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Mattie, Assistant Athletic Director - Annual Giving at University of Nebraska Athletic Department: Advize Career Interview
A lifelong passion for sports and "the competitive edge" led to a unique career blending business acumen and athletic involvement.
A journey through diverse internships shaped their path to becoming an Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving at the University of Nebraska.
This dynamic role involves managing donor portfolios, securing philanthropic gifts, and constantly problem-solving to create engaging donor experiences.
The work requires authenticity, relationship-building, flexibility, and hyper-organization, while offering the reward of connecting student-athletes with donors and fostering collaborative innovation within the industry.
Navigating the challenges of a rapidly changing landscape and a male-dominated field, the individual champions self-advocacy and inclusive leadership.
Their advice to aspiring professionals includes embracing diverse experiences, developing a "startup mentality," and actively working to create a more inclusive environment for women in sports.
This inspiring career journey offers a compelling blend of business strategy, personal fulfillment, and a commitment to positive change within collegiate athletics.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Mattie Fowler Burkhardt
Assistant Athletic Director - Annual Giving
University of Nebraska Athletic Department
University of Nebraska, 2015
MBA, University of Nebraska
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Finance
Sports
Sales and Client Management
Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
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Career Path of an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at Nebraska Athletics
Mattie's career path, while initially focused on corporate finance, was ultimately shaped by a lifelong passion for sports and "the competitive edge," leading to a blend of business acumen and athletic involvement. The journey involved diverse internships in fields like insurance, law, and retail, allowing Mattie to identify passions while discovering what aspects of the business world resonated most.
Main Responsibilities of an Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving at University of Nebraska
Mattie's role as Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving at the University of Nebraska involves "managing a portfolio of donors" and securing philanthropic gifts to fund scholarships and facilities, encompassing sales, marketing, and communications. The work requires constant problem-solving to understand donor motivations and create engaging experiences, with the ultimate goal of supporting student-athletes who "represent our state."
A Day In The Life Of An Assistant Athletic Director Of Annual Giving At Nebraska Athletics
Mattie's role as Assistant Athletic Director of Annual Giving at the University of Nebraska involves a dynamic mix of structured outreach and spontaneous problem-solving, "everything from...extra tickets to...making a first-time Husker game experience good". The position demands long and unusual hours centered around sporting events, a challenge Mattie creatively addresses by integrating family life, noting that "donors love seeing" her child, demonstrating a unique approach to work-life balance within the demanding college athletics industry.
Most Important Skills for an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at Nebraska Athletics
Mattie, an Assistant Athletic Director, emphasizes authenticity and relationship-building as crucial, stating that "it takes time. It takes trust," to cultivate donor and partner relationships. The role also demands flexibility, problem-solving creativity, and hyper-organization to navigate the dynamic college athletic landscape and prioritize strategic planning amidst numerous immediate demands.
Favorite Parts of Being an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at University of Nebraska Athletic Department
Mattie's favorite aspect of being Assistant Athletic Director is the "energy of being around college students and teams," a feeling amplified by connecting student-athletes with donors, allowing them to share "incredible stories" and demonstrate the impact of philanthropy.
Biggest Challenges Faced by an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at Nebraska Athletics
Mattie's biggest challenge as Assistant Athletic Director is navigating the rapidly changing landscape of college athletics, where the "big business element" overshadows the educational and developmental aspects of student-athlete experience. The goal is to shift the narrative back to the vast majority of student-athletes who "are getting an education and they have a passion for the sport," emphasizing their growth and development beyond potential professional careers.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Athletic Development Industry As An Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving
Mattie enjoys the collaborative nature of athletic development fundraising, noting a "free sharing of ideas" among colleagues at different universities because "it's not a competitive industry." This allows for continuous learning and innovation, as Mattie actively seeks external ideas to refine and implement strategies that keep their institution "on the forefront of innovation."
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Sports Industry, According To A Nebraska Athletics Assistant Athletic Director
To thrive in collegiate athletics, a deep passion for sports is essential, as the job demands long hours and extends beyond a typical nine-to-five schedule; however, the ability to embrace new challenges and innovative events, such as the record-breaking "big volleyball day" which saw 92,000 attendees, is key to combating burnout and finding fulfillment in this dynamic field.
What an Assistant Athletic Director Annual Giving at Nebraska Athletics Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Athletics Industry
Mattie, an Assistant Athletic Director, emphasized the importance of self-advocacy, stating that "you have to be willing…to be bold" in pursuing responsibilities and promotions, a crucial lesson in a male-dominated industry. Finding both mentors and sponsors who will actively champion their career advancement is also vital for growth opportunities.
Entry-level Positions for Aspiring Assistant Athletic Directors in Annual Giving
Numerous entry-level positions exist within collegiate athletics, starting with readily available student worker roles across various departments—a "great pipeline" for future employment. A career path might begin with internal operations roles, gradually progressing to external fundraising, where the focus shifts from "asking for money" to building relationships and connecting donors with impactful opportunities.
Significant Career Lesson From An Assistant Athletic Director At University Of Nebraska Athletics
Mattie's most significant career lesson involved learning to amplify the voices of others, a pivotal moment stemming from a coworker's feedback about unintentionally minimizing their contributions in meetings. This experience underscored the importance of fostering trust and creating inclusive environments where everyone feels they belong and their contributions are valued, leading Mattie to consciously elevate less vocal team members.
College Experiences That Helped an Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving at University of Nebraska Athletics Succeed
Mattie's undergraduate experience involved extensive exploration, including multiple major changes and diverse internships, highlighting the value of "giving yourself opportunities" to discover career passions and build connections. A pivotal experience was an entrepreneurship class requiring a complete business plan, emphasizing the "startup mentality" as beneficial for any career path.
How Identity Has Influenced an Assistant Athletic Director at Nebraska Athletics' Career
Mattie's career path has been significantly shaped by being one of few women in predominantly male spaces, leading them to actively work towards creating a more inclusive environment— "pulling up more chairs and pulling more women in the door"— inspired by a former coach's advice and the influential presence of a senior female administrator. This experience, combined with a deep appreciation for the struggles of past female athletes, fuels Mattie's commitment to increasing opportunities and normalizing women's presence in sports administration.
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