Major Gifts Professional II (Athletics)

The University of Arizona's Athletics Department invites you to apply for the role of Major Gifts Professional II. This position supports the major gifts program by cultivating meaningful donor relationships and enhancing philanthropic engagement for Arizona Athletics. The Major Gifts Professional II partners with donors through strategic stewardship, donor recognition, and fundraising initiatives that advance the department's mission and long-term fundraising priorities.

This position requires the ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights, weekends, and travel as needed. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding UA benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; UA/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to UA recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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• Identifies, cultivates, solicits, and retains annual and leadership-level donors through strategic relationship-building efforts designed to increase philanthropic support and advance organizational fundraising priorities.
• Manages donor engagement activities by developing personalized communication strategies, conducting outreach, and implementing stewardship initiatives that strengthen donor relationships and encourage continued giving.
• Designs and executes donor cultivation and stewardship plans through coordinated benefits fulfillment, donor recognition programs, and engagement opportunities that enhance donor satisfaction and long-term commitment.
• Coordinates and implements targeted fundraising communications, including solicitations, donor impact messaging, newsletters, event invitations, and stewardship correspondence, utilizing multiple communication channels to maximize donor engagement.
• Develops and manages donor recognition and acknowledgment programs that ensure timely and meaningful recognition of philanthropic contributions while reinforcing donor impact and organizational mission.
• Collaborates with development leadership, advancement services, ticket operations, marketing, and foundation partners to align donor engagement strategies, fundraising initiatives, and stewardship activities with institutional goals.
• Supports fundraising and donor cultivation efforts by identifying opportunities to deepen donor engagement, increase giving participation, and advance donors through the philanthropic pipeline toward leadership and major gift consideration.
• Coordinates donor cultivation experiences, including special events, hospitality programs, and donor travel opportunities, designed to strengthen relationships with key prospects and existing donors.
• Serves as a liaison with advancement services and gift processing teams to support gift administration, donor benefit valuation, tax receipting, and stewardship reporting processes that ensure compliance and donor satisfaction.
• Maintains accurate donor records, communication histories, and stewardship activities within fundraising systems to support strategic decision-making, donor management, and organizational reporting requirements.
• Represents the organization at donor-facing events, athletics contests, and special engagement opportunities, providing exceptional donor service and stewardship through regular evening and weekend participation.
• Budget accountability.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Self-motivated and results-oriented with a professional demeanor.
• Ability to manage value-added projects and strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions.
• Ability to multitask effectively with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to initiate, lead, and support value-added projects.
• Meticulous attention to detail.
• Knowledge of NCAA, Big 12, and University of Arizona position-related rules and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated organizational skills, including the ability to plan, establish priorities, and successfully manage multiple priorities.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Master's degree.
• Experience in a Power 4 Conference.

1. Describe your knowledge and understanding of NCAA and Big 12 rules and regulations, as they pertain to recruitment and regulations?

2. Please list below any experience you have had since 2015 with high school or college student-athletes. This includes working or volunteering in any capacity with a high school, AAU, sports club, junior college or 4-year institution student-athlete, athletics team or department.

3. Applicants for this position are subject to the following NCAA Bylaws 11.4.2, 11.4.2.1, 11.4.2.2, 11.4.3, 11.4.3.1, 11.4.3.2, 11.4.4, 11.4.4.1, and 11.4.4.2. You may be asked about these Bylaws in an interview, and you may be asked to sign a future affirmation confirming the same prior to or upon your employment by The University of Arizona, if you are selected for employment. Do you understand that by submitting your application for employment, you are affirming that you have read these Bylaws, and that such Bylaws would not preclude your employment by The University of Arizona?

4. Are you the parent, coach, relative or guardian of a prospective student-athlete (i.e., student in 9-12 grade or 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college student) in the sport of men's basketball, women's basketball or football or have any other type of association with any prospective student-athlete in the sports of men's basketball, women's basketball or football? If yes, please explain.

5. Is your potential employment within the athletic department conditioned upon the enrollment of any prospective student-athlete (i.e., student in 9-12 grade, 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college) in the sport of men's basketball, women's basketball or football? If Yes, please explain.

6. Do you understand that failure to disclose any information related to your affiliation with a prospective student-athlete (student in 9-12 grade, 7-12 grade for men's basketball or junior college) in the sports of football, men's basketball, or women's basketball might render your application ineligible for consideration?