Director of Development, Athletics

At the University of Cincinnati Foundation, we commit ourselves to providing a place where everyone belongs. We care deeply about those in our community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. We have the courage to dream big, drive excellence and uphold integrity in our work.

The Director of Development, Athletics is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Senior Director of Development, Athletics.

The Director of Development, Athletics will work as part of the University of Cincinnati Athletics Fundraising team (UCATS) to drive philanthropic resources in support of UC Athletics programs and UC student-athletes. The primary area of focus will be to manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, while also actively working to increase donor retention and move current donors to higher giving levels.

• Build and maintain an active portfolio of major gift ($100K+) prospects through a robust schedule of strategic interactions and personal visits within and outside the Cincinnati region.
• Foster productive partnerships with Athletics staff and leadership to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close major gift donors.
• Work collaboratively with UCF departments and fundraising specialists (prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and national programs) for the benefit of Athletics.
• Collaborate across multiple disciplines, as needed, to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.
• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and donors.
• Maintain quality donor files, including timely submission of contact reports in the Foundation’s database.
• Other duties, as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree with 5-7 years of fundraising experience, or advanced degree with 3-5 years of experience, with experience in college athletics strongly preferred.
• Record of successful gift solicitation and closure.
• Ability to effectively build and sustain good collaborative relationships with donors, colleagues, volunteers and other constituencies in a professional manner.
• Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed. Valid driver’s license required for travel.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, including setting priorities and meeting deadlines, managing details accurately, and following through in a timely manner.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, e-mail and web-related activities, and database management.
• A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati.

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join our advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification. 

This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up a negligible of force constantly to move objects. This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:

• Standing
• Walking
• Lifting
• Finger use
• Talking
• Hearing
• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

While performing the duties of this job, this position is subject primarily to indoor conditions and occasionally to outside environmental conditions.