Philanthropy Officer- Athletics

Description

Job Type

Position Classification Title: Philanthropic Giving Officer- Athletics

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports To: Assistant Vice President of Philanthropic Giving

Salary: $65,000-$115,000 annually, based on experience

About Us:

The New Mexico State University Foundation invites you to apply to join our diverse, dynamic, and welcoming team in Las Cruces, NM. The NMSU Foundation seeks to provide the pinnacle career experience for each member of our team. The Foundation is seeking talented individuals who are passionate about the mission of NMSU and committed to a continual pursuit of excellence. We build strong relationships with alumni, supporters, NMSU partners, and each other, while personifying our core values of integrity, teamwork, stewardship, innovation, and fun.

We offer a highly competitive salary including incentive compensation, an industry-leading benefits package, and a fun and fulfilling work environment. Qualified individuals with a high level of energy who are looking for a work environment that nurtures vision, performance, productivity, superior quality, and unsurpassed integrity are encouraged to apply for this career opportunity.

Job Summary: 

The Athletics Philanthropic Giving Officer is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major and principal gift prospects in support of New Mexico State University’s athletic programs. This role focuses on building strong and lasting relationships with alumni, parents, fans, and friends of Aggie Athletics to secure philanthropic support for scholarships, facilities, programmatic needs, and endowments.

The Officer will work closely with the Foundation’s development team, the Office of Alumni Relations, athletic department leadership, coaches, and university advancement partners to ensure athletic fundraising efforts are fully integrated with broader institutional priorities and alumni engagement strategies. The Athletics Philanthropic Giving Officer will manage a portfolio of major gift prospects, develop individualized engagement strategies, coordinate athletics fundraising initiatives, and serve as a key ambassador for Aggie Athletics to advance the university’s mission and outreach.

Essential Functions: 

• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects with a focus on securing gifts of $25,000 or more through in-person visits, virtual visits, group presentations, phone contacts, and emails.
• Partner with the Athletic Director, coaches, and athletic leadership to identify strategic funding opportunities.
• Work closely with the Office of Alumni Relations to enhance engagement with athletic alumni and align athletic giving with broader alumni outreach strategies. 
• Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies for each prospect to identify philanthropic interests aligned with university priorities.
• Collaborate with NMSUF marketing and communications department to produce marketing materials to support development efforts. 
• Attend athletic events, alumni events, donor functions, and regional gatherings to strengthen relationships with alumni and prospective donors.
• Manage and support organizational budget process. 
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation of all donor interactions, proposals, and gifts in the CRM/database.
• Ensure proper follow-up after gifts are received, including reporting on impact and maintaining long-term donor engagement. 
• Assist in the planning and execution of athletics-focused fundraising campaigns, annual giving initiatives, and donor recognition events.
• Ensure all fundraising activities comply with NCAA regulations, Foundation policies, and university advancement protocols.
• Represent the NMSU Foundation and Aggie Athletics with a high level of professionalism, discretion, and integrity.

Requirements

Minimum Required Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of successful fundraising experience, preferably in athletics, higher education, or alumni relations.
• Demonstrated record of securing major gifts and managing donor relationships.
• Experience working collaboratively with alumni relations offices or alumni engagement programs preferred.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• High level of initiative, creativity, professionalism, and discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary to engage prospects and attend events.
• Deep passion for collegiate athletics, alumni engagement, and philanthropy.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working directly with athletic leadership, coaches, and major gift donors.
• Knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations preferred.
• Background in athletic fundraising programs, alumni engagement, donor societies, or campaign fundraising.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRMs and prospect research tools.