Advancement Associate

Job Description

Position Description
The Advancement Associate, Coordinator of the Marlin Athletic Fund, will join the Center for Advancement and report to the Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives. The position is responsible for planning, developing, and implementing fundraising activities associated with the Marlin Athletic Fund. Within established University policies, budgets, and advancement priorities, the Advancement Associate will exercise independent judgment in evaluating fundraising opportunities, determining donor engagement strategies, and managing an assigned donor portfolio. The position contributes to the University's advancement planning
through analysis of fundraising results, assessment of philanthropic opportunities, and recommendations for improving donor engagement and financial support.

Primary responsibilities include :
- Develop and implement fundraising plans and donor engagement strategies for the Marlin Athletic Fund consistent with established University advancement objectives.
- Independently manage an assigned portfolio of prospective and existing donors, including evaluating giving potential, establishing engagement priorities, and determining appropriate cultivation and solicitation approaches.
- Identify, research, and evaluate prospective donors and funding opportunities, exercising
professional judgment in determining alignment with institutional fundraising priorities.
- Develop individualized donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies based on donor interests, giving history, and institutional funding needs. - Independently conduct donor meetings, present philanthropic opportunities, and solicit financial commitments supporting the Marlin Athletic Fund and other University advancement initiatives.
- Evaluate fundraising activities, donor engagement results, and portfolio performance to determine appropriate adjustments to fundraising approaches and recommend opportunities for improvement.
- Identify and assess corporate sponsorship opportunities, develop sponsorship proposals, and recommend partnership arrangements consistent with established University guidelines.
- Collaborate with University Advancement and Marlin Athletics leadership to assess fundraising needs, identify philanthropic opportunities, and recommend approaches for securing financial support.
- Coordinate annual giving initiatives, digital fundraising campaigns, corporate sponsorships, and game sponsorships supporting Marlin Athletics.
- Build and maintain relationships with alumni, parents, donors, corporate partners, and friends of Batten University.
- Plan and coordinate donor, alumni, and community engagement activities associated with Marlin Athletics.
- Develop donor correspondence, solicitation materials, digital fundraising content, and advancement communications in collaboration with University Advancement and Marketing and Communications.
- Monitor progress toward established fundraising goals and maintain accurate donor and prospect information in the University's advancement database.
- Collaborate with the Gift Entry and Records Coordinator to support donor recordkeeping, gift reporting, and stewardship activities.
- Represent Batten University at donor meetings, athletic competitions, alumni gatherings, and community events throughout Hampton Roads.
- Support broader University advancement initiatives and perform other related duties as assigned.

The position requires a combination of external donor engagement and office-based advancement activities, with approximately 50% of time devoted to each. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support athletic competitions, donor engagement, fundraising activities, and University events. Local travel throughout Hampton Roads and occasional travel beyond the region may be required.

Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing, sports management, or a related field.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage competing priorities.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, relationships, and deadlines. - Ability to evaluate fundraising opportunities, develop professional relationships, and communicate effectively with prospective donors.
- Proficiency with standard office technology and willingness to learn advancement databases and digital fundraising platforms.
- Valid driver's license and ability to travel throughout Hampton Roads.

Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in fundraising, donor relations, higher education advancement, nonprofit development, sales, marketing, or community engagement.
- Experience managing donor, client, or prospect relationships.
- Familiarity with annual giving, corporate sponsorships, athletics-related fundraising, or donor stewardship.
- Experience using donor management databases or digital fundraising platforms.

Position Details
- Appointment: Full-time, 12 months
- Department: Center for Advancement
- Reports To: Chief of Staff/Vice President for Strategic Initiatives
- FLSA Classification: Exempt - Administrative
- Annual Salary: $45,000
- Work Location: Batten University, Virginia Beach, Virginia

Instructions to Apply
Applicants should upload a cover letter, résumé, and a list of at least three professional references, including each references' title and contact information, as PDF attachments. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Statement of Non-Discrimination Batten University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on the basis of
skills, experience, and qualifications without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, covered veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, the presence of a non-job-related medical disability, or any other legally protected status.

About Batten University
Batten University is Coastal Virginia's premier university of the liberal arts and sciences. Situated on a 300-acre park-like campus in Virginia Beach, Batten annually enrolls more than 5,000 learners across all programs and locations, including nearly 1,700 students in
undergraduate, graduate, and online programs. Students thrive in average class sizes of 12, and nearly 90 percent of new graduates are employed or enrolled in graduate school within one year of graduation.

Through its Environmental Guiding Principles, the University incorporates a commitment to sustainability in every aspect of campus life. Batten is an inclusive community dedicated to scholarship and service grounded in the liberal arts and sciences, inspiring students to build meaningful lives through engagement in Coastal Virginia's dynamic metropolitan region, the nation, and the world.