Assistant Athletic Director of Development - Major Gifts

“This job is a civilian position and does not require military service (including commission and enlistment)”

Duties and Responsibilities – Non CA

The Air Force Academy Athletic Corporation seeks an Assistant Athletic Director of Development – Major Gifts to drive impactful philanthropic support for Air Force Athletics. Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Development, the Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for building and developing credible/sustainable relationships to generate financial support for the Air Force Athletics department through the discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors. Additionally, the Assistant Athletic Director is responsible for managing a team of up to three major gift officers. Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Frontline Fundraising:

1. Lead the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects and donors, managing a dynamic portfolio to maximize philanthropic support for Air Force Athletics.
2. Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans to secure major gifts of $25,000 and above for key priorities within the athletic department, including general fund, programmatic support for each of the 30 intercollegiate sport programs within Air Force Athletics, and collaborative fundraising projects with the United States Air Force Association and Foundation. 
3. Organize and execute targeted donor engagement activities, such as personal visits, events, and recognition opportunities, to strengthen donor relationships and encourage ongoing support.
4. Prepare compelling proposals and communications tailored to major gift prospects, ensuring alignment with donor interests and departmental goals.
5. Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, gift agreements, and stewardship activities.
6. Monitor fundraising progress, analyze results, and provide regular reports to leadership.
7. Manage a portfolio of current premium seating purchasers for renewal and utilize donor engagement to promote new sales as appropriate.

Leadership:

1. Supervise and mentor development and major gift staff.
2. Conduct in-depth bi-weekly portfolio reviews with major gift team.
3. Manage metric tracking and DEP updates for major gift team.

• Collaboration:
  1. Collaborate with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations and Associate Athletic Director for Development, coaches, and other internal partners to align fundraising efforts with departmental goals.
  2. Work with the Associate Athletic Director for Development to cultivate relationships and collaborate on combined projects with the Air Force Association and Foundation.
  3. Demonstrate and encourage a culture of prospect sharing appropriately with development staff.
• Sport Assignments:
  1. Work with coaching staff of up to four intercollegiate sport programs to identify needs, funding priorities, and regular communication.
• Athletic Events
  1. Attend and assist with athletic events, donor receptions and other department functions to include nights and weekends.
• Travel
  1. Manage/cultivate donors and prospects in the central states region (TX, NM, OK, KS, UT, NE, WY, MT, ID, ND, SD) of the United States.
  2. Make regular, calculated donor trips to be approved by the Associate Athletic Director for Development.
  3. Travel with athletic teams as appropriate/needed.

 Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, advancement, or development, preferably in intercollegiate athletics or higher education. 
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts and managing donor relationships, with a proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals. 
• Strong leadership and interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse constituencies including alumni, donors, corporate and community partners, coaches and student-athletes. 
• Experience developing and executing strategic fundraising plans and managing a portfolio of major gift prospects, including prospect sharing as appropriate. 
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations, and a commitment to compliance. 
• Proficiency with donor management systems (particularly SalesForce and Paciolan) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, work as part of a team and motivate staff in a fast paced environment.
• Understands and Upholds standards befitting the USAFA and Air Force Athletic Department. 
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel for donor cultivation and events.