Hickory, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Wilmington, North Carolina
Posted: 09-Jun-26
Location: Hickory, North Carolina
Type: Full-time
Sector:
Preferred Education:
Internal Number: 1
This position will maintain a collaborative, dotted-line relationship with the LR Office of Institutional Advancement Office to support coordinated fundraising strategies, donor engagement, and broader university advancement initiatives.
Essential Responsibilities:
-Lead strategic partnerships and revenue development for the athletics department, overseeing corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, fulfillment, and portfolio management, including multi-year agreements, accounts receivable follow-up, and renewals.
-Develop and execute comprehensive strategies to increase athletics revenue through sponsorship sales, advertising, ticketing initiatives, and outside events.
-Cultivate, manage, and expand relationships with corporate partners, businesses, and community organizations to enhance departmental visibility and financial support of LR athletics.
-Collaborate with athletics leadership, marketing, communications, and operations staff to develop and enhance revenue-generating fan engagement initiatives and premium event experiences.
-Identify, solicit, and secure new revenue opportunities through prospecting, networking, and community engagement.
-Ensure all sponsorship and advertising commitments are fulfilled through proof-of-performance deliverables and reporting.
-Consistent communication and relationship stewardship with corporate partners to maintain strong relationships.
-Analyze market trends, sponsorship valuations, and revenue performance metrics to identify opportunities for growth and improve return on investment for athletics partners.
-In collaboration with institutional advancement and Bears Club staff, cultivate and steward philanthropic support for athletics through major gifts, capital campaign commitments, annual giving initiatives, and donor engagement strategies.
-Work in collaboration with external Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) collective to optimize growth potential.
Additional Accountabilities:
-Provide support for Bears Club events, fundraising campaigns, donor engagement, and special projects.
-Commitment to fiscal integrity and budget management.
-Work diligently to encourage and create an atmosphere of sportsmanship, NCAA compliance, professionalism and respect among the staff, coaches and student-athletes within the program
Minimum of four (4) years of athletics management, leadership fundraising and/or sales experience required. Comprehensive understanding of NCAA Division II athletics preferred. Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred. Demonstrated excellence with interpersonal communications (written and oral) skills and ability to work in a fast-paced team environment is necessary. Attention to detail and accuracy; customer service oriented and able to establish and maintain a positive working relationship with staff, coaches, and student-athletes. Must be comfortable working in a team environment. Unwavering commitment to academic integrity, student-athlete welfare, and NCAA compliance.
Establish record of success in the following key administrative functions is preferred: (a) eternal revenue generation, (b) corporate sponsorship sales, (c) major gift fundraising, and (d) sport-specific giving.
This position will require travel and working variable hours, including nights and weekends. Other duties as assigned by department's senior leadership team.