"Assistant Director for Athletics and Digital Giving"

Position Summary

The Assistant Director for Athletics and Digital Giving plays a pivotal role in advancing fundraising efforts by leading digital giving initiatives across campus. With a primary focus on Athletics, institution-wide campaigns such as YCP Gives, and long-term strategic growth, this position is integral to fostering a culture of philanthropy. The role is divided among three key areas: driving support for Athletics fundraising (40%), implementing comprehensive digital giving strategies campus-wide (40%), and enhancing philanthropic awareness and engagement among students (20%). Success in this role will be evaluated through increased participation rates, revenue growth, and broad-based campus involvement.

OUTCOMES

• Demonstrated year-over-year growth in revenue generated through digital giving strategies.
• Measurable success in securing and utilizing matching gift commitments to drive donor participation and impact.
• Increased engagement across campus in Giving Day activities and broader digital donor acquisition efforts.
• Strong student involvement in philanthropy-focused training programs and ambassador initiatives.

Essential Functions

Athletics Giving (45%)

• Collaborate closely with Athletics staff to design and implement strategic giving initiatives tailored to individual teams, programs, and facility needs.
• Plan annual strategy and timeline for all Spartan Advance fundraising initiatives including the athletic fundraising component of #YCPGives.
• In collaboration with the Athletics Department, coordinate and execute the annual athletics Golf fundraising event and athletic alumni events.
• Cultivate and secure matching gifts and challenge contributions from alumni-athletes, parents, and supporters to create momentum and elevate campaign outcomes.
• Partner on the development of compelling digital storytelling—delivered through email, social media, and Giving Day content—to engage and inspire Athletics donors.
• Coordinate messaging and campaign calendars with Athletics Communications to maintain brand consistency and enhance outreach impact.

Campus Wide Digital Campaigns (45%)

• Lead the strategic planning and execution of major digital fundraising initiatives, including YCP’s Annual Giving Day and targeted crowdfunding efforts.
• Secure matching gifts and challenge contributions from alumni, parents, and friends to create urgency, increase engagement, and enhance campaign results.
• Engage and mobilize a broad network of campus stakeholders—including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and parents—as ambassadors and advocates for giving.
• Collaborate with the Director of Advancement Communication to align messaging strategies, digital platforms, and integrated outreach efforts for maximum impact.
• Use data-driven insights to segment audiences and personalize appeals for maximum donor engagement and conversion.
• Track campaign metrics and donor behavior to assess results and inform future strategies.
• Create and maintain a digital giving playgroup to inform and educate campus partners.
• Stay current on digital giving trends, tools, and best practices in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

Capacity Building & Student Engagement (10%)

• Develop and facilitate student-centered programs that educate on digital fundraising, the importance of giving, and the tangible impact of donor support.
• Identify and mentor peer champions and student storytellers to serve as advocates for philanthropy and help build a culture of giving on campus.
• Promote transparency, inclusivity, and accessibility in all engagement efforts to strengthen student trust in the fundraising process.

Experience and Education Required

Bachelor’s degree required. 1–2 years of relevant experience in fundraising, digital marketing, or campaign management is preferred.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• A digitally fluent communicator with a demonstrated commitment to inclusive engagement and outreach.
• Strong collaborator, especially adept at working with Athletics, Student Life, and Alumni Engagement teams.
• Analytical and data-informed, balanced with creativity and acute attention to detail.
• Proficient in standard office software and digital tools used in professional environments.
• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under tight deadlines, while maintaining professionalism and efficiency.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively across a diverse range of external stakeholders and internal colleagues. A team-oriented approach, collegiality, and a sense of humor are essential.
• Willingness and ability to travel regionally, with availability for evening and weekend responsibilities as needed.