Director of Athletic Development

West Chester University Foundation 
Director of Athletic Development

The West Chester University Foundation engages donors and other partners to drive student success. We secure funding that helps West Chester University students achieve more. More about the WCU Foundation can be found at www.wcufoundation.org.

The West Chester University Foundation is currently looking for a Director of Athletic Development to join its dedicated, dynamic, and collaborative Development Team. Director of Athletic Development oversees key aspects of the Foundation’s major gift fundraising program, including the qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, in alignment with fundraising priorities established by the University President or designee. The Director works closely with WCU’s Athletic Director, coaching staff, athletic staff, and other appropriate campus and external groups.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as a major gift fundraiser at the West Chester University Foundation.
• Responsible for contributing to the frontline team's fundraising goals.
• Responsible for a regular monthly schedule of personal solicitations with major donors and corporate partners.
• Works closely with the Athletics Director to cultivate and solicit major gifts.
• Utilizes Blackbaud NXT database for the purpose of strategic moves management.
• Plans, recommends, and carries out appropriate solicitation strategies; guides individual athletic coaches when needed in this context.
• Oversee the Athletic Sponsorship program and solicit corporations for athletic support.
• Plans and schedules cultivation strategies and events throughout the country.
• When prospects are present, this position attends competitions and other important athletic events, for the purpose of cultivating and stewarding prospects and donors.
• May manage, direct and drive the efforts of staff who are responsible for fundraising efforts or for supporting fundraising activities.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements/Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or any equivalent combination of training and work experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
• Proven success in fundraising and major gift solicitation. Higher Education experience preferred.
• Experience in Athletic Fundraising, preferred.
• Knowledge of the West Chester University and its Athletic program is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across divisions and departments.
• Demonstrated time management skills and the ability to prioritize key fundraising initiatives.
• Proficiency in Asana, Blackbaud NXT, and MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and Teams).
• A person with a perceptive, empathetic, energetic and positive personality must enjoy meeting and developing a rapport with people.
• High motivation for success coupled with diplomacy, tact and consistent follow through.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, analytical abilities, and technical competence.
• Demonstrate high integrity and commitment to the mission of the Foundation.
• Willingness to travel and work outside traditional hours.
• Professional training in development, a graduate degree and/or CFRE certification is preferred.

Typical Work Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office and /or remote environment (40%) based on manager discretion.
• Occasional virtual and outside work as directed.
• Work is performed within and outside traditional work hours.
• Travel required for local, regional and national donor meetings and events.
• Use of personal devices (cell phone, personal computer, etc…) may be necessary on occasion to maintain business operations.

Typical Physical Demands:

• Regular use of hands to manipulate office tools and equipment, phones and computer keyboard.
• May lift and move office supplies up to 20 pounds. 
• May stand, reach with hands and arms, stoop, and squat to file.
• May require long periods of sitting or standing (car/plane travel, events).
• See to read a variety of materials.
• Hear and speak to exchange information.

We are pleased to offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience and ability and includes full benefit package such as paid time off, medical, dental and life insurance, and  9.29% employer contribution to retirement plan.  For details on available benefits, please refer to the Benefits Summary on our website http://www.wcufoundation.org/careers. No relocation assistance is available for this position.

To be considered for this position you will need to apply via our website, www.wcufoundation.org/careers. Applicants are encourage to include:

• Cover letter

• Resume

• Three (3) professional references including name, email address and work relationship

• Salary requirements

West Chester University Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants for positions are considered without regard to race, creed, color, country of origin, sex, age, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristics established by law.