Development Officer, Athletics

Posting Details

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Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:

20254521S

Position Title:

Development Officer, Athletics

Position Type:

Staff

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Posting Details

Do you have questions about the application process? If so, please refer to the Applicant FAQ’s.

Posting Details (Default Section)

Posting Number:

20254521S

Position Title:

Development Officer, Athletics

Position Type:

Staff

Location:

Villanova, PA

Recruitment Type:

Internal/External Applicants

Work Schedule:

full-time/12-months

Avg Hours Week

Department:

604 - University Advancement

Position Summary:

Ignite Your Career at Villanova University! Whether undergraduate or graduate, faculty or staff, each community member brings with them a wealth of experiences that enrich our University and shift our perspectives. As a part of this community, your work will improve lives and ignite change!

Why work at Villanova?

Join a mission-driven organization. Since Villanova University’s founding in 1842, we have been inspired by the values of truth, unity, and love, and are a community dedicated to service to others.

• Villanova has been included among the nation’s best colleges and universities. VU’s inclusion again in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 “Best Colleges” rankings is another indication of the University’s continued prominence and forward momentum.
• Villanova’s most precious asset is our people. As an employee, you will receive a holistic benefits package, generous paid time off, a competitive retirement savings plan, flexible work options, wellness programs including gym membership, professional development, tuition assistance, and more.
  

Villanova University has embarked on a 10-year strategic plan, Rooted. Restless., with the goal of enhancing the Augustinian Catholic living and learning experience for all members of our community. University Advancement is seeking exceptional talent to join our mission-driven team working together toward our shared vision for Villanova, fueled by the generosity of the University’s philanthropic supporters as we “keep moving” in the spirit of St. Augustine in the public phase of Villanova’s comprehensive capital campaign: Espiritus Nova.

The Development Officer, Athletics will report directly to the Associate Director of Athletics Development. Under the direction of the Associate Director, the Development Officer, Athletics serves as a front line fundraiser in support of the priorities of Villanova Athletics. Primary duties will focus on managing a portfolio of prospects with a gift capacity of $10,000 to $99,999 (primarily $50,000+). Portfolio work will have a heavy focus on qualification and building new relationships with alumni, parents, and friends who can support the needs and priorities of Villanova Athletics, and the Villanova University Strategic Plan: Rooted. Restless. The Development Officer is expected to conduct a high volume of prospect visits per month and manage a portfolio of 150+prospects per year. In addition to portfolio management, the Development Officer will assist with staffing donor hospitality and other alumni engagement functions around athletics events, as well as serve as the individual sport liaison with specific head coaches and alumni volunteers to develop strategies to advance philanthropic support for specific sport programs.

Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian Order. The University is an equal opportunity employer and seeks candidates who understand, respect and can contribute to the University’s mission and values.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and manage a portfolio of at least 150 prospects composed of individuals with specific affiliation and/or giving interest to Athletics.
• Establish and manage effective relationships with qualified prospects and donors. Will plan and implement giving strategies using work plans and stewardship plans; identify and evaluate potential donors; design and implement prospect cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Conducts a high volume of prospect visits per month with the purpose of developing a philanthropic gifts pipeline and closing philanthropic revenue to support the priorities of the university and department of athletics.
• Will establish collaborative and productive relationships with Athletics administration and Head Coaches, and become knowledgeable regarding the Department’s priorities, programs, events, etc. in order to advance the priorities of Athletics and more fully engage alumni, parents and friends.
• Executes special projects and other duties as assigned to support the overall work of the team in Athletics Development and University Advancement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• The incumbent is required to have a minimum of one to two years of direct or transferrable experience with exposure to frontline fundraising/sales/client services preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of individual fundraising and/or sales required, preferably in the field of higher education and/or intercollegiate athletics.
• Commitment to the principles behind higher education and a strong desire to associate with Villanova University and champion its mission expected.
• Understanding of the University culture and ability to work within a multi-layered management system required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills required.
• Comfort level working in a team-oriented environment required, but also must be disciplined self-starter who is result-oriented.
• Knowledge of general office equipment, including use of lap top computers, required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in intercollegiate athletics is preferred.

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

Ability to travel and work evenings and weekends required.

Special Message to Applicants:

Posting Date:

10/22/2025

Closing Date (11:59pm ET):

Salary Posting Information:

This position falls within salaried grade 14 and the range for this position is $57,200-71,500. The final salary will be determined with consideration of several factors including the selected candidate’s qualifications, department budget availability, market data, and internal equity.

Salary Band:

14

Job Classification:

exempt

References Needed

References Needed

| Minimum Number of References Needed | 3 | | Maximum Number of References Needed | 3 |

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you first hear of this employment opportunity?

   • Indeed.com
   • Higheredjobs.com
   • LinkedIn
   • Glassdoor
   • Chronicle Vitae
   • Academic Keys
   • PA CareerLink/JobGateway
   • Professional Affiliation/Trade Website
   • Diversity Association/Publication Website
   • Advertisement in Academic or Professional Publication
   • Referred by a current employee
   • Referred by a friend, family member, or former employee
   • Heard about it at a conference or career fair
   • Browsing the Villanova website
   • Cabrini University employee
   • Other

2. * If your answer to the above question is "Other", please specify the source below. If this question does not apply to you, enter N/A.

(Open Ended Question)

Documents needed to complete your application:

Required Documents 1. Cover Letter / Letter of Interest 2. Resume / Curriculum Vitae

Optional Documents

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