Major Gifts Officer (National) - Blueprint Sports

FOR MORE INFORMATION: DAN ROSSETTI, ASCENSION SPORTS PARTNERS, dan@ascension-sports.net

POSITION OVERVIEW

Does the opportunity to help be an essential part of developing the future of a young, exciting, and leading-edge company in the tech/athlete endorsement space excite you?

 

If you’re interested in combining your passion for sports and fundraising with a successful track record in development, we want to speak with you!

Responsibilities

  • Build, cultivate, and solicit a database of prospects at the major gift or principal level working closely with each Blueprint Sports University/College partner and their respective Collective
  • Directly interacting with sophisticated donors (both virtually and in-person meetings) by helping them fulfill their passions and interests through their giving to the Collective program
  • Strategize giving and engagement efforts within each University/College leadership and coaching staff(s) for the benefit of fundraising initiatives within the Collective
  • Capitalize on the success and unprecedented excitement for Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to cultivate beneficial relationships with prospective supporters from alumni, parents, and friends of the university through high-touch and mass engagement strategies to increase prospect engagement
  • Set metrics for each school and build a plan to meet such metrics
  • Foster collaborative and open communication with all coaches and teams to identify needs within the Athletics Department
  • Manage the growth strategy, implementation, and evaluation for fundraising efforts
  • Greatly expanding the number of leadership gifts and planned gifts from University/College supporters across the country
  • Create a comprehensive cultivation and solicitation strategy for each donor in the portfolio and execute that strategy
  • Develop unique cultivation and stewardship opportunities and participate in broader donor cultivation events
  • Other duties as necessary

Qualifications, Skills, and Education Requirements

  • Bachelor’s Degree, advanced degree preferred
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of fundraising experience most of which in a higher education setting or transferable field, Collegiate Athletics preferred
  • Proven track record of soliciting and closing gifts in the $50,000 + range.
  • Demonstrated ability to achieve revenue goals.
  • Experience establishing and building strong, long-term partnerships with donors. A proven record of securing visits with prospective donors, and soliciting, closing, and stewarding four and five-figure gifts. The most competitive candidates also will have proven experience converting new donors/prospects into major donors.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, ability to manage multiple tasks and finish projects within deadlines.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure.
  • Demonstrated non-profit development experience is preferred, but other, transferable experience will be considered. Direct work soliciting donors and closing and stewarding major gifts is ideal.
  • Excellent computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office technology (i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint)
  • Strong interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for building strong professional relationships with donors, board members, volunteers, staff, and the general public.
  • The ability to work occasional evening, weekend, and irregular hours and to travel within the state as needed.

More About the Company

Founded in Las Vegas in 2020 and backed by Andre Agassi, eight-time Grand Slam tennis champion, Blueprint Sports (BPS) powers the industry’s leading name, image, and likeness (NIL) collectives for alumni, supporters, and businesses, connecting them with student-athletes at their favorite university. BPS’ national portfolio of collectives support student-athletes in communities across the country, including:  Friends of Spike, around Gonzaga University, Friends of Wilbur & Wilma, around the University of Arizona, Friends of Basevols, around the University of Tennessee, Friends of UNILV, around the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Friends of the Pack, around the University of Nevada-Reno, Friends of Rocky, around The University of Toledo and more. The Blueprint Sports management team possesses over 50 years of college and professional sports experience, spanning the Pac-12 Conference, IMG, Learfield, and Nevada Athletics Commission, among others. For more information visit blueprintsports.com and follow @PoweredByBPS on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: DAN ROSSETTI, ASCENSION SPORTS PARTNERS, dan@ascension-sports.net

Nate Brown

General Manager

Nate Brown is the General Manager of Zags Collective, leading the charge to help amplify the opportunities for the Gonzaga student-athletes through NIL partnerships with local charities, fans and businesses. With over a decade of experience in the professional sports industry and as a former business owner in Spokane, Nate is a seasoned professional who knows what it takes to succeed. Most recently, he served as the National Sales Director for a prominent west-coast real estate company, where he was responsible for driving growth and retention. With a deep understanding of sales and marketing, Nate brings a wealth of knowledge to the table and is always seeking innovative ways to drive revenue and create partnerships.With a passion for ensuring the success of student-athletes both on and off the field, Nate is dedicated to providing the necessary resources to keep Gonzaga competitive on the national stage. He understands the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships with the community and local businesses, and works to maximize opportunities for Gonzaga’s student-athletes. As the son of two Gonzaga alumni, including a father who was a baseball pitcher and also a coach for the school, Nate has a great connection to the university and a passion for ensuring its continued success. Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with family, including his wife Jessica and their 16-year-old daughter Brooklynn and 12-year-old son Marcus. When not working or spending time with family, you can find Nate at any one of the amazing golf courses in Spokane, honing his swing!

Mike Smith

General Manager

Mike Smith joined Micconope 1851 in March 2023 and is excited to be the General Manager and looks forward to working with Blueprint Sports increase NIL revenue generation for Florida State University student-athletes. Smith comes to Micconope 1851 from Catawba College where he held the title as the Senior Director of Athletics, Development. Prior to working in Athletics at Catawba College, Mike served as the Associate Athletics Director for External Relations at Charleston Southern University. Smith has an impressive background in the collegiate athletics industry, having held senior level development and corporate sponsorship sales roles at The University of Southern Mississippi, Limestone University, the Sun Belt Conference, Florida Atlantic University, and with multimedia rights-holders Tele South Communications at the University of Mississippi, Learfield Sports at UNC Chapel Hill, and with International Sports Properties at Georgia Tech. Smith is a graduate of North Carolina State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, and holds a master’s degree in Business Management from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In his new role here at Micconppe 1851, Smith will be responsible for raising major gifts for NIL deals as well as securing NIL corporate sponsorships for Florida State University student-athletes. Mike looks forward to helping ensure the FSU student-athletes have the resources and leadership opportunities to remain competitive nationally and positioned for success well beyond graduation. Mike is married to Katy Smith; the couple looks forward to relocating to Tallahassee, Florida, and becoming a part of the Micconope 1851 and Seminole family!

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