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

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 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

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy and practice of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all individuals. In accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, no form of discrimination or harassment will be tolerated at WKU on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Institutional Equity. To request an accommodation, report a complaint, or ask questions regarding WKU's Discrimination and Harassment Policy (#0.2040), please contact Ms. Ena Demir, Executive Director/Title IX Coordinator via email at ena.demir@wku.edu or by phone at (270) 745-6867. Ms. Demir is also responsible for coordinating the University's response to complaints related to sex and gender harassment. Additional information regarding Title IX is accessible via WKU's https://www.wku.edu/titleix/ website.

Information concerning educational programs offered by WKU are provided at: http://www.wku.edu/atwku/academics.php

For information related to job postings, please email employment@wku.edu.

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About Western Kentucky University

Western Kentucky University (WKU) prepares students of all backgrounds to be productive, engaged, and socially responsible citizen-leaders of a global society. The University provides research, service and lifelong learning opportunities for its students, faculty, and other constituents. WKU enriches the quality of life for those within its reach.

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