Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships

Position Summary

The Associate Athletic Director for Athletic Revenue, Philanthropy and Partnerships reports directly to the Vice President for Athletics. This position serves as a results-driven leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of athletics revenue generation with an emphasis on corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, and advertising fulfillment. Emphasis will be placed on initiatives that enhance Lenoir-Rhyne's visibility and brand exposure throughout the Greater Hickory and Unifour region. The successful candidate will also assist the Vice President for Athletics with strategic planning, fundraising initiatives and special projects, as well as support LR's external NIL collective in maximizing fundraising activities and growth.

This position will maintain a collaborative, dotted-line relationship with the LR Office of Institutional Advancement to support coordinated fundraising strategies, donor engagement and broader university advancement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead strategic partnerships and revenue development for the athletics department, overseeing corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, fulfillment and portfolio management, including multi-year agreements, accounts receivable follow-up and renewals.
• Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to increase athletics revenue through sponsorship sales, advertising, ticketing initiatives and outside events.
• Cultivate, manage and expand relationships with corporate partners, businesses and community organizations to enhance departmental visibility and financial support of LR athletics.
• Collaborate with athletics leadership, marketing, communications, and operations staff to develop and enhance revenue-generating fan engagement initiatives and premium event experiences.
• Identify, solicit and secure new revenue opportunities through prospecting, networking and community engagement.
• Ensure all sponsorship and advertising commitments are fulfilled through proof-of-performance deliverables and reporting.
• Maintain consistent communication and relationship stewardship with corporate partners.
• Analyze market trends, sponsorship valuations and revenue performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improve return on investment for athletics partners.
• In collaboration with Institutional Advancement and Bears Club staff, cultivate and steward philanthropic support for athletics through major gifts, capital campaign commitments, annual giving initiatives and donor engagement strategies.
• Work in collaboration with the external Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) collective to optimize growth potential.

Additional Responsibilities

• Provide support for Bears Club events, fundraising campaigns, donor engagement and special projects.
• Demonstrate a commitment to fiscal integrity and budget management.
• Work diligently to foster an atmosphere of sportsmanship, NCAA compliance, professionalism and respect among staff, coaches and student-athletes.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of four years of athletics management, leadership, fundraising and/or sales experience required.
• Comprehensive understanding of NCAA Division II athletics preferred.
• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated excellence in written and verbal communication and the ability to work in a fast-paced team environment are required.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; customer-service oriented and able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with staff, coaches and student-athletes.
• Must be comfortable working in a team environment with a positive attitude and sense of humor and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to academic integrity, student-athlete welfare and NCAA compliance.
• An established record of success in the following key administrative functions is preferred: (a) external revenue generation, (b) corporate sponsorship sales, (c) major gift fundraising, and (d) sport-specific giving.
• This position requires travel and variable work hours, including nights and weekends. Perform other duties as assigned by the department's senior leadership team.

Application Process

While completing the application, candidates will be prompted to submit:

1. Resume
2. Cover letter
3. Three professional references