Position Title: Director of Athletics Fundraising & Corporate Relations
Department: Office of University Advancement
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Reports To: Director of Development, with close partnership with the Director of Athletics
Position Summary
The Director of Athletics Fundraising & Corporate Relations supports Bushnell University's mission by strengthening philanthropic investment in Beacon Athletics. This role leads all athletics fundraising initiatives, athletic alumni engagement, and corporate sponsorship development that expand resources for student‑athletes and elevate Bushnell's visibility in the community.
As part of a small, collaborative advancement team, the Director manages a diverse portfolio of donors and partners, works closely with coaches and athletic staff, and builds meaningful relationships that reflect Bushnell's Christ‑centered commitment to service, stewardship, and community impact.
Primary Responsibilities
Athletic Fundraising
- Manage a portfolio of athletic donors, including alumni, parents, friends of the university, and local supporters.
- Conduct regular outreach, personalized stewardship, and in‑person visits to grow the Beacon Athletic Fund giving and identify major gift prospects for athletics initiatives within capital campaigns.
- Partner with coaches to understand program needs, articulate compelling cases for support, and align fundraising priorities with departmental goals.
- Lead sport‑specific fundraising campaigns, athletics initiatives within capital campaigns, Beacon Athletic Fund Giving Days, and targeted athletic fundraising appeals.
- Track progress toward annual athletic fundraising goals and provide timely reporting to Advancement and Athletics leadership.
Athletic Alumni Engagement
- Build strong, ongoing relationships with athletic alumni through events, communications, and volunteer opportunities.
- Develop engagement strategies that highlight Bushnell's distinctive student‑athlete experience, team traditions, and program achievements.
- Provide Advancement communications to produce athletic‑focused content for magazines, e-newsletters, social media, and donor stewardship.
Event Leadership
- Provide ongoing leadership and facilitate event execution for the Beacon Classic and the BAF Golf Tournaments.
- Develop and execute campaign fundraising events for athletics initiatives.
- Coordinate athletic alumni reunions, alumni games, alumni nights, collaborate with the Department of Athletics for Hall of Fame events, and regional gatherings.
Corporate Relations & Sponsorships
- Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsorships that support both Bushnell University generally and Beacon Athletics specifically, enhancing visibility for both Bushnell and business partners.
- Develop sponsorship packages, pricing structures, and benefit fulfillment plans aligned with NAIA and Bushnell policies. Track fulfillment and renewal of all sponsorship benefits.
- Manage sponsor relationships, ensuring timely delivery of recognition, signage, digital promotion, and game‑day visibility.
- Work with Athletics to integrate sponsorships into events, facilities, livestreams, and promotional materials.
Cross‑Campus Collaboration
- Serve as a key liaison between Advancement and Athletics, ensuring alignment of messaging, priorities, and donor stewardship.
- Work closely with Advancement colleagues on prospect management, donor research, gift processing, and stewardship.
- Support campus events involving donors, alumni, or corporate partners, including Commencement, Homecoming, and community engagement activities.
- Contribute to a culture of philanthropy across Beacon Athletics and the broader Bushnell community.
Qualifications Required
- Bachelor's degree; Master's degree preferred
- 2-4 years of experience in fundraising, sales, corporate relations, or athletics administration.
- Strong relationship‑building skills and comfort engaging alumni, donors, and business leaders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a small, fast‑moving team environment.
- Willingness to travel regionally and work evenings/weekends for athletic events.
- Commitment to Bushnell University's Christ‑centered mission and values.
Preferred
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit fundraising, or collegiate athletics.
- Familiarity with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).
- Demonstrated success in securing sponsorships or closing philanthropic gifts.
- Understanding of NAIA athletics and small‑college athletic culture.
Key Competencies
- Donor‑centered communication
- Strategic relationship management
- Collaboration across departments
- Initiative and self‑direction
- Event planning and execution
- Data‑driven decision‑making
- Professional representation of Bushnell's mission and values
Performance Metrics
- Growth in athletic annual giving
- Number and quality of donor visits
- Sponsorship revenue secured
- Athletic alumni engagement participation
- Successful execution of fundraising campaigns and events
- Contribution to overall Advancement goals and Beacon Athletics priorities
Work Environment
This role operates within a small, mission‑driven advancement office where flexibility, teamwork, and creativity are essential. The position requires regular presence at athletic events, donor gatherings, and community functions, and active collaboration with coaches, athletic staff, and university leadership.
Working Conditions/Special Requirements
- Bushnell employees must have a maturing Christian faith and live in compliance with the duties and expectations as detailed in the Employee Handbook.
- The position requires a strong commitment to multiculturalism and diversity.
- The position requires working in a non-smoking, drug free environment.
- The employee must adhere to FERPA guidelines and student confidentiality at all times.
- All employees of Bushnell are "mandatory reporters" under Oregon law. See http://www.oregon.gov/dhs/abuse/pages/mandatory_report.aspx for specific information.
- The employee must have knowledge of strong office management techniques; operations, procedures, specific rules and precedents of the office; research methods and report writing techniques; record-keeping techniques; operation of office machines including computer equipment and specified software; principles of training and providing work direction.
- The position requires a strong ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, both verbally and in writing, utilizing tact, patience and courtesy.
- Listening skills and the ability to speak and write clearly are essential to this position. Must possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
- The employee must have high personal motivation, with great attention to detail and accuracy.
- This person must project a positive, vibrant and professional attitude in assisting people.
- This person must have high ethics of honesty and confidentiality, with a genuine and gracious presence pertaining to the students, faculty, staff and business of the department and the University.
- This position may require lifting up to 25 lbs, as well as bending, stooping, kneeling.
- This position description is subject to change at any time.
- Ability to travel regionally and work occasional evenings or weekends.
Application Instructions
Bushnell employees are expected to abide by the Theological Context for Bushnell Community Life. Please read this document (see link below) before continuing.
To be considered for this position, please click "Apply" below. You will be asked to submit all of the following:
Bushnell Employment Application
Cover letter addressing skills, experience, and knowledge
CV/Resume
Personal Statement of Faith that clearly addresses all three of the sections below:
Section 1: how a maturing Christian faith finds expression in the candidate's personal life, family life, community life, and current church membership;
Section 2: how the candidate integrates faith into his or her work life; and
Section 3: the candidate's understanding of and ability to support Bushnell's Theological Context for Community statement.
Contact Information for three references, one of which must be the applicant's pastor or another appropriate church leader who is able to address the applicant's faith background.
Please include all requested materials. Incomplete application packets may result in disqualification.
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