Associate Athletics Director for Development

Overview

The Associate Athletics Director for Development serves a vital role within Pepperdine Waves Athletics overseeing Athletics Advancement efforts, leading the Athletics Advancement team, and serving as the primary major gift officer for Athletics Advancement. The individual will be responsible for executing on the Athletics Advancement strategic plan in collaboration with the Athletics and broader Advancement team, as well as other key staff and coaches in the athletics department.

This individual is responsible for securing transformative philanthropic investments ranging from $100K to $1M+ and overseeing annual fundraising efforts, both in support of the Athletics Director’s key fundraising priorities. Through strategic vision and leadership, the Associate Athletics Director for Development will elevate the department’s fundraising efforts, fostering meaningful donor partnerships that enhance the student-athlete experience. The success of our mission to strengthen lives for purpose, service, and leadership is made possible by the generosity of our supporters, whose contributions provide the resources needed to sustain and expand mission-driven programming for Pepperdine student-athletes.

• Develop, organize, and oversee the fundraising strategy and programs for Athletics Advancement.
• Demonstrate effective strategies and utilize best practices in athletic fundraising.
• Participate in advancement and athletic activities and events including Pepperdine Waves athletic competitions, dinners, receptions, alumni events, campus visits, Athletics Board meetings, etc., many of which involve evening and weekend work hours and some travel.
• Track and analyze fundraising metrics using Raiser's Edge (Pepperdine's advancement database), to research historical records and communications with donors and prospects, and document new actions and proposals.
• Direct and conduct ongoing stewardship activities to enhance relationships between athletic donors and Pepperdine University.
• Supervise, manage, and lead the Athletics Advancement team.
• Develop and manage annual travel and expense planning.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major and principal gift donors/prospects of 100-120 and conduct 80+ substantive major and principal gift visits annually.
• The focus is primarily on those with a capacity to give $100K to $1M+ annually.
• Consistently meet or exceed individual and team key performance goals.
• Identification of prospects includes prospective Pepperdine Athletics Board members, Sports Advisory Council members, and may include prospects for planned gifts.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Uphold University mission through work performed.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Required:

• A bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of experience in athletics fundraising.
• Highly organized, able to take direction and handle multiple tasks in a rapid-pace environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines and fundraising goals and proven ability to work well with character diversity.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• A satisfactory driving record, a valid driver’s license, and a reliable mode of transportation.
• Must have careful attention to detail.
• Ability to work efficiently with minimum supervision, to deal with the public in a professional manner and to communicate clearly and accurately.
• Working knowledge of personal computer and programs.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, persuasion and presentation skills.
• Strong organizational skills and a high level of accountability to performance metrics.
• Strong interpersonal skills as well as an enthusiastic and winsome manner and maturity in athletic and social settings.
• Ability to successfully manage budgets.
• A general level of comfort dealing with high net worth individuals, an ability to maintain discretion, and a high level of…