"Associate Director of Major Gifts, Virginia Tech Athletic Fund"

Job Description

This highly motivated athletics professional will report to the Associate Athletics Director, Major Gifts and assist in the Hokie Club in carrying out the designated duties and responsibilities for the Virginia Tech Athletic Fund. This position will be involved with the planning and implementation of the fundraising efforts in support of priorities designated by the department of athletics. Additionally, they will fulfill the duties under the direction of, and in close cooperation with, the Associate Athletics Director, Major Gifts and the university's central advancement office.

Located in Blacksburg, Virginia, the Associate Director, Major Gifts will:

• Develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies which include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects.
• Travel, on average, five to eight days per month to cultivate, solicit, steward, and identify prospects.
• Have a portfolio of between 100 - 125 prospects.
• Have typical solicitation ranges of $100,000 to $1,000,000+.
• Close $1,000,000+ per year using a three-year rolling average.
• Close on average 10 - 13 gifts per fiscal year.
• Establish strong working relationships with other central advancement, collegiate and constituent development officers and staff to foster a productive work environment.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree or Bachelor's with experience equating to an advanced degree.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, sales/marketing, advertising, public relations, communications, or experience in cold calling.
• Demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to articulate the importance of higher education and both understand and articulate the critical role and priorities of the university and the athletic program.
• Ability to motivate volunteers and donors, will be self-motivated, and will embrace the concept and attitude of teamwork in a complex organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful track record in major gift fundraising preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in higher education fundraising, athletic fundraising or other related experience.
• Previous experience representing a Division I athletic department to external audiences.
• Proven success in building productive, long-term relationships with key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and/or donors.

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Regular

Salary Information

$70,000 to $78,000

Hours per week

40+

Review Date

November 30, 2025

Additional Information

Unable to Sponsor Work Visas.

Routine Travel or Telework - (50% or more travel).

Uncommon Work Schedule - (Rotating Shifts, Weekend, Nights).

Regional and national travel required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends.

Must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation.

Ability to work nights and weekends, and participation in college or university programs when possible.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Advancement Human Resources at advhr@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Apply Now