As the fundraising arm of UVA Athletics, the Virginia Athletics Foundation is responsible for engaging fans, alumni and loyal supporters of the University of Virginia to generate financial contributions for the purpose of enriching the overall educational and athletic experience for over 700 student-athletes participating in 27 sports programs by providing financial security for long-term growth, prosperity, and broad-based excellence.
The Senior Major Gift Officer will cultivate relationships with fans, friends, and alumni with a portfolio of 125 – 150 current and prospective donors that will lead to major/principal gifts to support all aspects of the fundraising enterprise and as outlined in the Sabre Society. Accordingly, the Senior Major Gifts Officer will serve as a key member of the VAF supporting these fundraising priorities through an emphasis on securing new Society commitments ($25,000+), upgrading existing Society members, and strategically articulating opportunities to connect the passions of UVA constituents with the priorities established by VAF and Athletics leadership.
The Senior Major Gifts Officer will be assigned certain territories to cover, will be charged with prospecting for new donors through new and innovative solutions, and will be tasked to serve as a sport(s) liaison, working directly with coaches and sport supervisors to best understand program needs and how their case for support aligns within the greater fundraising priorities of the VAF and strategic priorities of Virginia Athletics. Additionally, the Senior Major Gifts Officer, as needed and appropriate, may be tasked with leading the planning and deployment of strategic initiatives for the VAF.
Develop and manage a portfolio of 125-150 major gift prospects focusing on solicitations for inclusion into the Sabre Society and its defined avenues for support (i.e., capital, sport enhancement, scholarship and operational endowments, Athletic Director’s Excellence).
Conduct at least 200 strategic moves with prospects and donors per year and participate in a minimum of 25 solicitations per year.
Manage a deliberate sequence of interactions with each prospect, intended to build engagement and move them through the steps of an established donor engagement and readiness process.
Utilize the CRM to track and report prospect management activity to ensure proper portfolio health, including the qualification of new prospects, with the goal of establishing a continuous pipeline of donors capable of making Society level commitments of $25,000 or more.
Develop strategies to identify the short- and long-term giving potential of individual prospects by validating prospect’s capacity, inclination, and affinity while taking on the role of trusted philanthropic advisor throughout the donor lifecycle.
Aggressively identify and formally qualify new major and planned gift prospects by developing and executing long-range and short-term cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
Develop complete knowledge of athletics department operations, including industry trends and market forces that may affect future operational aspects of our enterprise.
Build travel plans demonstrating judicious use of time and resources, including strategic meetings with active prospects and additional qualification and stewardship meetings.
Frequent travel is required as well as regular participation in evening and weekend activities.
Serve as the liaison to specific sport(s), working with head coaches and sport supervisors to best understand our coaches’ funding priorities; refer major gift leads to VAF colleagues based on regional assignment; represent the funding priorities of assigned sports to the greater VAF team to empower all fundraisers to advance each program’s philanthropic needs nationwide.
Other duties as assigned as a member of the Virginia Athletics Foundation team.
Leadership as demonstrated through the ability to effectively articulate the athletics department vision, values and programs to donors, volunteers, and development staff in an engaging, motivating, and inspirational manner
Demonstrated success and effectiveness in prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
A willingness to positively navigate and embrace with energy the ever-changing NCAA landscape and its evolving impact on the funding needs of Virginia Athletics.
Ability to maintain poise in interactions with university administration, VAF Board of Trustees, community leaders, donors, and co-workers
Ability to prioritize and organize complex projects and plans to deliver results
Strong customer service skills (internal and external)
Demonstrated initiative in seizing opportunities, a self-starter
Proven record of accomplishment that demonstrates initiative, creativity, and interpersonal skills, preferably in a university setting
Enjoys interacting with people; a proven ability to develop relationships
Commitment to service
Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for the University of Virginia and the mission of VAF
Strong organizational, leadership, and mentoring skills
Ability to learn development software quickly
Ability to write and speak clearly and effectively
Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 7-9 years of related professional experience
Must be eligible to work in the United States
Must possess valid driver's license
Annual salaried position (compensation based on experience)
Annual incentive program (based on staff performance)
Paid personal leave and 12 paid holidays
Health, dental, life, and long-term disability insurance
401k Plan with employer contribution
On-site parking provided
Football and Basketball season tickets for employee and eligible family members
Family pass for regular season home athletics UVA Olympic sport events
Recreation pass providing access to all UVA recreation facilities
*Benefits subject to change
Committed to attracting and retaining a diverse staff, the Virginia Athletics Foundation honors your experiences, perspectives, and unique identity. Together, we strive to create and maintain working environments that are inclusive, equitable and welcoming so we can best achieve our mission of supporting our broadly diverse donors, teams, and networks of engaged alumni, parents, and friends of the UVA Athletics.
Qualified applicants who are interested in further discussing this opportunity are encouraged to apply by emailing a copy of your cover letter and resume to Erin Wissing at email@example.com for consideration.