Major Gifts Professional II (Athletics) (UPDATED)

• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and retains annual and leadership-level donors through strategic relationship-building efforts designed to increase philanthropic support and advance organizational fundraising priorities.
• Manages donor engagement activities by developing personalized communication strategies, conducting outreach, and implementing stewardship initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued giving.
• Designs and executes donor cultivation and stewardship plans through coordinated benefits fulfillment, donor recognition programs, and engagement opportunities that enhance donor satisfaction and long-term commitment.
• Coordinates and implements targeted fundraising communications, including solicitations, donor impact messaging, newsletters, event invitations, and stewardship correspondence, utilizing multiple communication channels to maximize donor engagement.
• Develops and manages donor recognition and acknowledgment programs that ensure timely and meaningful recognition of philanthropic contributions while reinforcing donor impact and organizational mission.
• Collaborates with development leadership, advancement services, ticket operations, marketing, and foundation partners to align donor engagement strategies, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship activities with institutional goals.
• Supports fundraising and donor cultivation efforts by identifying opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving participation, and advance donors through the philanthropic pipeline toward leadership and major gift consideration.
• Coordinates donor cultivation experiences, including special events, hospitality programs, and donor travel opportunities, designed to strengthen relationships with key prospects and existing donors.
• Serves as a liaison with advancement services and gift processing teams to support gift administration, donor benefit valuation, tax receipting, and stewardship reporting processes that ensure compliance and donor satisfaction.
• Maintains accurate donor records, communication histories, and stewardship activities within fundraising systems to support strategic decision-making, donor management, and organizational reporting requirements.
• Represents the organization at donor-facing events, athletics contests, and special engagement opportunities, providing exceptional donor service and stewardship through regular evening and weekend participation.
• Budget accountability.
• Additional duties as assigned. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated and results-oriented with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to manage value-added projects and strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to multitask effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to initiate, lead, and support value-added projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Knowledge of NCAA, Big 12, and University of Arizona position-related rules and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to plan, establish priorities, and successfully manage multiple priorities.