Director of Development — Athletics and Corporate Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Development — Athletics and Corporate Partnerships

🔹 Company: Lourdes University

🔹 Location: Sylvania, Ohio, United States

🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time

🔹 Category: Education, Fundraising

🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading fundraising efforts for Lourdes University's athletic programs
• Cultivating relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners
• Developing and implementing strategic plans to increase philanthropic and sponsorship revenue
• Collaborating with university leadership, athletic staff, and other stakeholders
• Representing Lourdes University at athletic events and community functions

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning, relationship building, and event management skills. Familiarity with athletic fundraising and a strong local or regional business network are crucial for success.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Design and implement a comprehensive development strategy to support Lourdes University’s athletic programs, including major gifts, annual giving, sponsorships, and special projects.

✅ Cultivate and steward relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners to generate financial support for athletic scholarships, facility improvements, team travel, and other strategic needs.

✅ Identify new corporate partnership opportunities that align with university goals and values; develop customized proposals and sponsorship packages.

✅ Work in partnership with the Advancement and Athletics teams to plan and execute strategic events to build engagement and philanthropic investment.

✅ Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure visibility for corporate sponsors and promote philanthropic opportunities.

✅ Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking through the university’s CRM and reporting systems.

✅ Represent Lourdes University at athletic events, community functions, and other external engagements to promote the University and strengthen constituent relationships.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required

Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, development, corporate relations, or a related field.

Required Skills:

• Familiarity with athletic fundraising or experience in a university athletics environment
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems
• Strong local or regional business network and understanding of corporate philanthropy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and build collaborative relationships across campus departments
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
• Commitment to the mission and Franciscan values of Lourdes University

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with event planning and management
• Proven track record in securing philanthropic or sponsorship support

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in higher education fundraising or athletic fundraising will have a competitive advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $80,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Director of Development role in the education sector, with 3-5 years of experience)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer contribution
• Tuition remission for employees and dependents
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)

Working Hours: Full-time, with the expectation of working evenings and weekends as necessary for donor engagement and athletic events.

ASSUMPTION: The provided salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Lourdes University is a private, coeducational institution offering undergraduate and graduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as professional and pre-professional programs. The university is affiliated with the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity.

Company Size: Lourdes University has a small student body, with approximately 2,500 students, and a faculty and staff of around 300. This size allows for a close-knit community and opportunities for collaboration across departments.

Founded: Lourdes University was founded in 1958 by the Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity and is located on a 120-acre campus in Sylvania, Ohio.

Company Description:

• Lourdes University is committed to providing a high-quality, values-based education that prepares students for successful careers and lives of service.
• The university offers a range of academic programs, including nursing, education, business, and the arts and sciences.
• Lourdes University is known for its strong athletic programs, with 21 varsity sports competing in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).

Company Specialties:

• Liberal arts and sciences education
• Pre-professional and professional programs
• Franciscan values and service-learning opportunities
• Athletics and intercollegiate competition

Company Website: https://www.lourdes.edu/

ASSUMPTION: Lourdes University's small size and focus on community engagement may appeal to candidates who prefer a more intimate and collaborative work environment.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a mid-level position within the Institutional Advancement department, reporting directly to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement.

Reporting Structure: The Director of Development will oversee student workers and may collaborate with other development staff, as well as athletic staff and university leadership.

Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the expectation of working evenings and weekends as necessary for donor engagement and athletic events.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for advancement within the Institutional Advancement department or other university divisions
• Opportunities to gain experience in athletic fundraising and corporate partnerships
• Possibility to mentor and supervise student workers and other development staff

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the university setting, as well as the chance to make a significant impact on Lourdes University's athletic programs.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The main campus office is located in a modern, well-equipped facility with collaborative workspaces and access to technology resources.

Office Location(s): 6832 Convent Blvd, Sylvania, OH 43560

Geographic Context:

• Sylvania is a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, with a population of approximately 19,000 residents.
• The area offers a mix of urban and rural environments, with easy access to outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, and entertainment options.
• Toledo is located near the intersection of I-75 and I-80/90, providing convenient access to major metropolitan areas, including Detroit, Chicago, and Cleveland.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the expectation of working evenings and weekends as necessary for donor engagement and athletic events.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at Lourdes University is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on community engagement and service-learning opportunities.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Initial phone or video screen with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement
• On-campus interview with the Vice President, Athletic Director, and other key stakeholders
• Final interview with the President of the University

Key Assessment Areas:

• Fundraising strategy and experience
• Relationship-building skills and ability to connect with diverse stakeholders
• Understanding of athletic fundraising and corporate partnerships
• Alignment with Lourdes University's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in fundraising, development, or corporate relations, with a focus on athletic fundraising or higher education settings.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your ability to manage multiple priorities, build relationships, and plan strategic events.
• Research Lourdes University's athletic programs and mission to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and commitment to the university's success.

ATS Keywords: Athletic fundraising, donor databases, CRM systems, corporate philanthropy, relationship building, communication skills, presentation skills, interpersonal skills, collaboration, event planning, proposal development, stewardship, engagement, philanthropic investment, networking, strategic planning, mission commitment

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may include assessments of the candidate's ability to work collaboratively with university leadership, athletic staff, and other stakeholders, as well as their understanding of Lourdes University's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Donor databases and CRM systems (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or other university-specific systems)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter)
• Event planning and management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Cvent, or other university-specific systems)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with donor databases and CRM systems is essential for this role, as they are critical tools for tracking donor activity and maintaining accurate records.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Excellence
• Service
• Community
• Faith

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities
• Committed to the university's mission and values
• detail-oriented and organized

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you demonstrate integrity in your professional and personal life?
• Can you provide an example of a time when you went above and beyond to serve a client or constituent?
• How do you balance multiple priorities and manage your time effectively?
• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to Lourdes University's mission and values, as well as a collaborative and adaptable work style, will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Balancing the demands of fundraising, event planning, and relationship-building with the need to maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking
• Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously, with a focus on strategic planning and execution
• Working evenings and weekends as necessary for donor engagement and athletic events
• Navigating the unique dynamics of a small university setting, with a close-knit community and opportunities for collaboration across departments

ASSUMPTION: The successful candidate for this role will be able to manage multiple priorities effectively, maintain a strong attention to detail, and adapt to the unique demands of a university setting.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other Director of Development or Athletic Fundraising positions in higher education, but may offer unique opportunities for collaboration and growth within a small university setting.
• Candidates with experience in higher education fundraising or athletic fundraising may find this role appealing, as it offers the chance to make a significant impact on Lourdes University's athletic programs.
• Career paths for this role may include advancement within the Institutional Advancement department or other university divisions, as well as opportunities to gain experience in athletic fundraising and corporate partnerships.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for candidates interested in higher education fundraising and athletic fundraising to make a significant impact on Lourdes University's athletic programs and contribute to the university's mission and values.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy for Lourdes University's athletic programs, including major gifts, annual giving, sponsorships, and special projects
• Cultivating and stewarding relationships with alumni, donors, and corporate partners to generate financial support for athletic scholarships, facility improvements, team travel, and other strategic needs
• Identifying new corporate partnership opportunities that align with university goals and values, and developing customized proposals and sponsorship packages

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are designed to provide candidates with a sense of the key responsibilities and priorities for this role, and may be tailored to the specific needs and goals of Lourdes University's athletic programs.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the broader strategic plan for Lourdes University's athletic programs?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does the university support the success of its fundraising and development efforts?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the Institutional Advancement department or other university divisions?
• How does the university engage with its alumni and community to build support for its athletic programs?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions are designed to help candidates better understand the priorities, expectations, and opportunities for growth and development associated with this role.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in fundraising, development, or corporate relations, with a focus on athletic fundraising or higher education settings.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that assess your ability to manage multiple priorities, build relationships, and plan strategic events.
• Research Lourdes University's athletic programs and mission to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and commitment to the university's success.
• Follow up with the Vice President for Institutional Advancement one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.