Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I

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Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I

Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Serve as a liaison for all Varsity I constituents, including current student-athletes, encouraging engagement and participation in Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) initiatives. Communication will include cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual fund, premium seating, and major gift commitments. Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning
• Develop and manage the annual strategic, marketing, and communications plan (direct mail, email, phone, social media, website, newsletter) to all Varsity I constituents.
• Partner with UIF/OVCIA on letter winner database tracking and management (Paciolan and Blackbaud)
• Develop, implement, and execute gift solicitation plan (new, renew, lapsed, young alumni) targeting alumni and friend constituents for I FUND scholarships and sport operational support.
• Develop and manage a consistent engagement and activities plan for all Varsity I constituents in partnership with the events staff.

Frontline Fundraising Activities/Initiatives
• Maintain a portfolio and achieve metric goals per OVCIA and DIA parameters.
• Identify and cultivate leadership annual fund gift prospects, maintain a portfolio of annual fund and major gift donors, solicit and secure annual gifts on behalf of all varsity sports for the I FUND.
• Assist annual giving and major gifts team

View Full Description

Assistant Director of Development, Varsity I

Division of Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Summary

Serve as a liaison for all Varsity I constituents, including current student-athletes, encouraging engagement and participation in Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) initiatives. Communication will include cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of annual fund, premium seating, and major gift commitments. Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning
• Develop and manage the annual strategic, marketing, and communications plan (direct mail, email, phone, social media, website, newsletter) to all Varsity I constituents.
• Partner with UIF/OVCIA on letter winner database tracking and management (Paciolan and Blackbaud)
• Develop, implement, and execute gift solicitation plan (new, renew, lapsed, young alumni) targeting alumni and friend constituents for I FUND scholarships and sport operational support.
• Develop and manage a consistent engagement and activities plan for all Varsity I constituents in partnership with the events staff.

Frontline Fundraising Activities/Initiatives
• Maintain a portfolio and achieve metric goals per OVCIA and DIA parameters.
• Identify and cultivate leadership annual fund gift prospects, maintain a portfolio of annual fund and major gift donors, solicit and secure annual gifts on behalf of all varsity sports for the I FUND.
• Assist annual giving and major gifts team
• Conduct 10-15 engagement calls/visits/meetings per month.

Events/Donor Engagement 
• Conduct public relations and speaking appearances representing Varsity I and DIA. 
• Serve as a host for letter winner activities at home football and basketball games 
• Attend on-campus games and events with some overnight travel 
• Some out-of-state travel may be required

Additional Physical Demands

Ability to work nights and weekends

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree Knowledge of the student-athlete experience, development process, alumni engagement, and a strong understanding of issues facing intercollegiate athletics and athletics fundraising.

Preferred Qualifications

Minimum of one to three years’ experience in intercollegiate or professional athletics or related field as a professional or collegiate student-athlete with excellent knowledge of the development process, corporate relations, and a strong understanding of issues facing intercollegiate athletics and athletics fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintain knowledge of, and compliance with, specific NCAA, Big Ten Conference, and institution rules that relate to this position is required.
• Championship Mindset and Expectations Understands and displays professionalism and integrity that builds and maintains trust between student-athletes and fellow DIA staff; Prioritizes and contributes to the life changing student-athlete experience; Adheres to University, DIA, Big Ten, and NCAA rules and regulations; Commitment to the Athletics Department and University’s mission and values; Flexible to various scheduling to include nights, weekend work and some holidays, team travel; and Maintain professional competency and skills required for professional practice.

Appointment Information

This is a 100% full-time Academic Professional position, appointed on a 12-month basis. The expected start date is as soon as possible after 5/19/2025. Salary range is $43,888 - $55,000 and commensurate with experience.

Application Procedures & Deadline Information

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on 5/16/2025. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting. Applications not submitted through https://jobs.illinois.edu will not be considered. For further information about this specific position, please contact Ashley Browning, anbrowni@illinois.edu. For questions regarding the application process, please contact 217-333-2137.

The University of Illinois offers a very competitive benefits portfolio, depending on the position. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits.

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The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.

Applicants with disabilities are encouraged to apply and may request a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (2008) to complete the application and/or interview process. Accommodations may also be requested on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, and related conditions, or religion. Requests may be submitted through the reasonable accommodations portal, or by contacting the Accessibility & Accommodations Division of the Office for Access and Equity at 217-333-0885, or by emailing accessibility@illinois.edu.

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Requisition ID : 1030592
Job Category : Professional and Administrative
Apply at: https://jobs.illinois.edu

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