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Santa Clara University · 11 hours ago

Events and Stewardship Manager, Athletics Development

Santa Clara, CA

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$37.31/hr - $44.79/hr

3+ years exp

Santa Clara University is committed to advancing its Athletics Department's fundraising goals, and they are seeking an Events and Stewardship Manager to contribute to their engagement and stewardship strategy. This role involves planning and executing development events, managing constituent engagement, and ensuring accurate data management to support the Athletics Department's initiatives.

EducationHigher EducationUniversities

Responsibilities

Assist with the planning and execution of Athletics Department development events

Develop comprehensive event plans and timelines in collaboration with Athletics’ leadership, coaches, University Relations, and other campus partners to ensure alignment with institutional objectives and brand standards

Manage invitation lists and guest communications, including creating and distributing invitations, tracking RSVPs, and maintaining accurate databases of attendees, sponsors, and VIPs

Coordinate all event logistics, including venue selection and setup, audio/visual needs, parking and transportation, signage, event flow, and day-of schedules

Recruit, hire, train, and supervise volunteers to support the successful execution of Athletics events, ensuring appropriate coverage, clear role assignments, and high-quality customer service throughout event operations

Serve as primary liaison for catering, facilities, and vendor partners, ensuring timely delivery of services, adherence to budget parameters, and a high-quality guest experience

Oversee event setup and teardown, coordinating with facilities, custodial, and operations staff to ensure efficient transitions and proper use of departmental and University resources

Ensure compliance with University policies and risk management standards, including alcohol service, accessibility, and insurance requirements for events

Support Athletics communications and marketing efforts by assisting with event promotion, printed materials, photography coordination, and social media content related to events

Provide on-site event management, serving as the point of contact for staff, vendors, and guests to ensure smooth execution and prompt issue resolution

Assist with post-event follow-up, including thank you correspondence, attendee surveys, and debrief reports to evaluate outcomes and identify areas for improvement

Assist in the execution of constituent engagement and stewardship initiatives that strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, parents, and friends in support of the mission and fundraising priorities of SCU Athletics

Support the implementation of stewardship strategies to recognize, thank, and retain donors through coordinated communications, personalized acknowledgments, impact updates, and recognition events

Collaborate closely with the athletics external relations team, University Relations Annual Giving, and Alumni Relations offices to align outreach efforts, share information, and ensure a consistent and coordinated approach to athletics stewardship and engagement

Serve as a significant point of contact for Athletics Department constituents (phone, office, email etc.) specifically with general inquiries or initial communication

Assist athletics development staff to execute sport-specific engagement opportunities and strategic implementation of fundraising campaigns and outreach efforts

Help track and maintain accurate records of donor and alumni engagement activity, ensuring data integrity and contributing to improved stewardship reporting and donor recognition

Collaborate with the University Relations gift processing team to ensure all athletics pledges and gifts are properly prepared for processing, designated to appropriate gift fund(s), and donor credit is attributed correctly in the university’s donor database

Help maintain accurate records for all Athletics constituents and donors by updating contact details, demographic information, and giving history; submit adjustments and data corrections to ensure all contributions, benefits, and communications are properly attributed and recorded in the university’s donor database

Prepare and submit data request forms to secure constituent lists that support stewardship, outreach, prospecting, and other development team priorities, ensuring requested data is accurately generated through the University Relations service desk

Be aware of and abide by all applicable NCAA and Conference rules and regulations

Qualification

Event planningDatabase managementFundraising experienceMarketing experienceCommunication skillsCustomer serviceWeb designGraphic designFinance experienceTeam collaborationConfidentiality

Required

Bachelor's degree required

Three-five years experience in higher education or nonprofit fundraising, and preferably within Division I intercollegiate athletics

Appreciation of and commitment to further the mission, values, and goals of SCU

Demonstrated strong communication skills – written and verbal

Experience building and maintaining constituent/client relationships

Experience using database management systems and other common office computer applications, including word-processing, spreadsheet, email and browser applications

Capable of working both independently and as a team member, results-oriented, and self-starter

Ability to work effectively with external constituents, particularly donors, alumni, season ticket holders, and corporate sponsors

Ability to work effectively with internal constituents, particularly senior-level staff, coaching staff, student-athletes, and other appropriate University staff

Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously with frequent interruptions