Careers at Virginia Tech

Reporting to the Executive Associate Athletics Director, the Associate Athletics Director / Director of Development will assist in carrying out the designated duties and responsibilities for the development program of the Hokie Club. This highly motivated professional will be involved with the planning and implementation of the fundraising efforts in support of campaign priorities. They will fulfill the duties under the direction of, and in close cooperation with, the Executive Associate Athletics Director and the university’s central advancement office.

Key responsibilities of the Associate Athletics Director / Director of Development include:

- Managing a team of fundraisers on behalf of Athletics; including direct responsibilities of training, motivating, and development of major gift officers, coaching and mentoring the team on the development and implementation of effective prospect strategies and portfolio management to ensure successful achievement of fundraising goals.

- Working closely with the Executive Associate AD of Administration & Support Programs, Athletics Director, coaches and athletics staff to develop and implement cultivation and solicitation strategies in support of their programs and the university’s identified fundraising priorities.

- Developing and implementing cultivation and solicitation strategies which include building, managing, and soliciting a portfolio of major gift prospects.

- Traveling extensively (on average five to eight days per month) regionally and nationally to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors on behalf of Virginia Tech’s Advancement program.

- Managing a personal portfolio of between 75 to 100 prospects with typical solicitation ranges of $500,000- $4,999,999.

- Closing $2,000,000+ per year using a three-year rolling average.

- Closing on average 10 – 13 gifts per fiscal year.

- Establishing strong working relationships with other central advancement, collegiate and unit gift officers and staff to foster a productive work environment.

A majority of the time will be committed to the development of in-person contacts with prospects and donors with the goal of qualifying, soliciting and stewarding gifts. Therefore, regional and national travel is required for the purposes of conducting field research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, which may include overnights and weekends. The director must have the ability and willingness to travel utilizing standard, commercial, and/or personal modes of transportation. Additionally, participation in college or university programs when possible is necessary.

- Master’s degree with related fundraising or relevant experience; or Bachelor’s degree with experience equating to an advanced degree.

- Successful track record in fundraising

- Prior experience working in a team environment.

- Demonstrated professionalism, with strong communication skills and capability of motivating volunteers as well as donors.

- Self-motivated with the ability to work as a team member in a complex organization.

- Ability to articulate the importance of higher education and understand the critical role and priorities of both the university and the advancement division.

- Successful track record in major gift fundraising.

- Experience in higher education fundraising, athletic fundraising or other related experience.

- Experience representing a Division 1 athletics department to external audiences.

- Proven success in building productive, relationships with senior administrators, key business leaders, faculty, staff, institutional boards, volunteers, and/or donors.

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Regular

$140,000 to $160,000

40+

July 20, 2025

Safe driving record

Unable to sponsor work visas

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

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.