University Advancement - Assistant Director of Athletic Advancement

As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. 

Sacred Heart University is a contemporary Catholic university rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts that cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. SHU upholds a universal perspective, welcoming and valuing diverse faith traditions, including those from religious and nonreligious backgrounds. This catholicity, which is the basis of inclusivity, enriches dialogue, deepens understanding and strengthens our commitment to creating a more compassionate and just world.

The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 388 Colleges–2023 Edition, and Best Business Schools–2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliated radio station, WSHU, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu 
 
To apply

Only applications submitted through the official Careers at SHU site will be accepted for employment consideration. If you are viewing this job advertisement through a different site, please visit Careers at SHU to submit a formal application.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a complete application and resume via our online application system. A cover letter or statement of interest is also preferred for all staff positions.

Sacred Heart University complies with all federal and state employment laws and regulations. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa for this position.

Position Summary

The Assistant Director of Athletic Advancement (ADAA) will be responsible for coordinating and implementing strategies to enhance athletics advancement initiatives and foster strong relationships with university alumni. The Assistant Director will work closely with various stakeholders, including student-athletes and letterwinners, coaches, alumni, and donors, to promote the growth and success of the 33 Division I athletics programs and alumni engagement initiatives throughout the SHU community. The ADAA will be a key contributor to our athletics fundraising and alumni engagement efforts as part of the Now We Lead $150M comprehensive fundraising campaign.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the implementation and execution of a comprehensive athletics development strategy to advance future leadership annual giving, major gifts, and planned gift donors.
• Create and manage the distribution of athletics event invitations, newsletters, and other digital and social marketing materials in conjunction with the University Advancement and the Athletics Communication teams.
• Manage all aspects of athletics annual crowdfunding campaigns, including campaign planning, communication strategies, donor stewardship, and tracking progress toward fundraising targets.
• Plan, coordinate and execute targeted athletics fundraising events, including, but not limited to, networking receptions, luncheons, dinners, galas, and golf tournaments.
• Work with University Advancement and Athletics colleagues to support stewardship activities associated with The Pioneer Club and SHU Athletics donors, including delivery of benefits, donor recognition, and constituent relations and renewal opportunities.
• Represent the University at on-campus and off-campus activities such as University Advancement events, athletics competitions, college-based activities, lectures, open houses, admitted student days, move-in, Family Weekend, and Commencement to foster strong relationships with letterwinners and student-athletes that result in philanthropic investments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate Athletics Director for Athletic Advancement and the Senior Vice President of University Advancement.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Attributes

• Bachelor's degree in sports management, communications, business, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 1-3 years related experience, preferably in athletics, nonprofit, or higher education.
• Proficiency in using digital marketing tools and social media platforms, including the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator).
• Experience in crowdfunding campaign management, preferably in an athletics, nonprofit, or higher education setting.
• Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to craft engaging narratives and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work within a CRM platform with preference given to experience with Blackbaud products.
• Experience in event planning and execution is a plus.
• Passion for athletics and a strong understanding of the impact of philanthropy in a university setting.
• A motivated and energetic self-starter who can work independently, try new ideas and establish strong rapport among campus partners, faculty, and staff.

Unusual Working Conditions

Varied schedule, including nights and weekends

This job posting provides an overview of the role's general nature and expected tasks. It is not meant to be a comprehensive list of all duties performed. The university reserves the right to modify or reassign job responsibilities at any time. This posting description does not constitute an employment contract, either explicit or implied.