Responsibilities:

The Director of Annual Giving, Athletics is responsible for identification, cultivation, solicitation and acknowledgement of all annual donors to SMU Athletics and for overseeing and leading a team that manages the University annual giving efforts supporting the division of Athletics at SMU including, the Mustang Club and the Friend's Program which is the annual giving vehicles for sport specific funding. The position reports to reports to the Director of Operations, Athletics Development.

• Promoting and maintaining consistent annual giving as well as increasing donor levels in the Mustang Club, especially in coordination with The Second Century Campaign effort;
• Maintaining an active donor portfolio;
• Collaborating with Development and External Affairs teams, including the Alumni Giving and Relations staff, the Director of Direct Marketing as well as the Executive Director, to ensure a positive outcome from Athletics Development's annual giving direct marketing initiatives and assuring strategies are aligned with University Development goals;
• Coordinating and managing the annual volunteer team fund drive that focuses on the retention of donors and solicitation of new donors;
• Serving as lead staff person responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the Priority Seating plans for the division;
• Working closely with the Director of Operations, Athletics Development, in managing the Mustang Club Board of Directors;
• Overseeing staff responsible for meeting fundraising goals, coordinating annual giving records-keeping and providing staff support at events.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree with a minimum of five years' work experience is required, preferably in development, annual giving, or on a sales team that includes managing constituent relations. Experience that includes cross-functional/departmental relationship management and leading and managing a team of staff is required.

Direct fundraising experience and/or experience for a professional or collegiate athletics organization is highly desired. Experience that includes management of a large, complex budget is desired.

Marketing experience, especially as it relates to an annual giving drive, is a plus. Experience in a priority seating environment is a plus.

Candidates must demonstrate strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills with the ability to build relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in writing. Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate a team are essential.

Candidates must possess strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret and/or produce quantitative analysis and synthesize information on effectiveness of fundraising initiatives in order to set strategic direction for the team. Must also possess strong organizational skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities. Creative evaluation skills in order to develop and support development initiatives and programs that are productive for SMU Athletics are essential.

Some travel and work hours outside of routine business hours is expected.A working knowledge in Microsoft Office (e.g. Word, Excel) is essential. Familiarity with constituent databases such as PeopleSoft, Blackbaud and Archtics is a plus.

Candidates must provide cover letter for full consideration.

Priority consideration will be given to submissions received by Wednesday, December 2, 2009. Deadline to apply: December 11, 2009. To apply please visit our website, or submit resume and cover letter to: Search Committee, Job ID 1324, P.O. Box 750232, Dallas, TX 75275-0232.