Associate Athletics Director of Development/Director of the Catamount Club

About WCU:

Western Carolina University continues to rank high on Forbes Best Employers lists each year. Including:
2025 - Ranked 1st in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
2024 - Ranking in the top 8.5% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 34 out of the top 400 employers across all industries.
2023 - Ranked in the top 20% on Forbes Americas Best Midsize Employers list, WCU was ranked 97 out of the top 500 employers across all industries.
2022 - Ranked 14th in the top 100 employers in North Carolina in Forbes Americas Best Employers by State list.
Western Carolina University is the UNC systems westernmost campus and has been consistently ranked as one of the top 15 public regional institutions in the South.
Employees of WCU are provided a comprehensive benefits package as well as other resources, policies and programs to ensure a happy and healthy work/life balance. Benefit eligible employees have access to dental, vision and health insurance plans - eligibility begins on the first of the month following date of hire. Retirement plan contributions begin on the eligibility date following election and include employer contributions for either a defined contribution or a defined benefit plan. Optional disability plans are also available.
Eligible employees have access to tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employee may enroll at any of the constituent UNC System campuses. Also offered are free group exercise classes multiple times per week, a discounted membership to the campus recreation center, free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus, pretax flexible spending accounts, 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year. Leave earning employees (staff and 12-month faculty) who work at least half of the working days of their first month of employment will begin accruing vacation and sick leave immediately. Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
WCU offers an abundance of training and development programs, certifications, workshops and conferences - many of which are offered free of charge.

Position Summary:

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

The Associate Athletics Director of Development is responsible for leading comprehensive fundraising initiatives for Western Carolina Universitys athletic support organization, the Catamount Club, in support of the Universitys athletic programs. Reporting to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Development with functional reporting to the Director of Athletics at the main Cullowhee, NC campus, this position serves as a pivotal driver of philanthropic engagement and resource development for intercollegiate athletics.

The incumbent will develop and execute strategic fundraising plans focused on identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects and donors; lead professional staff within the Catamount Club to achieve annual fundraising objectives; and collaborate with University Advancement colleagues to integrate athletic development efforts within the institutions comprehensive fundraising program.

This role requires an accomplished fundraising professional with a demonstrated track record in donor relations, strong leadership and interpersonal skills, and a deep commitment to supporting the mission and values of higher education and collegiate athletics.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Fundraising Expertise & Donor Relations: Extensive knowledge of fundraising methodologies and major gift solicitation; skill in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding donor relationships across all giving levels.
• Strategic Planning & Leadership: Ability to develop comprehensive fundraising strategies and lead professional staff toward ambitious goals; skill in translating organizational objectives into actionable initiatives and fostering team accountability.
• Communication & Relationship Building: Exceptional written and oral communication skills; ability to articulate athletic program mission and impact to diverse audiences; interpersonal competence in building trust and rapport across all organizational levels.
• Organization & Accountability: Strong time management and organizational skills; ability to manage multiple priorities, extensive travel, and flexible scheduling; commitment to ethical conduct and financial integrity in all fundraising activities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required for this position:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Interested candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any other immigration-related assistance.
• Bachelors degree from an accredited institution is required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated successful fundraising experience, including experience with major gift solicitation and donor prospect management.

Preferred Qualifications:

Masters degree is desirable. Understanding of business operations, NCAA rules, and other primary functions of collegiate athletics programs preferred. Background in intercollegiate athletics is a plus.

Position Type:

Permanent Full-Time