Director of Engagement, Men's Basketball

Job #:

Location Syracuse, NY

Pay Range: $86,000 - $150,000

Hours: Standard University business hours
8:30am - 5:00pm (academic year)
8:00am - 4:30pm (summer)

Job Type: Full Time

Job Description

The Director of Engagement will serve as the programs primary connector to its extended network of alumni, former student-athletes, and key donors, developing and executing a comprehensive engagement strategy designed to deepen relationships, increase philanthropic participation, and strengthen the long-term foundation of the basketball program while working in close partnership with the athletics development office to align all efforts with annual giving priorities, major gift initiatives, and broader fundraising campaign goals.

A significant component of this role involves the planning and execution of high-quality engagement and fundraising events including game-day hospitality experiences, alumni weekends, golf outings, and donor activations, as well as building and expanding alumni networks across key geographic regions and priority markets to create structured and consistent opportunities for supporters to remain connected to the program.

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in sports management, Communications or Public Relations, Marketing, higher education, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in collegiate athletics, professional sports, or a related environment, including leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of NCAA rules and compliance requirements.
• Experience in program administration, operations management, and coaching.
• Strong organizational, communication, and strategic planning skills.

Skills and Knowledge

• Demonstrated ability to build authentic, trust-based relationships with a diverse portfolio of alumni, former student-athletes, and high-capacity donors, advancing those relationships purposefully over time.
• High-level organizational and project management skills applied to the planning and execution of complex, high-profile fundraising and engagement events, including game-day hospitality, golf outings, alumni weekends, and donor activations.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, including individual player development schedules, team practice support, recruiting activities, and program operations.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and decision making in a fast paced, high visibility environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive alumni and donor engagement strategy that supports fundraising priorities and long-term relationship development.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with former student-athletes, alumni, and key supporters to increase philanthropic involvement.
• Lead the planning and execution of engagement and fundraising events, including game-day hospitality, alumni weekends, golf outings, and donor activations.
• Build and expand alumni networks across key regions, creating structured opportunities for engagement in local markets and priority cities.
• Ensure all engagement and fundraising activities align with institutional, conference, and NCAA guidelines while reinforcing the programs brand and values.

#J-18808-Ljbffr