The LGOA serves as the Advancement liaison to the Department of Athletics and works closely with coaches, athletics staff, and volunteer leaders to elevate fundraising strategy, alumni engagement, and philanthropic outcomes. This is a highly relational, externally focused role for a self-starter who thrives on meaningful conversations, collaborative strategy, and tangible results.

Job Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of leadership gift prospects with a primary focus on athletics-related giving. Cultivate and solicit major gifts, planned gifts, and annual gifts aligned with institutional priorities.
• Serve as the primary Advancement liaison to athletics coaches, staff, and volunteer boards to build strong partnerships and donor engagement opportunities. Meet regularly with the Director of Athletics to devise and coordinate athletics fundraising strategies.
• Meet with up to 120 donors/prospects annually, adjusted as appropriate based on event or program responsibilities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement (Annual Giving, Alumni Engagement, and Advancement Services) to execute integrated donor strategies and stewardship plans, with a focus on athletics.
• Support strategic volunteer engagement, including strategy, donor briefings, event participation, and post-engagement follow-up.
• Contribute to the growth of the Legacy Circle by identifying and supporting planned gift conversations.
• Ensure timely and accurate gift documentation, stewardship, and CRM recordkeeping in partnership with Advancement Services.
• Represent Lawrence at events, including athletics events, donor receptions, and regional/national travel assignments.
• Participate in professional development and share best practices with the broader Advancement team.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or additional training in fundraising or higher education advancement is a plus.
• At least 3–5 years of successful fundraising experience, preferably including major or leadership gift work; experience with athletics fundraising strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with planned giving concepts.
• Proven success in building relationships with donors, volunteers, and institutional stakeholders.
• Understanding of liberal arts college environments and the role of athletics within them.
• High emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage complex relationships across constituencies.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Commitment to inclusive workplace practices that support communities of belonging and demonstrated ability to work with individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and to travel extensively to meet with prospects.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and pass required criminal and driving record background checks.

What We Offer:

• A high-impact fundraising role with room for creativity and strategy
• A collaborative Advancement team and a vibrant campus community
• Generous benefits, including:
  • 3 weeks of vacation, plus paid holidays
  • 2 weeks of sick leave
  • Tuition benefits for employees and families
  • 403(b) retirement with strong employer match
  • Health, dental, and vision coverage
  • Paid parental leave
  • Free access to wellness facilities and the campus library

About Lawrence University

Lawrence University is a residential liberal arts college and conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It is a supportive academic community of 1,500 intellectually curious, diverse and multi-interested students from nearly every state and 50 countries—all committed to a rigorous and challenging educational experience. Taught by a faculty of 165 professors (95% of whom have earned a PhD or other terminal degree), Lawrence is devoted to “Engaged Learning” as the most effective way to prepare students for lives of personal fulfillment and professional accomplishment. It is a demanding approach to education for students who demand much of themselves. “Engaged Learning” is what characterizes a Lawrence education and distinguishes Lawrentians. Using this engaging approach to learning, Lawrence helps students develop the abilities that are highly valued by employers as well as graduate and professional schools. Among these are the ability solve problems, communicate effectively, work collaboratively and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Lawrence is located adjacent to downtown Appleton, a vibrant community of 73,000 in which the city and the college benefit from one another.

Connections working at Lawrence University