Careers at RMU

Position Department: Athletics Administration

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

The Director of Development, Athletics will manage a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects in support of the athletic department’s initiatives and goals, and in support of subsidizing operations of the men’s and women’s hockey programs. The Director is responsible for raising restricted and unrestricted funds for the hockey program and the department through personal solicitations and events. The Director is also responsible for supporting key fundraising events and the annual fund, with a major focus on fundraising for the department’s hockey programs. Where appropriate, the Director of Development, Athletics will coordinate efforts with the Athletic Marketing/Communication, Corporate Sponsorship, Compliance and University Institutional Advancement. Responsibilities also include support of the Senior Associate AD for Development by providing reports and data to ensure the department is on track to hit its financial goals.

• Develop and implement a vital and comprehensive fundraising program with the primary purpose of generating community, corporate, and alumni support as well as private funding for the identified priorities of the athletic department and the University in association with the Senior Associate AD for Development. Position will place an emphasis and focus in cultivation and stewardship of prospective and existing donors for the NCAA Division I hockey programs.
• Assist in the coordination of capital and annual campaign fund raising efforts from planning through implementation.
• Direct the hockey annual giving program, including annual fund renewals, annual fund benefit disbursements, annual fund solicitations and communications.
• Assist in directing all cultivation, stewardship and solicitation strategies for private support from donors and prospects, with a specific focus on new donors. Develop and manage a portfolio of current annual fund donors and prospects to move them to higher levels of engagement and donation. Manage a portfolio of approximately 150 donors, consisting of annual fund and major gift donors, with planned solicitations of up to $10,000.
• Work directly with coaches to support the development and implementation strategies to achieve individual team fundraising goals.
• Update on status of fundraising goals through monthly reports.
• Direct and coordinate annual fundraising events, designed to generate revenue for RMU Athletics on an annual basis as part of annual fundraising initiatives (i.e. Hockey Fundraising Events, Hockey Golf Outing, Varsity Club Events, Day of Giving, fundraising events, etc.).
• Manage and support regional events and donor cultivation strategies around away games and activities.
• Establish and maintain effective and cooperative relationships with members of the University Institutional Advancement staff. Work closely with development, advancement services and alumni staffs in all matters pertaining to athletic department development activities and priorities.
• Assist in developing annual athletics fund-raising goals, objectives and athletic department private fund-raising priorities in cooperation with the Vice President / Director of Athletics and Senior Associate AD for Development. Design and implement strategies to achieve the identified goals and objectives.
• Identify, research, and write individualized proposals or grants for solicitation and stewardship activities regarding gift donors for annual, capital, and endowment gifts for the athletics programs in coordination with the Senior Associate AD for Development and the University Institutional Advancement staff.
• Attend University Institutional Advancement and major gift meetings to share relevant information.
• Expected to successfully collaborate with a number of on-campus entities working on behalf of athletics (i.e. Marketing/Communications, Printing Services, Advancement Services, Alumni Association, Procurement Services, etc.)
• Work with marketing and communications to develop communication related to donor stewardship and impact, collateral materials and regular updates on www.rmucolonials.com.
• Assist with budget management and recommendations as well as monitor expenses accordingly.
• Coordinate the forwarding of checks and cash to the University Institutional Advancement office for accurate reporting of all financial records.
• Update Raiser’s Edge software on a consistent and timely basis regarding 1921 Club, athletic donor database and records, and activities related to donor interaction.
• Maintain current best practices for athletic development, and have a visionary approach to creating campaigns, mini-campaigns, micro-philanthropy, social media, and stewardship activities.
• Provide a positive and professional presence in the community.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Associate AD of Development.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree and two or more years of related experience; Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience in directing a successful annual fund program, fundraising, sales, volunteer management or related experience. Athletic-related work experience preferred.
• Excellent written, interpersonal and communications skills required.
• Additional desired qualifications would include thorough knowledge of athletics, experience in promotions, marketing, public relations, and personnel management.
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to work well under pressure and to handle multiple prospects and requests concurrently, while meeting multiple deadlines.
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Windows application is required and knowledge of Raiser’s Edge is a plus.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Act 153 Clearance Required: Yes

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University): Yes

Required to Pass a Credit Check: Yes

Additional Posting Information: None

Special Applicant Instructions: None

Robert Morris University is committed to increasing diversity in our community and actively pursues individuals from all backgrounds. Additionally, RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email humanresources@rmu.edu or call us at (412) 397-6270 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.