ATHLETIC DEVELOPMENT & ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

Purpose/Position Code/Classification/Level/Work Relationships/Location

• Serve as a frontline fundraiser responsible for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, community, and philanthropic partners to secure leadership-level support for Sandburg Athletics while expanding the donor base and advancing student success and institutional priorities.
• COFFOU46140
• Confidential, Level III
• Non-exempt, non- bargaining unit
• Reports to vice president of advancement
• Principal working relationships: assistant manager of alumni engagement & advancement communications, assistant manager of advancement, dean of student engagement/athletic director, athletics, associate athletic director, assistant athletic director, coaching staff, executive director of marketing and public relations, assistant manager of marketing & public relations, graphic design specialist, coordinator of marketing operations, vice president of business & finance, Sandburg Foundation Board of Directors, alumni donors, district-community members, students, staff, and faculty.

Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and implement athletic fundraising initiatives, engagement activities, and special events for prospective donors, alumni, and community partners.
  • Coordinate athletic-related engagement programs and events, including:
  • Paint the House Red initiatives
  • Game-day donor and sponsor hospitality
  • Athletic alumni reunions (in collaboration with the Advancement team)
  • Student-athlete orientation events
  • Coaching staff engagement programs (e.g., monthly breakfast or lunch updates)
• Manage targeted athletic fundraising campaigns and support annual giving.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with alumni, donors, corporate partners, and community stakeholders.
• Coordinate athletic sponsorships, advertising opportunities, and external partnerships.
• Serve as liaison between Sandburg Athletics and the Sandburg Foundation to ensure alignment of goals, initiatives, and communications.
• Collaborate with coaching staff to identify program needs and funding priorities that support student-athlete success and program sustainability.
• Plan and deliver public presentations and community engagement opportunities to promote Sandburg Athletics and the Sandburg Foundation.
• Maintain accurate donor, alumni, and engagement records in the CRM system.
• Other duties as assigned

• planning and executing annual athletic fundraising initiatives, including an athletic Giving Day/Week and #GivingTuesday campaigns.
• donor communications, stewardship, and recognition strategies in collaboration with Advancement leadership and staff.
• maintaining and updating Foundation donor and engagement records in the Raiser’s Edge database to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• developing strategies with Advancement leadership to increase awareness and participation in annual giving among students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members.
• preparing materials for Sandburg Foundation Board meetings, attending quarterly meetings, and presenting reports as needed.
• working with Advancement and College leadership to prepare the annual Foundation budget and analyze athletic fundraising revenue and expenses.
• collaborating with Foundation-Advancement team members to coordinate events and activities and ensure alignment with the College’s strategic priorities.
• contributing to departmental strategic planning that aligns with the College and Foundation mission, vision, and strategic plan.

• Maintain a working knowledge of the college’s emergency procedures and actively participate in the college risk-management program.
• Monitor conditions, events and circumstances that present risk to the college community. Intervene and/or report as specified in the college’s risk-management plan.

Minimum Necessary Skills, Experience, and Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree or 120 semester hours of college credit or specialized related training and four years related experience required.
• Working knowledge of and ability to maintain compliance with all applicable NJCAA and/or NCAA rules, regulations, reporting requirements, and institutional policies.
• Knowledge of fund-raising principles, donor relations, and/or volunteer management experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Good spelling, grammar, and proofreading skills required.
• Public speaking skills are required for group presentations.
• Exhibit working knowledge of computer systems, including but not limited to Microsoft services and programs including Word and Excel, Adobe Creative Suite programs, Raiser’s Edge NXT, Canva, and other online media, publishing, fundraising/gift entry software preferred.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills by building positive, professional working relationships with administrators, faculty, staff, students, and other stakeholders.
• The ability to communicate successfully with clients of all ages, socio-economic status, sex, or race.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of accuracy and problem-solving skills.
• A valid driver’s license is required.

Physical Requirements to Perform Job Function

• Basic dexterity skills (computer work, telephoning, and other office equipment).
• General physical effort required includes sitting, bending, reaching, and some lifting (20 lbs. or less) and the ability to place a work order for anything over that limit.