Job Description

1. DONOR DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT. Manage comprehensive fundraising initiatives for WSU Athletics, including strategic discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors to maximize philanthropic support and secure funding. Collaborate closely with the Athletic Director and University Advancement Office on development efforts, including major gift solicitations and capital campaign initiatives. Partner with Athletics staff, Advancement colleagues and the Warrior Club to cultivate and strengthen relationships with faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees who can actively support and advance athletics fundraising goals.

2. CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP & SUITE SALES. Lead the development, activation and stewardship of corporate relationships and suite sales. Identify, cultivate, and solicit new corporate partners while maintaining strong relationships with existing sponsors to ensure long-term engagement and revenue growth. Coordinate, manage, and update all sponsor signage to ensure accurate fulfillment of sponsorship agreements and maximize visibility and value for corporate partners. Oversee sponsor and season ticket holders' tickets and parking allocations for regular and post-season play.

3. WARRIOR CLUB LIAISON. Collaborate with Warrior Club leadership to support the fundraising efforts of the Club. Serve as lead athletics department staff for all WC events.

4. MARKETING AND PROMOTION. Collaborate with Athletics staff to plan and execute marketing initiatives across media platforms and manage advertising campaigns. Track and ensure fulfillment of contracted marketing spots across sponsors, radio, TV, print, and game-day programs. Lead marketing and sales for season and general tickets. Develop and implement annual strategies to grow ticket sales, enhance service for current holders, and expand season ticket programs across sports.

5. GAME DAY MANAGEMENT. Coordinate internal and external athletic events, provide on-site management supervision for events, implement event protocols for athletic events and follow operational manuals.  This includes supervision and training of event/staff, student staff and coordinating services for athletic events.

6. Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor to ensure the smooth functioning of the department and maintain the reputation of Winona State University, additional duties may include but are not limited to professional development, campus committee membership, and sport oversight.

Salary Range: $47,607 - $93,342; Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree
• Two (2) years of professional experience in marketing, public relations, client-based sales and/or fundraising
• Experience working in collegiate athletics in a professional capacity
• Strong oral, written, electronic and interpersonal communication skills sufficient to communicate authentically with diverse internal and external audiences
• Ability to effectively and efficiently utilize technology to conduct business (i.e.: Microsoft Office suite, computerized record keeping, and web application software)

Preferred Qualification 

• Master's Degree
• Knowledge and understanding of NCAA standards
• Demonstrated success raising funds that support strategic initiatives.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, prioritize competing demands, and consistently meet deadlines and objectives.
   

Working Conditions

• Hours outside of the traditional work week, including weekends and evenings, especially at the beginning of each academic term and at the start of the competitive season for each team.
• Overnight travel is required for conferences, meetings, team travel, and regional rules seminars.
• The worker is subject to environmental conditions. Activities occur inside and outside.

Physical Effort

• Must be able to load, unload, carry and set up materials at various event sites.
• Light work. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Other Requirements

1. The successful candidate must be able to lawfully accept employment in the United States by the day employment begins. The University regrets that we are unable to offer H1-B sponsorship at this time
 

2. A complete online application will include the following:

• A cover letter that addresses the qualifications listed previously
• Current Curriculum Vitae / Resume
• Transcripts (undergraduate and graduate)
   

Posting Information:

Application Deadline: Review begins May 28, 2026

Appointment Date: As Soon As Possible

Primary Location: Winona, MN

Type of Appointment: Probationary

Telework (Yes/No) No

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a regional public university and the oldest member of the Minnesota State system. Offering more than 200 majors and programs, Winona State has the #1 Student Success Rate in the Minnesota State System with 96.97 percent of WSU graduates being hired in a field related to their degree. U.S. News recognized Winona State as having top-ranking undergraduate programs in nursing, engineering, psychology, business, and computer science. With campuses in both Winona and Rochester, Winona State offers the best of both worlds. Widely known for its stunning natural setting, the Winona campus is nestled between picturesque bluffs and the Mississippi River - meaning rock climbing, paddle-boarding, hiking, and kayaking are within a mile of campus. WSU's Rochester campus is located in Minnesota's third largest city - a dynamic hub for industry, arts, and culture, and consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S. Winona State University's mission is to enhance the intellectual, social, cultural and economic vitality of the people and communities we serve: a community of learners improving our world. For more information, visit winona.edu.

Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for Minnesota State University Association of Administrative & Service Faculty (ASF) which can be found at https://www.minnstate.edu/system/working/relations.html

Notice: In accordance with Minnesota State policy, employees driving on university business who use a rental or state vehicle shall be required to conform to Minnesota State's vehicle use criteria and consent to a motor vehicle records check. The Winona State University Annual Security and Fire Safety Report is available for your review. This report is required by federal law and contains policy statements and crime statistics for the University. The policy statements address the school's policies, procedures, and programs concerning safety and security. Three years' worth of statistics are included for certain types of crimes that were reported to have occurred on-campus, or in other University affiliated locations. This report is available online at https://www.winona.edu/about/safety-security/. You may also request a paper copy from University Security by emailing security@winona.edu.

Winona State University is an Equal Opportunity employer/educator committed to the principles of diversity. We prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or membership in a local commission as defined by law. As an affirmative action employer, we actively seek and encourage applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and individuals with protected veteran status.

The University provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

A member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System. A community of learners improving our world!

About Winona State University

Founded in 1858, Winona State University is a comprehensive public university with close to 8,900 students. The oldest member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Winona State offers 80 undergraduate, pre-professional, licensure, graduate, and doctorate programs on its three campuses: the original Main Campus in Winona, the West Campus in Winona, and Winona State University-Rochester.

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