Syracuse University · 4 weeks ago
Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations
Syracuse, NY
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expSyracuse University is a private, international research university with a rich history and diverse offerings. The Executive Director of Operations, Events and Donor Relations will oversee strategy, operations, communications, and donor outreach to enhance the athletic department's mission and deepen engagement with key stakeholders.
ArtEducationHigher EducationUniversities
Responsibilities
Define the strategic direction for CAF and athletics advancement to ensure alignment with institutional/divisional priorities and fundraising goals
Develop and implement a comprehensive annual and long-range strategy to advance and strengthen communications, donor outreach and donor stewardship
Lead strategic planning for major, high-profile initiatives, events, and/or recognition programs. Translate athletic department priorities into compelling, high-impact donor activities
As a member of the CAF leadership team, collaborate with the Senior Vice President, Athletic Director, and other unit leaders on the development and implementation of a comprehensive strategy to guide engagement, volunteer service, communications, and philanthropy key stakeholders, including alumni, donors, parents, staff and former/ current student athletes
Lead strategic planning and delivery of communications, marketing, and stewardship initiatives to enhance solicitation, engagement, external voice and public perception
Build, maintain and strengthen strategic partnerships with academic and administrative units across the university
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professional staff, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability
Build team capacity to manage complex portfolios independently while maintaining standards of quality and alignment with institutional/divisional goals
Drive operational improvements across internal and external units
Identifying and implementing emerging technologies, operational systems, and donor engagement tools that enhance efficiency, personalize experiences, and position CAF at the forefront of modern athletic fundraising
Serve as strategic advisor to senior leadership and key campus partners on event strategy and impact
Oversee and manage all aspects of events, stewardship, donor relations and alumni engagement programming
Serve as primary liaison between CAF and the University & Advancement events team
Serve as the primary steward for the Legends Society (Syracuse’s premier athletic donor recognition society)
Manage the reporting, operations and logistics for the Athletics Orange Council
Establish metrics and evaluation frameworks to assess event effectiveness and inform continuous improvement
Other duties as assigned
Act as the subject matter expert for project management, operational workflows, and advancement services within the department
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree is required
Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, event management, or advancement operations
Demonstrated experience in building and managing comprehensive stewardship programs
Proven track record of successfully planning and executing high-level events for sophisticated donor audiences
Strong project management skills with ability to manage multiple complex initiatives simultaneously
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to interact effectively with donors, volunteers, coaches, and senior administrators
Experience working with CRM/fundraising databases (Salesforce, Blackbaud, or similar platforms)
Valid Driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle is required
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays, as required by event schedules and athletics competitions
Strong verbal and written communications skills, ability to problem solve and lead teams, along with strong work ethic, reliability, and ability to keep confidential information as well as maintain professional code of conduct
Work effectively under pressure and time constraints and ability to work off-hours, including weekends and nights
Well-developed interpersonal skills necessary to build relationships with volunteer leaders and campus partners
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality of event logistics, participants and security planning as required
Preferred
A master's degree and/or equivalent combination of education and experience is preferred
Company
Syracuse University
Syracuse University offers diverse academic programs and student support services.
1001-5000 employees
H1B Sponsorship
Syracuse University has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (50)
2024 (51)
2023 (50)
2022 (32)
2021 (44)
2020 (33)
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$77.65MKey Investors
Micron TechnologyUS Department of EnergyU.S. Department of Agriculture
2024-12-12Grant· $3M
2024-09-17Grant· $1.9M
2022-09-20Grant· $60M
Leadership Team
Sophie Clinton
Co-Founder, Co-Director of the Food Service Accountability Committee
Dara Royer
Chief Marketing Officer / SVP Marketing & Communications Division
Recent News
Central New York Business Journal
2026-01-14
2026-01-12
2025-10-25
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