Athletics Advancement Coordinator

Grand Rapids, MI, US · On-site

About this role

The Athletics Advancement Coordinator facilitates meaningful relationships among athletics alumni, families, fans, community members, and corporate partners of Aquinas College. Reporting to the Director of Athletics Advancement, this position plays a key role in coordinating athletics-related events, supporting college-wide sponsorship activities, and strengthening connections with external constituents.

Working collaboratively with the Director of Alumni and Community Engagement, Aquinas Athletics administration and coaches, Institutional Advancement, and Marketing and Communications, the Coordinator helps create experiences that increase participation, strengthen affinity, enhance visibility, and support specific athletics fundraising and college-wide sponsorship goals.

Primary Responsibilities

Alumni, Family, and Community Engagement

· Support engagement strategies designed to connect alumni, families, fans, and community partners with Aquinas Athletics.

· Help develop and maintain team-specific networks by coordinating alumni and family engagement activities with coaches and identifying opportunities for involvement.

· Coordinate logistics for athletics-related engagement events and volunteer opportunities, including alumni gatherings, family events, Saints Room activities, golf outings, Hall of Fame events, Homecoming activities, and community engagement programs.

· Serve as a welcoming and visible representative of Aquinas Athletics at events and activities.

· Support the integration of Athletics into broader institutional engagement efforts.

Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorship Support

· Assist the Director of Athletics Advancement in identifying and cultivating prospective sponsors and community partners.

· Support the preparation of sponsorship materials, proposals, presentations, and partnership agreements.

· Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment activities, including signage, recognition, hospitality benefits, digital promotions, and game-day activations.

· Maintain regular communication with corporate partners to ensure a positive experience and strong retention.

· Track sponsorship inventory and fulfillment obligations.

Relationship Management and Administration

· Maintain accurate records and reports of engagement activities, sponsorship contacts, event participation, and partnership outcomes.

· Help identify prospective donors, sponsors, and community partners for referral to Athletics and Institutional Advancement leadership.

· Utilize CRM systems and other tools to support relationship management efforts.

Qualifications

· Associates or Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

· One to three years of professional experience or equivalent internships in athletics, event management, alumni and community engagement, sponsorship sales, marketing, communications, fundraising, hospitality, or related fields.

· Demonstrated ability to build positive relationships and provide excellent customer service.

· Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

· Excellent organizational and project management abilities and follow-through.

· Strong verbal and written communication skills.

· Ability to work collaboratively with coaches, alumni, families, volunteers, and business partners.

· Familiarity with CRM systems, event management software, or similar systems.

· Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required.

Aquinas College, an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic and Dominican traditions, provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good.

Aquinas College is recognized as the exceptional Catholic liberal arts college that prepares individuals for careers of leadership and service in developing a sustainable and just global community.  Aquinas College is recognized by its values: Faith, Service, Learning and Community.

Aquinas College prides itself as a leader in sustainability, and this requires the participation of every member of the college community.  In this regard, employees and their supervisors are expected to engage in the process of “appreciative inquiry” to identify ways that each position can advance sustainability in the employment experience.


In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the Aquinas College Service Statement:

The College serves our community with excellence and respect through an institutional commitment to quality, accountability, cooperation, professionalism and responsiveness.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Aquinas College is an equal opportunity employer and an inclusive educational community rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition. Aquinas College provides a liberal arts education with a global perspective, emphasizes career preparation focused on leadership and service to others, and fosters a commitment to lifelong learning dedicated to the pursuit of truth and the common good. Aquinas College values: Faith, Learning, Service and Community.

Aquinas College offers an excellent benefits package that includes affordable medical, dental, and vision plans, generous paid vacation each year as well as paid holidays, paid sick time and short-term disability, and college-paid life and AD&D insurance. Additionally, Aquinas employees and their dependents are eligible for free tuition at Aquinas after one year of full-time employment.

Company at a glance

Big world vision. Small community culture. Aquinas College offers a dynamic four-year academic experience in a welcoming and supportive Catholic environment. Guided by our outstanding faculty and the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia Congregation, students can choose from programs in liberal arts, business, nursing, and teacher education on our beautiful 83-acre campus in Nashville, Tenn

Founded1961
Team Size11-50 employees
WorkspaceOn-site
IndustryHigher Education
Location
East Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

Top Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Paid Vacation
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Sick Time
  • Short-term Disability
  • Life Insurance
  • AD&D Insurance
  • Free Tuition for Employees and Dependents

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