This position reports to the AVP for Development but will also have a dotted line to the Deputy Athletic Director, emphasizing close collaboration with the athletics office. The Assistant Athletics Director for Development / Assistant Director of Advancement will play a critical role in cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors to support the university and athletics strategic priorities. This position offers a unique opportunity for an ambitious and strategic fundraising professional to make a meaningful impact on the institution's mission and future.

Major Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management & Fundraising

• Develop and execute a comprehensive data-driven annual strategy to sustain and grow the Valpo Victory Fund in coordination with University Advancement.
• Collaborate with University Advancement Annual Giving Campaigns and other special fundraising initiatives (such as capital/comprehensive campaigns, Valpo Day).
• Manage, generate and grow athletic giving societies in collaboration with University Giving Societies.
• Leverage opportunities to increase philanthropic support for athletics by collaborating with colleagues in University Advancement, athletics, academic departments, and other university units to identify funding priorities, align and grow fundraising efforts.
• Cultivation, solicitation and management of relationships.
• Donor Engagement
• Effectively manage prospect portfolio of athletic donors through personal visits, correspondence, and electronic and telephonic communication. Travel is required.
• Build and manage a portfolio of 150 individuals that includes alumni, parents, friends, and other constituencies for athletics.
• Develop and implement personalized cultivation plans to deepen relationships and engage donors in the university's mission and initiatives.
• Identify, qualify, and solicit prospects for philanthropic support (at the $5K - $50K levels), growing the pipeline for major and principal giving for athletics.
• Data Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, solicitations and communications in the university's donor database, Advance.
• Stewardship
• Ensure that donors receive regular and meaningful updates on the impact of their gifts - including, but not limited to, benefits via the Valpo Victory Fund, Coach’s Circle and other athletic giving societies as well as Valpo Day and Day of Giving.
• Reporting
• Provide regular reports on athletic fundraising activities, progress toward fundraising goals, and prospect pipelines to the Deputy Director of Athletics, Revenue Generation and the Assistant Vice President of Development.
• In collaboration with University National Councils, serve as primary liaison to Athletic National Council; plan quarterly meeting agendas, schedule regular and special meetings, identify prospective new members

Events & Community Engagement

• Plan, coordinate and execute gameday hospitality, benefit-related events, recognition programs, letterwinner events, and other special events as appropriate as they relate to Athletics.
• Onsite event planning and collaboration with University Advancement around Homecoming, Valpo Day and other events as appropriate
• Assist with community engagement opportunities to promote Valpo Athletics. This could include coach/student-athlete speaking/engagements.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited, four-year institution required.
• Two years of experience with revenue generation/relationship management (fundraising – major gifts or annual fund, sales or marketing) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Other Qualifications:

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and communicate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to self-motivate as well as work as part of a team.
• A passion for higher education and a commitment to the mission and values of Valparaiso University.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a commitment to cultural diversity and the ability to work with individuals or groups from diverse backgrounds.

All offers of employment with Valparaiso University are contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Background checks may include criminal history, motor vehicle reports, prior employment verification, and personal/professional references. If applicable to the position, background checks will also include credit history. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates for employment.

To be considered for this position, you must upload:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• List of 2 professional references

• Answer all application questions

Please address the cover letter to:

Christine Radtke, Assistant Vice President of Development

Valparaiso University