Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number:20254354SPosition Title:Development Officer, AthleticsPosition Type:StaffLocation:Villanova, PARecruitment Type:Internal/External ApplicantsWork Schedule:full-time/12-monthsAvg Hours WeekDepartment:604 - University AdvancementPosition 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 Assistant Vice President, Athletics Development. Under the direction of the AVP, 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.
- Ability and willingness to travel 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:
- Master’s degree preferred.
- 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:05/01/2025Closing Date (11:59pm ET):Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band:14Job Classification:exempt
