"Associate Director of Development, Special Events and Stewardship"

Job Description

The Associate Director of Development, Special Events & Stewardship is a full-time employee of Cuse Athletics Fund reporting to the Assistant Athletic Director for Development, Operations, and Campaign Strategy. Responsible for directing all Cuse Athletics Fund events, both locally in Syracuse and Central New York as well as regional events throughout the country. Oversee Cuse Athletics Fund and Legends Society member stewardship, focusing on the timely delivery of all Cuse Athletics Fund member benefits as well as coordinating with the Associate Vice President for Athletics Development to enhance the stewardship of all Athletics principal and major gift donors.

The cross-functional role will work closely with divisional colleagues, particularly those in the University and Advancement Events team, (in the Office of Alumni and Constituent Engagement), Donor Relations Team (in the Office of Strategic Communications & Donor Experience) the Department of Athletics leadership to ensure alignment between all events efforts and overall fundraising initiatives aimed at raising private donor support for Syracuse Athletics. Serve as a liaison to development officers in their cultivation/stewardship of Athletic prospects and/or Legends Society members.

Education and Experience

• 3-5 Years of event and/or fundraising experience.
• Bachelors Degree.
• Knowledge of donor database systems.
• Experience with operating communication platforms including Adobe Creative Suite, social media, email, and website.
• Knowledge of intercollegiate athletics and/or higher education fundraising.
• Supervisory experience (for internship program responsibilities).
• Valid Drivers license and access to a reliable vehicle are required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Proven ability to manage multiple events and projects and lead events from conception to execution, meeting all deadlines with precision and ensuring seamless coordination with stakeholders.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills; adept at drafting and proofreading professional documents with accuracy, clarity and consistency.
• Resourceful and proactive in resolving challenges, maintaining composure under pressure, and delivering creative, cost-effective solutions during high-stakes events.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and has the ability to learn and utilize new systems including Encompass, Citrus/Blackbaud, Data Insights, CaterTrax, Prismm, Cobblestone and Qualtrics.
• Delivers high-level customer service with professionalism and discretion while maintaining confidentiality, a polished demeanor and courteous communication-style with all constituents.
• Collaborative team member with the flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• The position requires work during non-business hours which may include, but is not limited to nights, weekends, holidays and/or academic break periods.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute a diverse portfolio of events that elevate the Syracuse Athletics brand, while driving engagement and philanthropy including signature programs, Jersey Retirements, VIP experiences, alumni engagement events, donor/prospect cultivation and/or stewardship events, and/or corporate philanthropy programs.
• Collaborate closely with University and Advancement Events colleagues to ensure event strategies and execution align with institutional priorities, participation objectives, and fundraising goals.
• Provide strategic leadership and coordination for major donor engagement and stewardship initiatives, with a primary focus on the Legends Society.
• Oversee exclusive donor travel and access opportunities, including the design and execution of high-touch travel experiences.
• Manage branded engagement strategies and deliver tailored communications that deepen connection and loyalty among Legends Society members.
• Lead and enhance stewardship efforts for all CAF members, while thoughtfully integrating third-party NIL opportunities.
• Serve as a key liaison to development officers, ensuring consistent, strategic, and personalized engagement for Athletics prospects and Legends Society donors in alignment with Syracuse Universitys advancement goals.
• Manage all Cuse Athletics Fund operations on game days, including hospitality for Football, Mens Basketball, and Womens Basketball.
• Coordinate logistics such as suite management, ticketing, credentials, compliance requirements, and leadership briefings for University, Athletics, and CAF executives.
• Direct postseason operations for ACC Tournaments, Bowl Games, and Final Fours, ensuring seamless donor and leadership experiences.
• Responsible for properly tracking and managing events in CRM systems (Citrus/iModules), including attendee engagement, retrievals and/or reports associated with preparing and executing athletics events, and providing stewardship acknowledgements.
• Utilize data to inform enhancements to future strategy.
• Lead communication for CAF for all event activity across AEA and liaise with colleagues in Strategic Communications & Donor Experience as needed, to ensure alignment of communications strategies that support donor cultivation and stewardship.
• Develops and executes social media strategy and creates graphic content for CAFs social media account.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.