Athletics Development Student (UI Sport & Rec Management program)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Athletics Development Student (UI Sport & Rec Management program)

Company: University of Iowa Center for Advancement

Location: Iowa City, IA, USA

Job Type: PART_TIME

Category: Development Operations / Fundraising Support

Date Posted: April 20, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is designed for a graduate student to provide crucial support to the Athletics Development team, focusing on prospect management and donor qualification.

• The position involves hands-on experience in annual giving, major gifts, campaign planning, and event logistics within a university athletics context.

• Candidates will leverage CRM systems for data entry, database management, and preparing materials for donor interactions.

• This opportunity offers practical exposure to fundraising strategies and donor relations within a dynamic sports development environment.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the title specifies "Student," the requirements indicate a graduate student pursuing a specific program. This role is positioned as an entry-level development operations support function within a university athletics department, offering foundational experience in fundraising and donor management.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive support to the Athletics Development team, focusing on donor and patron clientele interactions.

• Execute targeted prospect qualification strategies within the Athletics Annual Giving pool through active phone and digital outreach.

• Collaborate with Gift Officers to coordinate personal visits and advance donor relationships.

• Assist in campaign set-up and support for key fundraising initiatives, including the Flight Fund/revenue share, Carver-Hawkeye Arena renovation, and endowed/general scholarship support.

• Facilitate pregame donor/prospect engagement opportunities for Iowa Athletics Administration during Football, Basketball, and Wrestling seasons.

• Contribute to special projects, including prospect identification and qualification for new initiatives.

• Provide event support and logistical assistance for the summer event schedule, ensuring smooth execution.

• Participate in the preparation of the football ticket mailing process, ensuring accurate and timely distribution.

• Accurately enter and manage data within the CRM database system, and extract data for donor meeting preparation.

• Draft and send thank you notes on behalf of the I-Club office to acknowledge donor contributions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of direct donor engagement (qualification, thank you notes) and operational support (data entry, event logistics, campaign setup). This indicates a role that bridges administrative tasks with foundational development activities, providing a well-rounded experience.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Must hold a bachelor's degree.

• Must be currently enrolled and pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Iowa, carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours.

Experience:

• While formal experience isn't explicitly detailed, the role is suited for individuals with 0-2 years of experience, likely gained through academic projects or prior internships.

Required Skills:

• Exceptional accuracy and a keen attention to detail in all tasks, particularly data entry and communication.

• High productivity and a proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Strong written and oral communication skills for effective collaboration with internal colleagues and external constituents.

• Proficiency in prospect management and donor qualification methodologies.

• Familiarity with fundraising principles and campaign support activities.

Preferred Skills:

• Previous experience in a university athletics or development office setting.

• Familiarity with specific CRM platforms commonly used in development (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce).

• Understanding of annual giving strategies and major gift processes.

• Event planning and logistics coordination experience.

• Knowledge of sports revenue share models or facility renovation fundraising.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement to be enrolled in the Sport & Rec Management graduate program strongly suggests that this role is intended to provide direct, practical training and experience within that specific academic discipline, aligning theoretical knowledge with real-world application in sports development.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase examples of data management processes, emphasizing accuracy and efficiency in data entry and retrieval from a CRM or similar system.

• Include documentation or descriptions of processes developed or improved for tasks like event support or mailings, highlighting efficiency gains.

• Demonstrate an understanding of workflow design for prospect qualification or donor communication, potentially through process flow diagrams.

Process Documentation:

• Provide evidence of ability to document standard operating procedures for tasks like data entry, thank you note generation, or event preparation, focusing on clarity and replicability.

• Detail experience or understanding of how to establish and maintain systematic processes for donor outreach and follow-up.

• Illustrate methods for tracking progress and outcomes of development-related activities, such as qualification metrics or event attendance.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal portfolio might not be strictly required for a student role, candidates are strongly advised to prepare examples of work that demonstrate the required skills, especially around data accuracy, process execution, and communication, which can be discussed during the interview or presented if requested.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

• As a part-time student position within a university setting, compensation is typically hourly. Based on student assistant/clerk roles in Iowa City, IA, and considering the graduate student status and specialized program, an estimated hourly range would be between $15.00 - $19.00 per hour.

Benefits:

• Gain valuable hands-on experience in athletics development and fundraising, a significant asset for future career opportunities.

• Opportunity to network with university development professionals, gift officers, and athletic administrators.

• Potential for professional development through exposure to campaign planning, event management, and donor relations.

• Flexible work hours to accommodate graduate studies, averaging 12-20 hours per week.

Working Hours:

• Flexible hours are available between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

• An average of 12-20 hours per week is expected.

• Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for special events.

📝 Enhancement Note: Salary is an estimation based on regional student employment rates for graduate-level positions and the specialized nature of the role. Benefits are primarily experiential and professional development-focused, typical for student positions.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Higher Education / Non-Profit Development / Sports Management. The University of Iowa Center for Advancement (UICA) operates within the non-profit sector, focused on fundraising and alumni engagement for the University of Iowa. This industry context means a strong emphasis on relationship building, donor stewardship, and data-driven outreach.

Company Size: The University of Iowa is a large public research university with extensive operations. The Center for Advancement, as a key fundraising arm, likely comprises a significant team of development professionals, administrators, and support staff dedicated to supporting various university programs, including athletics. This scale offers opportunities for exposure to diverse fundraising strategies and large-scale campaigns.

Founded: The University of Iowa was founded in 1847. The Center for Advancement, as its fundraising entity, has a long history of supporting the institution's growth and development. This historical context implies a stable, established organization with proven development methodologies and a strong donor base.

Team Structure:

• The Athletics Development team is a specialized unit within the broader University of Iowa development structure, focused exclusively on fundraising for athletics programs.

• This team likely includes roles such as Directors of Development, Gift Officers, Annual Giving Specialists, and Campaign Planners, reporting up through senior athletics and university development leadership.

Methodology:

• Data-driven prospect identification and qualification are central to this role, utilizing CRM data to inform outreach strategies.

• A relationship-focused approach to donor stewardship and engagement is paramount, emphasizing personalized communication.

• Campaign planning and execution involve strategic goal setting, targeted outreach, and meticulous logistics management.

• Event management follows a structured process from planning and invitations to on-site execution and post-event follow-up.

Company Website: https://foriowa.org/

📝 Enhancement Note: The context of a large university's development arm means that operations within this role are often governed by established institutional policies and procedures, while also allowing for innovative approaches to donor engagement and campaign strategies specific to athletics.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is an entry-level, part-time student position, best categorized as a "Student Assistant" or "Development Operations Intern" within the broader context of fundraising and development roles. It's an ideal stepping stone for individuals looking to gain foundational experience in non-profit development and sports administration.

Reporting Structure: The student clerk will report directly to a supervisor within the Athletics Development team, likely a Gift Officer or Director of Development. This provides direct mentorship and oversight from experienced professionals in the field.

Operations Impact: The operations managed by this role directly impact the efficiency and effectiveness of the Athletics Development team's fundraising efforts. Accurate data entry, timely prospect qualification, and seamless event support are critical for cultivating donor relationships and achieving campaign goals, ultimately contributing to the financial health and success of University of Iowa athletics.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Development: Deepen understanding of CRM systems, data management, prospect research, donor relations, and event logistics.

• Industry Exposure: Gain practical experience in the competitive field of university athletics development, building a professional network.

• Career Pathing: This role can serve as a stepping stone to internships or entry-level positions in development, fundraising, or sports management, potentially leading to roles like Development Coordinator, Gift Officer Assistant, or Alumni Relations Specialist.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Operations Impact" is framed around the support functions that enable the core fundraising activities. The growth opportunities are geared towards building a foundation for a career in development or sports administration.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is an on-site position within the University of Iowa's athletics department facilities, likely in an office setting shared with other development team members. The environment will be professional and collaborative, geared towards supporting the university's fundraising mission.

Office Location(s): Iowa City, Iowa. The specific office will be located within the University of Iowa campus, most likely in proximity to other athletics administrative offices.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely be a standard office environment with access to necessary office equipment, including computers, phones, and printers.

• Collaboration will be a key aspect, with opportunities to interact with various members of the Athletics Development team and potentially other university departments.

• Access to the CRM database and other relevant development software will be provided.

Work Schedule: The schedule is flexible, designed to accommodate graduate student academic commitments, with hours falling between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on weekdays. The need for some weekend or evening work for special events is noted, requiring adaptability.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site nature emphasizes the importance of in-person collaboration and adherence to university office protocols, which is typical for development roles within educational institutions.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of submitted applications, focusing on academic qualifications and alignment with the UI Sport & Rec Management program.

• First Interview: Typically a conversational session with a hiring manager or HR representative to assess basic qualifications, communication skills, and general interest in the role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their academic background and reasons for pursuing this specific opportunity.

• Second Interview (Potential): May involve meeting with members of the Athletics Development team to discuss specific responsibilities, assess fit with the team's working style, and delve deeper into relevant skills.

• Skills Assessment (Optional): Candidates might be asked to perform a brief task related to data entry, communication, or problem-solving to gauge practical abilities.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio may not be explicitly required, candidates should prepare to discuss relevant academic projects or prior work experiences that demonstrate:
  • Data Management: Examples of accurate data entry, organization, or basic reporting from academic assignments or previous roles.
  • Communication: Samples of written work (e.g., reports, essays) or examples of how they've effectively communicated information verbally.
  • Process Execution: Descriptions of how they've managed tasks or projects, emphasizing organization and attention to detail.
  • Problem-Solving: Instances where they identified an issue and implemented a solution, particularly in an academic or organizational context.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be ready to articulate how your Sport & Rec Management studies have prepared you for the responsibilities of athletics development support.

• Prepare to discuss how you would approach tasks like qualifying a donor prospect over the phone or organizing logistics for a small event.

• Think about how you ensure accuracy and attention to detail in your academic work and how you would apply this to data entry and record-keeping.

📝 Enhancement Note: For student roles, the "portfolio" often translates to discussing relevant academic projects and demonstrating transferable skills. The interview process will likely focus on assessing potential, eagerness to learn, and alignment with the university environment rather than extensive prior professional experience.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CRM Database System: This is the central tool for data entry, prospect tracking, and reporting. Familiarity with CRM principles is essential; specific platform knowledge (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce) is a plus.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Proficiency in Word for thank you notes and reports, Outlook for communication, and Excel for data manipulation and basic analysis is expected.

• Phone Systems: For prospect qualification calls and general communication.

• Email Clients: For professional correspondence with colleagues and constituents.

Analytics & Reporting:

• Basic reporting from the CRM system will be a key function.

CRM & Automation:

• The primary focus will be on data entry and retrieval within the CRM. While direct automation tasks may be limited for this specific role, understanding how data entry impacts downstream processes is beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on the "CRM database system" highlights its critical role in operations. While advanced automation skills aren't listed as requirements, an understanding of how data integrity impacts automated processes is valuable.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Accuracy & Integrity: Upholding the highest standards of data accuracy and ethical conduct in all donor interactions and record-keeping.

• Teamwork & Collaboration: Working effectively with colleagues across the Athletics Development team to achieve shared fundraising goals.

• Service Orientation: Demonstrating a commitment to supporting the team and providing excellent service to donors and constituents.

• Proactive Engagement: Taking initiative in identifying prospects, offering assistance, and contributing to campaign efforts.

• Continuous Learning: Embracing opportunities to learn new development strategies, tools, and best practices within the university setting.

Collaboration Style:

• The team likely operates with a collaborative spirit, where members share information, support each other's efforts, and work collectively towards departmental objectives.

• Communication is expected to be professional, clear, and respectful.

• Feedback, both giving and receiving, is likely encouraged to foster continuous improvement within the team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The values reflect a standard professional environment within a university development office, emphasizing integrity, teamwork, and a commitment to the institution's mission.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• High Volume of Data Entry: Maintaining accuracy and efficiency while processing a significant amount of data can be demanding.

• Balancing Academics and Work: Effectively managing time between graduate studies and part-time work responsibilities.

• Learning New Systems: Quickly adapting to the university's specific CRM and other development tools.

• Donor Qualification Nuances: Developing the skills to effectively engage and qualify prospects over the phone or via digital channels.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Direct Mentorship: Learning from experienced professionals in athletics development.

• Practical Application: Applying theoretical knowledge from the Sport & Rec Management program to real-world fundraising scenarios.

• Networking: Building connections within the university's development and athletics communities.

• Skill Enhancement: Developing expertise in CRM usage, prospect management, and donor relations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are framed around the typical demands of an entry-level support role, while the growth opportunities focus on the unique benefits of working within a university development setting.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to manage a high volume of tasks with a strict deadline. How did you ensure accuracy?" (Focus on organization, prioritization, and attention to detail.)

• "How would you approach qualifying a potential donor over the phone for the first time?" (Emphasize active listening, clear communication, and a professional, engaging tone.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• "Why are you interested in working with the University of Iowa's Athletics Development team, specifically as a graduate student in the Sport & Rec Management program?" (Connect your academic interests and career aspirations to the role.)

• "How do you handle constructive criticism or feedback on your work?" (Showcase an open, learning-oriented attitude.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• If asked about your work, be prepared to discuss academic projects where you:

  • Managed and organized data.
  • Conducted research or analysis.
  • Produced written reports or communications.
  • Collaborated with peers on a project.

• Focus on the process you followed, the tools you used (even if basic, like Excel), and the outcome or lesson learned. Highlight your attention to detail and ability to follow instructions.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview questions will likely assess practical skills, communication abilities, and the candidate's understanding of and enthusiasm for the role within the context of university athletics development.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the recruiting platform.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight any experience with data entry, customer service, communication (written or verbal), or organizational tasks. Emphasize your current graduate student status in the UI Sport & Rec Management program and your bachelor's degree.

• Portfolio Preparation: Gather examples of academic projects or prior work that demonstrate your accuracy, organizational skills, attention to detail, and communication abilities. Be ready to discuss these during an interview.

• Interview Practice: Prepare to answer questions about your motivation for the role, your understanding of development support, and how you manage tasks and deadlines. Practice articulating your skills using specific examples.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement, its mission, and the specific initiatives mentioned in the job description (Flight Fund, Carver-Hawkeye Arena renovation). Understand the importance of athletics development within a university setting.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.