Position InformationGeneral Information
Position Number 012571
Vacancy Open to All Candidates
Working Title Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts
Position Designation EHRA Non-Faculty
Employment Type Permanent - Full-time
Months per Year 12
Work Schedule Monday - Friday, including nights and weekends for athletic events and donor engagements. Scheduled hours are to be determined by the supervisor.
Hours per week 40
FLSA Status Exempt
Division Athletics
Department Athletics (Adm)
Work Location Student Activity Center
Salary Range $90,000 - $97,850
Primary Purpose of Position The Associate Athletic Director for Major Gifts is an action-oriented frontline fundraiser responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major philanthropic gifts ($35,000+) to support Charlotte Athletics' strategic priorities, capital projects, and endowment needs. Reporting directly to the Deputy Athletic Director - Chief Philanthropy Officer, this role builds and aggressively manages a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals, alumni, former student-athletes, and corporate partners. The position works collaboratively with athletics leadership, head coaches, administrators, and University Advancement partners to translate athletic priorities into compelling philanthropic opportunities and advance overall institutional goals.
Summary of Position Responsibilities Strategic Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management- Portfolio Ownership: Maintain and aggressively move a personal portfolio of 100-125 major gift prospects through the moves management continuum to secure commitments of $35,000+.
- Discovery & Qualification: Independently conduct high-volume discovery work and face-to-face donor visits to systematically identify and qualify new prospective donors.
- Solicitation & Pipeline Building: Formulate, execute, and document customized donor strategies to cultivate, solicit, and close major gifts, capital campaign commitments, and blended/planned gifts.
- Campaign & Capital Priorities: Align fundraising efforts with major department initiatives, capital expansion projects, sports-specific enhancement funds, and broader university fundraising campaigns.
Leadership & Athletic Partnership- Executive Partnership: Serve as a strategic partner to the Deputy Athletic Director- Chief Philanthropy Officer, Athletic Director, senior administration, and head coaches, integrating them into the development cycle and preparing them for high-level solicitations.
- Collaborative Support: Partner with coaches and athletic staff to translate team-specific capital and operating needs into fundable philanthropic opportunities. Specific responsibility as a sports liaison to 2+ coaches, helping identify funding priorities, identify potential donors, and expand partnerships with former student-athletes.
- Donor Engagement & Events: Host major prospects and donors at athletic events, competitions, baseline/courtside areas, and donor trips to deepen institutional engagement.
Collaboration & Administration- Advancement Alignment: Collaborate closely with University Advancement partners (Gift Planning, Prospect Research, Annual Giving, and Alumni Engagement) to maximize donor impact and maintain unified institutional records.
- Database & Metrics Tracking: Maintain timely and precise records in Paciolan and Ascend, ensuring contact reports, proposals, and pipeline metrics are updated regularly.
- Compliance & Ethics: Ensure all fundraising activities strictly adhere to University, Athletic Foundation, NCAA, and conference rules, policies, and ethical standards.
Minimum Education/Experience - Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
- Three years of professional experience in frontline major gift fundraising, intercollegiate athletics development, higher education advancement, or equivalent high-level relationship management/sales.
Preferred Education, Knowledge, Skills and Experience - Master's degree or Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation preferred.
- Demonstrated track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing major philanthropic gifts ($35,000+) or closing high-value accounts.
- Direct experience in NCAA Division I athletic fundraising or university advancement.
- Proficiency with Paciolan software, donor databases, and Microsoft Office applications.
- Strong interpersonal, public speaking, and written communication skills with the ability to articulate the vision of Charlotte Athletics passionately and persuasively.
- Willingness and ability to travel regionally and nationally, as well as work nights and weekends for athletic events and donor engagements.
Necessary Certifications/Licenses Preferred Certifications/LicensesSpecial Notes to Applicants - The finalist will be subject to a Criminal Background Check and/or a Motor Vehicle Report
- The Search Committee will not contact references without first verifying permission with
the finalist. - Please ensure your resume reflects the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experiences to
support your answers to the supplemental questions. - UNC Charlotte Benefits Information: https://hr.charlotte.edu/benefits/benefits-overview/
Posting Open Date 11/11/2026
Posting Close Date 11/25/2026
Open Until Filled No
Proposed Hire DateIf time-limited please indicate appointment end dateContact Information 
