Director of the Bulldog Club and Sponsorship Programs

Gardner-Webb University is seeking an experienced and highly motivated individual to become the next Director of the Bulldog Club and Sponsorship Programs. Reporting directly to the Vice President for Advancement, the Director will be responsible for increasing Bulldog Club membership and securing philanthropic gifts from the university’s 37,000 alumni, community friends, and corporate partners. The Director will play a crucial role in supporting Gardner-Webb’s student-athletes who compete in 22 NCAA Division-I sports, with key responsibilities including the management of the Bulldog Club Membership program and the development of strategic sponsorship programs.

Primary Responsibilities:

The Director will

• Understand and demonstrate a clear commitment to helping build championship athletic programs at a growth-oriented, private Christian university.
• Design, lead, and implement fundraising strategies that increase support from alumni, parents, faculty/staff, students, and friends of Gardner-Webb.
• Oversee the planning of Bulldog Club events, including home-game receptions and away event tailgates (travel required).
• Facilitate the recruitment and deployment of the Bulldog Club Board.
• Manage the membership structure, including fulfillment of Bulldog Club benefits. Through this process, this director should ensure that membership structure meets industry standards and creates positive results.
• Ensure quality stewardship and communication for members at all levels of giving.
• Partner with local businesses to create win-win sponsorship scenarios that strengthen the Bulldog network.
• Ensure accurate documentation and timely fulfilment of all sponsorship agreements.
• Represent the university positively and professionally as a public ambassador.
• Support the mission and values of the university.
• Fulfill other duties as assigned by the Vice President for Advancement.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree is required
• At least two years of full-time professional experience working in Advancement or a similar profession, with priority given to experience in Athletics.
• Experience working in a results-driven environment and meeting quantitative goals.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Appetite and enthusiasm for high-volume discovery work and cold calls
• Exemplary oral and written communications skills
• Strong organizational skills with a focus for detail

Compensation

• Compensation is commensurate with qualification and experience with bonus potential.

About Gardner-Webb University

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to six professional schools, 14 academic departments, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. GWU Athletics competes at the NCAA Division I level in the Big South Conference (with select sports in the Southern Conference and the Coastal Collegiate Sports Association).

Interested applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references through the main website.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Candidates should complete the application and include a letter of interest, résumé, and names and contact information for at least three professional references with their submission.

Gardner-Webb University (gardner-webb.edu) is a coeducational, residential, private, historically Baptist, Christian institution, located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with easy access to Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville-Spartanburg. The University offers 80 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to approximately 3,000 students. GWU is a Carnegie-classified Doctoral/Professional University. In 2023, Gardner-Webb was home to students from 93 counties in North Carolina, 44 US states, and 43 foreign countries. GWU is a NCAA Division I institution with 22 athletic teams and 460 student-athletes.