Leadership Giving Officer - Athletics Annual Giving

Job Title Leadership Giving Officer – Athletics Annual Giving Job Summary The Leadership Giving Officer (LGO) – Athletics Annual Giving is responsible for the strategy, execution and growth of fundraising to support University Athletics. This position identifies, cultivates, solicits and stewards constituents of the University. The LGO manages a portfolio of athletics donors and prospects, builds long‑term philanthropic relationships, and serves as a key contributor to Athletics Giving Week and sport‑specific fundraising strategy. This position focuses on the Pilot Athletic Fund, Pilot Club donor engagement and renewals, sport‑specific annual fund appeals, donor acquisition and retention, and athletics‑focused alumni and student‑athlete fundraising and engagement initiatives. This position reports to the Assistant Vice President of Constituent Engagement and works closely with University Athletics leadership, Major Gift Officer for Athletics, and the University Relations team. Salary Range: Starting at $58,927; commensurate with experience. Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of up to 120 athletics‑focused prospects and donors. Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual gifts and multi‑year commitments ranging from $1,000 to $49,999. Drive donor acquisition, renewal, upgrades, and retention for the Pilot Athletic Fund and Pilot Club to help build a pipeline of athletics donors for future major gift cultivation. Coordinate and implement sport‑specific annual fund appeals; partner closely with coaches, athletic leadership, and MGO for Athletics to align fundraising with program priorities. Develop and execute annual and sport‑specific fundraising strategies in collaboration with Athletics and University Relations. Build a pipeline of athletics donors for future major gift cultivation. Oversee Pilot Club Hospitality for Men’s and Women’s Soccer and Basketball, in collaboration with an Athletics Graduate Assistant and the Constituent Engagement Team, ensuring a high‑quality donor experience and alignment with engagement and stewardship goals. Strategize, implement and support athletics‑related donor events, engagement activities, hospitality experiences, and stewardship opportunities; pre‑game hospitality, Golf Tournament, WCC Sport Specific Tournament experiences and student athlete alumni engagement. Serve as a key contributor to the planning and execution of Athletics Giving Week. Support student‑athlete philanthropy and engagement initiatives that strengthen donor connection and stewardship. Partner with the Constituent Engagement Team, Advancement Team and other University Relations staff to conceptualize, develop, and implement a comprehensive, integrated annual giving strategy. Monitor, analyze, and report on athletics annual giving performance, including acquisition, renewals, and participation. Provide consistent, donor‑centered stewardship and follow‑up. Execute a systematic moves management strategy for assigned constituents. Conduct in‑person, virtual, and written donor visits and solicitations annually. Ensure timely documentation of donor interactions, strategies, and outcomes in the University’s CRM. Collaborate with the Constituent Engagement Team, Advancement Team, and Marketing & Communications to deliver integrated fundraising and engagement strategies. Prepare donor strategies, background materials, and tailored proposals. Participate in regular check‑ins, portfolio reviews, and strategy meetings. Support select University events (e.g., Reunion, Family Weekend, Commencement) as they relate to athletics engagement. Commit to frequent travel, off‑campus meetings, and evening/weekend work as required. Other duties as relevant to the duties of the position or as assigned by supervisor or designee. Note that the above list of duties is not comprehensive but generally demonstrates the types of matters under this position’s purview and responsibility. Qualifications Education & Experience Required: Bachelor’s Degree Required: One to two years of experience in Fundraising, Marketing, Sales, or related field. Preferred: Experience with constituent relations software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge) or similar CRM. Preferred: Knowledge of higher education development, specifically Division I Athletics. Or a combination of equivalent education and/or experience. Certifications & Licenses Required: Valid Driver’s License Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Ability to learn, respect, and support the University’s mission of teaching and learning, faith and formation, and service and leadership. Strong project management skills, including the ability to execute multiple and varied programs and events in service to a variety of audiences. Ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences including but not limited to interpersonal settings, large group settings, in writing and through social media. Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to give presentations. Strong strategic planning skills, with an understanding of tactical implementation. Strong ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Strong ability to work efficiently and effectively, juggle multiple tasks/projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and achieve goals. Strong organization and problem‑solving skills. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively. Effective ability to synthesize information and key initiatives to share with various audiences. Demonstrated commitment to fostering a diverse working and learning environment. Competence with and commitment to diversity and inclusion; ability to be an effective partner with diverse students, faculty, and staff. Ability to establish effective working relationships, professional rapport, and effectively accomplish work within a University setting that includes a wide array of individuals, groups, policies, and processes. Effective ability to use and learn computers, technology, software, and applications at level of sophistication required for the duties of the position, including, without limitation, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), the internet, and computerized maintenance management systems. All University of Portland positions require the ability to quickly learn and use new technologies, software, and applications in depth and at level of proficiency required for duties of the position. In most situations, the necessity of learning, using, and supporting new technologies, software, and/or applications does not change a job description nor make the position one that involves higher level duties. Physical Requirements Frequently: sit, perform desk‑based computer tasks; use fine manipulation and grasp; use a telephone; write by hand; sort and file paperwork. Occasionally: stand and walk; twist; lift, carry, push, and pull objects that weigh up to 25 pounds. Frequently: ability to attend events and activities on or off campus. Frequently: ability to interact and communicate with members of the University and others as necessary. As needed: ability to travel locally or non‑locally by car or air. Working Conditions Hours of employment: position requires working flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as necessitated by projects or work trips. Work‑related stress: stress from work‑related situations such as those involving challenging, urgent, or time‑sensitive matters. Benefits Medical and dental insurance, life insurance, sick time and vacation time consistent with University policies, long‑term disability insurance, flexible spending account benefits, tuition remission benefits generally starting after 90 days (employee) or 2 years (spouse and children) of employment, retirement contributions generally starting after 2 years of employment, and eligibility for the University’s home purchase assistance program consistent with program requirements. (Benefits are subject to all relevant University policies, practices, contracts, and any other relevant materials.) EEO Statement The University of Portland is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other protected status in employment practices. #J-18808-Ljbffr University of Portland