach a cover letter, current resume, and a listing of at least three professional references (including complete contact information with name, title, address, email, and phone) in order to complete the application.

For questions and additional information, please contact Wes Cogdill at wcogdill@email.wcu.edu

AA/EOE
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; religion; sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Additionally, the University promotes the realization of equal employment opportunity for minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans through its affirmative action program. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at jobs@email.wcu.edu.

University Safety
The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.

To apply, please visit: https://jobs.wcu.edu/postings/30144