Deputy Athletic Director for Development

General Summary of Position:

The Deputy Athletic Director for Development plays a key role in advancing the philanthropic mission of UMass Lowell Athletics. As a joint member of the University Advancement and Athletics teams, the Deputy AD will lead fundraising efforts for the university’s Division I athletic programs. This includes the cultivation and stewardship of donors capable of making major and leadership-level gifts to support athletic scholarships, facility enhancements, and programmatic excellence.

Working closely with the Director of Athletics and Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations and Revenue Strategy and reporting jointly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and the Director of Athletics, the Deputy AD will manage a portfolio of approximately 100+ prospects and donors, and will develop customized engagement strategies that align donor interests with the priorities of the athletic department. The successful candidate will be responsible for securing more than $1M annually over time and will be expected to conduct at least 144 meaningful donor meetings per year.

Essential Job Duties:

Major Gift Fundraising:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 100+ major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to give $25,000 or more.
• Collaborate closely with athletic department leadership, coaches, and staff to understand both team-specific and broader departmental priorities and translate those needs into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for the successful engagement and solicitation of alumni, parents, and friends in support of athletic programs.
• Conduct 10-12 prospect meetings per month for the purpose of identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and prospective donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting college and university fundraising goals.
• Be conversant in planned giving strategies and engage appropriate donors in these discussions.
• Maintain a timely record of donor engagement in CRM and other administrative tasks related to expenses, travel, etc.

General Summary of Position:

The Deputy Athletic Director for Development plays a key role in advancing the philanthropic mission of UMass Lowell Athletics. As a joint member of the University Advancement and Athletics teams, the Deputy AD will lead fundraising efforts for the university’s Division I athletic programs. This includes the cultivation and stewardship of donors capable of making major and leadership-level gifts to support athletic scholarships, facility enhancements, and programmatic excellence.

Working closely with the Director of Athletics and Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations and Revenue Strategy and reporting jointly to the Associate Vice Chancellor for Development and the Director of Athletics, the Deputy AD will manage a portfolio of approximately 100+ prospects and donors, and will develop customized engagement strategies that align donor interests with the priorities of the athletic department. The successful candidate will be responsible for securing more than $1M annually over time and will be expected to conduct at least 144 meaningful donor meetings per year.

Essential Job Duties:

Major Gift Fundraising:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of approximately 100+ major gift prospects and donors with the capacity to give $25,000 or more.
• Collaborate closely with athletic department leadership, coaches, and staff to understand both team-specific and broader departmental priorities and translate those needs into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
• Develop and execute strategic plans for the successful engagement and solicitation of alumni, parents, and friends in support of athletic programs.
• Conduct 10-12 prospect meetings per month for the purpose of identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and prospective donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of meeting college and university fundraising goals.
• Be conversant in planned giving strategies and engage appropriate donors in these discussions.
• Maintain a timely record of donor engagement in CRM and other administrative tasks related to expenses, travel, etc.

Annual Giving and Donor Engagement:

• In partnership with annual giving, develop a comprehensive annual giving strategy for athletics including multi-channel campaigns, solicitation of Chancellor’s Leadership Society donors ($1,000+ annually), and the university’s Days of Giving.
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across Advancement (Development, Alumni Relations, Advancement Services, Donor Relations, and Advancement Communications) to coordinate outreach, events, and donor recognition strategies.
• Assist the Director of Athletics and Deputy Athletic Director for External Operations and Revenue Strategy in recruiting, engaging, and soliciting the Athletics Advisory Board
• Organize and execute high-impact donor engagement opportunities including recognition programs, game-day experiences, and fundraising events.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration by sharing relevant information, offering assistance when needed, and supporting shared goals across the Athletics and Advancement.

University Fundraising and Corporate Partnerships:

• Be fluent in the “menu” of engagement and philanthropic opportunities across the university, including the Schools and Colleges, Graduate School, and Honors College.
• Work in collaboration with university staff to cultivate corporate sponsors and community partnerships that enhance UMass Lowell Athletics, ensuring efforts are aligned with both Athletic and university-wide priorities.

Campus Partnerships:

• Build effective partnerships with colleagues across the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
• Ensure optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
• Promote a collaborative and inclusive campus culture by maintaining a welcoming environment for individuals of all backgrounds and roles.

Other related duties as assigned by the Associate Vice Chancellor.

Promote the University’s commitment to customer service by :

• Building effective partnerships with co-workers throughout the University by freely sharing appropriate information and providing assistance when needed.
• Ensuring optimum service to all internal and external partners in response to all requests for service and information.
• Maintaining an environment that is welcoming to persons of all backgrounds, nationalities, and roles.

Other Job Duties:

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Bachelor’s degree required
  
• Minimum of seven years of experience in sales, recruiting, fundraising, marketing or transferable skills.
  
• Enthusiasm and willingness to make direct requests for donations.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of development practices and principles and a track record of success in managing major gift prospects or customers, as well as, in closing gifts in at least the five and six-figure range.
  
• Attendance at Athletic and Advancement events, which includes nights and weekends. Frequent regional travel and some national travel expected.
  

Additional Considerations:

• High degree of grit and resilience with a positive “can do” attitude.
  
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills across mediums, including video conferencing.
  
• Proficiency with computers and data management.
  
• Strong collaboration and organizational skills, as well as the ability to prioritize effectively.
  
• Willingness and strong ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
  
• Able to handle confidential material responsibly and interact professionally with a wide spectrum of individuals.
  
• Experience in higher education is preferred.
  

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This is a Non-Unit, Professional position, Grade P23.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process.

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