What are the responsibilities and job description for the Chief Development Officer position at NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association)?
About the University of Arizona
Established in 1885 in Tucson, AZ, The University of Arizona (U of A) is the state’s land-grant university. A university built off six core values : Integrity, Compassion, Exploration, Adaptation, Inclusion, and Determination, the U of A has continued to complete the mission to improve how they educate and innovate so that they can lead the way in developing adaptive problem-solvers capable of tackling our greatest challenges. Located on the land and territories of Indigenous peoples, U of A is committed to diversity and inclusion and building sustainable relationships with sovereign Native Nations and Indigenous communities through education offerings, partnerships, and community service. The U of A is home to more than 53,000 students, with a 17 : 1 student-to-faculty ratio, 150 majors, recognized as a Hispanic Serving Institution, ranked in the top 4% in Best Health Services by The Princeton Review, and is ranked as the #1 Public Institution in Arizona.
About U of A Athletics
With over 500 student-athletes participating in U of A’s 22 NCAA Division I varsity sports programs, The U of A’s athletic excellence is rooted in a strong foundation of Wildcat heritage and history that dates back to the early 1900’s. Arizona has finished in the Top 20 of every Director's Cup standings for all-around athletics excellence. Currently competing in the Big 12 Conference, the Wildcats have continued to pursue the Athletic Departments of inspiring the Commitment to an Athlete’s Total Success (C.A.T.S.) by working together to provide opportunities for student-athletes to become academic, athletic and life championships.
Position Overview
The Chief Development Officer (CDO) for Arizona Athletics will lead the department’s comprehensive development strategy, overseeing major gifts, annual giving, and donor engagement initiatives. The CDO will collaborate closely with university advancement leadership to build a robust fundraising program, advancing Arizona Athletics' goals and creating sustainable financial support for the department's long-term success. This role requires a visionary leader who can inspire a culture of philanthropy, foster deep connections with supporters, and grow financial contributions for Arizona Athletics to enhance the student-athlete experience. The CDO will report to the Vice President & Director of Athletics.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership : Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy aligned with Arizona Athletics' mission and priorities. Identify and prioritize key funding opportunities and guide the direction of philanthropic activities.
- Major Gifts & Campaigns : Lead efforts to secure major gifts, overseeing the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual and corporate donors. Develop multi-year capital campaigns and initiatives in partnership with university advancement.
- Donor Engagement & Stewardship : Strengthen relationships with current and potential donors by creating personalized engagement opportunities. Collaborate with athletics and advancement leadership to recognize, steward, and retain donors.
- Annual Giving : Supervise the execution of annual giving campaigns, working to expand the donor base and increase participation among alumni, fans, and other supporters.
- Team Leadership & Development : Proven ability to recruit, develop, manage and hold accountable a high-performing development team. Foster a collaborative, results-driven environment that encourages professional growth and supports department-wide initiatives.
- Collaboration : Work closely with university leadership, staff, coaches, alumni, and external stakeholders to support shared objectives. Collaborate with other development officers across the university to align fundraising efforts and optimize impact.
- Data-Driven Insights : Utilize data analytics to assess donor trends, inform strategy, and improve campaign performance. Track key metrics and report regularly on progress toward fundraising goals.
Qualifications
Application Process
The University of Arizona invites nominations and applications or expressions of interest to be submitted to the search firm assisting the University. Applications must include a cover letter, resume or curriculum vitae, and list of references. For full consideration, application materials should be submitted to Parker Executive Search’s website. Confidential review of materials will begin immediately and continue until the appointment is made.
For additional information, please contact :
Daniel Parker, Vice President and Managing Director
Is this the role you are looking for If so read on for more details, and make sure to apply today.
Grant Higgison, Principal
Xavier Harper, Executive Recruiting Coordinator
ghiggison@parkersearch.com | xharper@parkersearch.com
Parker Executive Search
770-804-1996 ext. 118 | 770-804-1996 ext. 119
It is the policy of the University of Arizona (University) to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information.
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