Background: 

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to 53,235 students, more than 11,000 faculty and staff and 350,000+ living alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, three straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC’s momentum has never been stronger. UC’s annual budget stands at $1.85 billion, and its endowment totals nearly $1.8 billion.

About the Department:

The University of Cincinnati Department of Athletics competes at the highest level of intercollegiate athletics with the vision to reach Next Level Success for all 18 varsity teams and more than 500 student-athletes. The teams compete in the NCAA's Division I and the Football Bowl Subdivision as members of the Big 12 Conference.

The Bearcats have a proud athletics history, winning eight national championships and 117 conference titles. The Cincinnati men's basketball team is among the 15 winningest programs all-time, while the football team became the first American Athletic Conference program to compete in the College Football Playoff in 2021. Olympic gold medalist volleyball player Jordan Thompson, NBA Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and Major League Baseball legend Sandy Koufax are among the several luminaries who have competed as Bearcats. 

Under the leadership of Director of Athletics John Cunningham, and supported by more than 150 full-time staff members, UC Athletics' mission is to connect our community, enhance the University and impact the lives of student-athletes as they prepare to change the world on and off the field. 

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly.

Contacting The University of Cincinnati will only delay consideration of your qualifications.

About the UC Foundation:

The University of Cincinnati Foundation, is committed to providing a place where everyone belongs. The UC Foundation cares deeply about those in its community, while also taking care to nurture new relationships. The Foundation dreams big, drives excellence and upholds integrity in their work. The Foundation works to amplify our collective impact by celebrating different perspectives and embracing inclusion. 

The anticipated starting salary range for the Associate Vice President for Development, Athletics role is $175,000 to $200,000 annually. When determining final offer amount the UC Foundation considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, external market data, as well as, market and business considerations when making compensation decisions.

The UC Foundation, understands the importance of providing both a desirable work environment as well as benefits that provide employee’s with peace of mind and work/life balance. They offer a total rewards package inclusive of performance based bonus, as well as, competitive health and wellness benefits, tuition remission, retirement with employer match, paid parental leave, and paid vacation, sick time and holidays, including calendar year-end closing. To learn more, visit our careers page.

The UC Foundation seeks talented, collaborative and mission-focused individuals to join its advancement team in driving philanthropic support for the University of Cincinnati and UC Health. All offers of full-time employment are contingent upon passing a criminal background check and drug test. Positions requiring a degree are also contingent upon education verification. 

Position Summary: 

The Associate Vice President of Development, Athletics, is responsible for being a visionary and highly effective leader who manages the UCATS team, directing assigned fundraising activities for the benefit of the UC Department of Athletics. The Associate Vice President will individually raise high levels of philanthropic donations, and appropriately support multiple institutional and departmental revenue priorities. Activities of the Associate Vice President will be coordinated in a collaborative fashion with other UC Foundation fundraising activities.

Structure: 

The Associate Vice President of Development, Athletics is an exempt (salaried) position employed by the University of Cincinnati Foundation (UCF) and reports to the Vice President of Development, Central Programs.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Prepare the annual fundraising plan, set fundraising goals, and articulate philanthropic priorities for the athletics development team in full partnership with the Vice President for Development, Central Programs and Director of Athletics. These plans and goals should be commensurate with a leading Power 4 Conference athletics fundraising team.

• Recruit, lead, motivate and manage the UCATS development team; establish objectives, set performance standards and productivity metrics, and evaluate performance; provide appropriate levels of training, mentoring and professional development. Assign and direct projects and oversee day-to-day operations of the team.

• Develop and implement effective action plans and achieve success as evidenced by both increased philanthropic support and a deeper flow of prospects in the major and principal gift pipeline.

• Work closely with the Director of Athletics (and other executive leadership team members within the Department of Athletics) to facilitate the long-term visioning of the program, the expansion of the donor pipeline, and support of short-term priorities as appropriate (including NIL efforts and fan engagement).

• Facilitate a comprehensive plan to elevate annual giving efforts while appropriately supporting additional revenue goals of the department (i.e., NIL, and fan engagement).

• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gifts by making cultivation and solicitation visits to alumni, fans, and corporate partners within and outside the Cincinnati region in conjunction with the UC Foundation development program.

• Coordinate with other UC Foundation fundraising endeavors and work collaboratively across colleges and units to support University-wide priorities and interdisciplinary initiatives, as needed.

• Work collaboratively with UC Foundation departments and fundraising specialists (prospect development, gift planning, corporate and foundation relations, and national programs) to enhance fundraising revenue and donor impact.

• Ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and donors, developing and maintaining strong relationships with major donors, stakeholders and partners.

• Engage the support and partnership of athletic and academic community members and facilitate their understanding of the development process.

• Recruit and involve volunteers for department fundraising activities as needed.

• Maintain excellent working relationships with UC Athletics staff and foster a fulfilling culture of excellence within the UCATS team.

• Prepare timely contact reports and ensure the accuracy of monthly reports.

• Participate fully in the UC Foundation prospect and clearance process.

• Other duties, as assigned.

Candidate Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of fundraising experience, or advanced degree with 7+ years of experience. Experience in college athletics preferred.

• Record of successful major gift solicitation and closure ($100K level and above).

• Experience in collegiate athletics fundraising at the Power 4 level and/or executive leadership in collegiate athletics is strongly preferred.

• Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and managing team members.

• Enhanced skills to adapt in rapidly evolving environments and high level of emotional intelligence to thrive in complex institutions.

• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.

• Ability to interact favorably with a diverse group of individuals and to foster strong, productive relationships.

• Willingness to travel and attend evening and weekend activities as needed. Valid driver’s license required for travel.

• A commitment to and passion for the role of development in advancing the mission of the University of Cincinnati.

Physical Demands:

This position is considered to have light work. Exerting up to 20lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up a negligible of force constantly to move objects. This position requires the operation of a motor vehicle. This position also requires:

• Standing

• Walking

• Lifting

• Finger use

• Talking

• Hearing

• Repetitive motion of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, this position is subject to outside environmental conditions and indoor conditions.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and references at www.turnkeyzrg.com

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not exhaustive. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change based on organizational needs and the evolution of Cincinnati Athletics.