SAN JOSE, Calif. – Director of Athletics Jeff Konya announced the hiring of Kevin Buckles and Jennifer Kosai to the One Spartan Nation team, as well as the promotion of Dominic Urrutia to Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts on Monday. Urrutia and Buckles will help build One Spartan Nation membership, while Kosai joins SJSU Sports Properties with Playfly Sports.
"We have added some key hires to our One Spartan Nation team that will help us reach new heights in fundraising and sponsorships," said Konya. "Dominic Urrutia has been instrumental in growing our One Spartan Nation membership and will move to Associate AD for Major Gifts."
"Kevin Buckles brings a ton of energy to our organization, and his professional expertise in the golf industry with cultivating members will prove advantageous for us as we push our unique subscription model and build on our community relationships," said Konya.
"Jen joins us from the San Jose Sharks to serve as the Director of Client Services for SJSU Sports Properties with Playfly Sports," said Konya. "Her relationships with businesses within the San Jose community will help San José State deliver a first-class experience for its partners in an effort to surpass previous sponsorship revenue."
Kevin Buckles, Assistant Athletics Director for Development
- Will specialize in growing memberships to One Spartan Nation and lead premium seating program.
- Served as Assistant General Manager/Director, Sales and Marketing at the San Jose Country Club.
- Previously was with the PGA Tour in Napa/Safeway Open where he was Senior Director of Partnership Sales/Engagement.
- Also was Director, Sponsorship Sales for the PGA Tour in Napa/Fry's.com Open.
- Member, Board of Director's at Bay Area Council (2016-2020).
Jennifer Kosai, Director, Client Services for SJSU Sports Properties
- Focus on sponsorship relationships and leading the fulfillment of partnerships.
- With the San Jose Sharks of the NHL for just under 15 years.
- Started as a Research & Data Coordinator for the Sharks in November of 2008.
- Was promoted to Senior Service Manager, Corporate Partnerships, then eventually to Senior Manager, Brand Activation & Go-to-Market Strategy, Corporate Partnerships.
- Finished her career with the Sharks as Senior Manager, Partnership Marketing.
Dominic Urrutia, Associate Athletics Director for Major Gifts
- Urrutia will drive efforts to increase capital gifts, planned gifts, and leadership giving for Athletics.
- Helped produce a 50 percent increase in One Spartan Nation membership over the last year.
- Urrutia led the charge in raising over $1.5 million in the month of December 2021 for the Spartan Athletics Center and Student-Athlete Endowments.
- He is a double-graduate of San José State, with degrees in Broadcast Journalism (BS, 2013) and Sports Management (MA, 2015).
- Urrutia spent nearly a decade with the media relations office in various roles before moving into Athletics Development in the spring of 2018.
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