Assistant Director of Development​/Catamount Club

Position: Assistant Director of Development/Catamount Club - #251078
Location: Cullowhee

Assistant Director of Development/Catamount Club - 251078

Department: Office, Assistant VC of Development
Location: Cullowhee, NC (on‑site)

About Western Carolina University

Western Carolina University ranks highly on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Highlights include:

• 2025 – 1st in North Carolina on Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list
• 2024 – Ranked in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list (34 of 400 employers)
• 2023 – Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list (97 of 500 employers)
• 2022 – 14th in North Carolina on Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list

WCU is a flagship UNC system campus and consistently ranks among the top 15 public regional institutions in the South. Employees receive comprehensive benefits including dental, vision, health insurance (effective the first of the month), retirement plan contributions, disability plans, tuition waivers (up to three courses per academic year), free group exercise classes, campus recreation membership, pre‑tax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays, 24 hours of paid community service leave, and paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.

Position Summary

This exempt position is on‑site at the Cullowhee campus. The Assistant Director of Development/Catamount Club reports to the Director of the Catamount Club and plays a visible, hands‑on role within both the Athletics Department and the Division of Advancement. The role focuses on fundraising, donor engagement, and events management to support WCU Athletics and meet annual development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects as part of the Athletics Development team.
• Manage a donor portfolio with emphasis on new member identification, renewals, and upgrades.
• Staff primary execution of the annual Greek Challenge.
• Support marketing and promotional strategies to grow the Catamount Club.
• Collaborate with staff to execute special events such as the Catamount Golf Tour and athletics gala.
• Support game‑day donor hospitality for football, basketball, and baseball.
• Collaborate with staff in support of the donor parking and ticket priority processes.
• Work closely with the Assistant Director of Annual Giving for Student and Young Alumni Engagement to execute the Student Catamount Club initiative.
• Participate in student‑athlete alumni engagement and philanthropic opportunities.
• Execute regional prospecting, especially within the Southeast.
• Carry out other duties as assigned by the Director of the Catamount Club.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Strong communication, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and donor database systems.

Minimum Qualifications

• Legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship or immigration assistance.
• Bachelor’s degree required. Must have prior experience in fundraising, preferably in collegiate athletics.
• Local and occasional out‑of‑state travel required. Flexibility, including frequent night and weekend work, is required.

Preferred Qualifications

Not specified.

Position Type

Permanent Full‑Time

Special Instructions to Applicants

To be considered, you must apply online. Please attach a cover letter, current resume, and a list of three professional references (complete contact information) to complete the application. For questions and additional information, contact James Hogan  or (828) 227‑3037.

AA/EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation;
National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email .

To Apply

Please visit: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./32544

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