Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations

The Executive Director serves as a strategic partner in overseeing strategy, operations, communications, and donor outreach and stewardship that advance the athletic department's mission, elevate institutional reputation, and deepen engagement with key athletic stakeholders, including alumni, donors, staff and past and present student athletes. This senior-level leader guides a comprehensive strategy for donor solicitation, donor stewardship, event management, and operational excellence for the Cuse Athletics Fund. The position plays a critical role in enhancing the donor experience, managing high-impact cultivation and recognition events, and optimizing internal processes that support the university's comprehensive fundraising efforts for intercollegiate athletics. As a key member of the athletic advancement leadership team, the role will partner with leaders throughout the central Advancement operation and serve as an additional strategy leader for the Champion `Cuse campaign. Education and Experience * Bachelor's degree is required. A master's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred. * Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, or advancement operations. * Demonstrated experience in building and managing comprehensive stewardship programs. * Proven track record of successfully planning and executing high-level events for sophisticated donor audiences. * Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, coaches, and senior administrators. * Experience working with CRM/fundraising databases (Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms). * Valid Driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle is required. * Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules and athletics competitions. Skills and Knowledge * Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct. * Work effectively under pressure and time constraints and ability to work off-hours, including weekends and nights. * Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners. * Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required. Responsibilities * Define the strategic direction for CAF and athletics advancement to ensure alignment with institutional/divisional priorities and fundraising goals. * Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long-range strategy to advance and strengthen communications, donor outreach and donor stewardship. * Lead strategic planning for major, high-profile initiatives, events, and/or recognition programs. Translate athletic department priorities into compelling, high-impact donor activities. * As a member of the CAF leadership team, collaborate with the Senior Vice President, Athletic Director, and other unit leaders on the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, parents, staff and former/ current student athletes. * Lead strategic planning and delivery of communications, marketing, and stewardship initiatives to enhance solicitation, engagement, external voice and public perception. * Build, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with academic and administrative units across the university. * Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability. * Build team capacity to manage complex portfolios independently while maintaining standards of quality and alignment with institutional/divisional goals. * Drive operational improvements across internal and external units. * Identifying and implementing emerging technologies, operational systems, and donor engagement tools that enhance efficiency, personalize experiences, and position CAF at the forefront of modern athletic fundraising. * Serve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and key campus partners on event strategy and impact. * Oversee and manage all aspects of events, stewardship, donor relations and alumni engagement programming. * Serve as primary liaison between CAF and the University & Advancement events team. * Serve as the primary steward for the Legends Society (Syracuse's premier athletic donor recognition society). * Manage the reporting, operations and logistics for the Athletics Orange Council. * Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess event effectiveness and inform continuous improvement. * Other duties as assigned. * Act as the subject matter expert for project management, operational workflows, and advancement services within the department. Physical Requirements Not Applicable Tools/Equipment Not Applicable Application Instructions In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume and cover letter.

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