Director of Major Gifts
Division Intercollegiate Athletics
The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) invites applications for an Assistant Director of Athletics, Major Gifts or Director of Major Gifts to support development operations. In addition, the Assistant Director of Athletics, Major Gifts or Director of Major Gifts will play a critical role in supporting the broader strategic priorities of the DIA, and ultimately this position will help foster a life-changing experience for student-athletes.
Since 1892, DIA has operated on the campus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to support its intercollegiate athletic programs. Today, DIA supports 21 intercollegiate varsity sports which compete as a part of the Big Ten Conference and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. DIA provides the resources for over 500 student-athletes to participate at the highest levels of their respective sports. This extensive support ecosystem includes over 35 departments employing over 300 dedicated staff members including 80 plus varsity coaches working collaboratively to provide individualized championship-caliber opportunities to our student-athletes, in the classroom, in the competitive arena, and in personal and professional development, to enhance their growth and life preparation. The DIA mission is to Unify, Develop, Inspire, and Achieve, for the benefit of our student-athletes, our university, and our broader community.
DIA has set forth six strategic priorities to help guide and advance its overarching mission: Championship people, championship mindset; strategic innovation and investment; athletic success; financial sustainability; win championships; community engagement and enrichment. Together, these priorities present a cohesive vision for the direction of the department.
Organizational Relationship
This position will report to the Chief Development Officer.
Job Summary
The position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospective and current major gift donors for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) to support a life changing student-athlete experience.
For a complete list of duties and responsibilities, you can view the complete Job Description - Director of Major Gifts or Job Description - AD of Athletics, Major Gifts
Job Summary
The position is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospective and current major gift donors for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) to support a life changing student-athlete experience.
Physical Demands
Talking : Constantly
Hearing : Constantly
Additional Physical Demands
Will travel and work nights and weekends.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: • Required: Bachelor's degree Experience: • Required: 1 - 3 years’ experience in administration of athletics. Specific experience in development, revenue generations and/or ticket sales
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with Division I intercollegiate athletics preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Maintain knowledge of and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position; • Computer proficiency with the ability to work with large, complex databases such as Spectra, Ballerna, Blackbaud, and Microsoft Office • Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills • Possess an exceptional ability to represent an organization in one-on-one visits with constituents • Basic understanding of leadership annual giving, major donor prospect qualifications, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship • Knowledge of budgeting, and general business administration Championship Mindset and Expectations • Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; • Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; • Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; • Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; • Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and • Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.
