Athletics Fund Development Assistant

Athletics Fund Development Assistant

The Villanova Athletics Fund (VAF) seeks an enthusiastic, customer service-oriented undergraduate student to serve as a Game Day Host & Athletics Development Assistant. This position is primarily responsible for providing exceptional hospitality and guest service to donors, alumni, and special guests during Villanova Football and Men's and Women's Basketball home games. The student worker will also support Athletics Advancement operations through donor stewardship activities, event support, research projects, and administrative assistance. This position offers valuable hands-on experience in collegiate athletics, donor relations, fundraising, customer service, event operations, and higher education advancement.

Villanova is a Catholic University sponsored by the Augustinian order. Diversity and inclusion are integral components of Villanova University's mission. The University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect, and contribute to the University's mission and values.

Job Responsibilities

• 70% Game Day Hospitality & Guest Services
• Serve as a welcoming representative of the Villanova Athletics Fund at home football and basketball games.
• Greet and assist donors, alumni, and invited guests at hospitality and premium seating locations.
• Support game day check-in and credential distribution processes.
• Assist with hospitality area setup, maintenance, and breakdown.
• Provide guests with directions, event information, and general game day assistance.
• Coordinate with Athletics and event staff to ensure an exceptional donor and fan experience.
• Identify and address guest needs in a professional, courteous, and timely manner.
• Maintain a positive and enthusiastic presence while representing Villanova University and Athletics Advancement.
• 25% Athletics Development Operations & Special Projects
• Assist with planning and execution of the annual Villanova Athletics Fund Auction and other donor engagement events.
• Support donor acknowledgment and stewardship efforts, including preparation of thank-you letters and donor correspondence.
• Conduct research and benchmarking projects related to athletics fundraising, donor recognition, stewardship programs, and peer institution best practices.
• Assist with data entry, mailings, filing, and general office support.
• Support special projects and initiatives within Athletics Advancement.
• 5% Other Duties
• Perform additional duties and assist with special projects as assigned.

Requirements

1. Formal Education: Must be a currently enrolled Villanova University undergraduate student.

2. Specific Job Knowledge: Strong interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational and time-management abilities. Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Strong attention to detail and follow-through. Interest in athletics, fundraising, event management, sports business, communications, or nonprofit development preferred.

3. Work Skills: Professional demeanor and ability to interact confidently with donors, alumni, university leadership, and guests. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to multitask and remain organized in a fast-paced environment. Strong problem-solving skills and customer-service orientation.

4. Equipment Knowledge: Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and Outlook. Experience with donor databases, CRM platforms, or event management systems is a plus.

5. Working Conditions/Environment:

a. Tools, machinery and equipment used: General office equipment and event support materials.

b. Environmental conditions: Office setting and athletic event venues.

c. Physical requirements: Ability to stand and move throughout game day events for extended periods. Ability to lift and transport event materials weighing up to 25 pounds. Position includes evenings and weekends during athletic seasons.

Additional Information: Through this position, students will gain hands-on experience in collegiate athletics fundraising and advancement, donor stewardship and engagement, event planning and operations, customer service and hospitality management, research and benchmarking methodologies, professional communication, and office operations.

The ideal candidate is friendly, reliable, and professional. Comfortable engaging with a diverse range of guests. Passionate about Villanova Athletics. Able to thrive in a fast-paced game day environment. Interested in athletics administration, fundraising, event management, or higher education advancement.

Wage Rate: $11.25 per hour

Open Until Filled - Yes