Job Description

The Director of Development - Athletics will work to develop and facilitate relationships with internal and external entities to increase philanthropic support to the University. The Director of Development - Athletics works to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospective donors; coordinate activities to advance donor fundraising potential; and participates in ongoing stewardship activities. Much of the work involves face-to-face and virtual relationship management. The Director of Development - Athletics focuses on gifts of $25,000 +. The position serves as a key member of the Advancement & Alumni Engagement team, Athletics team and works in close collaboration with other Directors of Development.

Responsibilities and Results 

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward major gifts ($25,000+) for established Athletics and University priorities and other projects of interest to donors.

• Manage initiatives, visits, and other activities leading to charitable contributions and work collaboratively with the appropriate personnel in Athletics and the colleges, schools and departments to carry out these activities.

• Recruit, enlist, supervise, and direct the work of partners and volunteers for cultivation and solicitation of major gifts.  

• Identify priorities for fundraising and develop supporting materials in collaboration with the Director of Athletics and Coaches.

• Participate in special events to cultivate alumni, supporters, and friends of the University.

• Initiate, collaborate and participate in stewardship activities.

• Participate as a member of the University-wide leadership team for prospect coordination.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree plus four years of advanced professional experience in fundraising, sales, business development, or related field, or an equivalent combination of post-secondary training, education and/or advanced professional experience.

• Ability to speak and write in a persuasive manner. An understanding of human motivation and principles affecting fundraising.

• Demonstrated ability to ask for philanthropic contributions.

• A high degree of creativity, innovation, and self-motivation and the ability to work in a complex organization with a high degree of latitude in problem solving.

• Ability to interact with the community of St. Cloud State University as an integral part of its external relations efforts.

• Ability to project a positive image of service that presents the University positively.

• Ability to understand and articulate the character and mission of St. Cloud State University and the Foundation.

• Need to maintain a high level of confidentiality. Good judgment, discretion and confidentiality are required in this position.

Preferred Qualification 

• Five to Seven years preferred experience in fundraising, athletic fundraising, and/or higher education.

• Experience with Blackbaud Raiser's Edge

Other Requirements

• Work evening and weekends as necessary as well as travel regionally and nationally

• Some overnight travel will be required

Please note that successful applicants must be eligible to work in the United States on or before the effective date of appointment. Eligibility includes being a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or a foreign national authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employer sponsorship. Employees must maintain work authorization without sponsorship for the duration of their appointment.

Required Documents to Apply

• Resume/CV

• Cover Letter

• Unofficial Transcripts

Work Shift (Hours / Days of work)

Typically 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, some evening and weekend hours will be necessary

About

The successful candidate will share St. Cloud State's commitment to our mission, and in particular, the value we place in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as outlined in SCSU's It's Time strategic framework. Notably, we uphold the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion and engage in intentional actions to address systemic inequities throughout the university and surrounding environment. DEI values, practices, and strategies are embedded into the fabric of our institution and campus community, and they align with the priorities expressed in the Minnesota State system's Equity 2030 initiative. SCSU expects all of its employees to help advance these practices and to contribute to the development of an anti-racist, inclusive community. 

Employment for this position is covered by the collective bargaining agreement for the Minnesota State University Association of Administrative and Service Faculty (MSUAASF) which can be found at:https://www.msuaasf.org/

 St. Cloud State University is committed to excellence and actively supports cultural diversity. To promote this endeavor, we invite individuals who contribute to such diversity to apply, including minorities, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities and veterans. St. Cloud State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regards to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or status as a U.S. veteran. The Interim Title IX coordinator at St. Cloud State University is Susan Woolf. For additional information, contact the Office of Institutional Equity & Access, (320) 308-5123, Admin. Services Bldg. Rm 121 

About St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State prepares students for life, work and citizenship in the 21st century. In our rigorous academic programs, students apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Our 200 academic programs, 60 graduate degrees and education abroad choices on six continents emphasize hands-on learning through community engagement and close interaction with professors. Couple that with support from the Career Services Center and you have a clear path to a career. Our 100-acre campus is between downtown St. Cloud and the Beaver Islands, a group of more than 30 islands that form a natural maze for a two-mile stretch of the Mississippi River.

Connections working at St. Cloud State University