The University of Akron, a NCAA Division 1 (FBS) institution and member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) is seeking candidates for the position of Director of Development-Major Gifts.

The Director, Development-Major Gifts must be a proven fundraiser with excellent leadership skills who appreciates and nurtures an accountable, goal-oriented and values-based work environment. The role will actively build and manage a strategically focused portfolio of major ($25,000+) and principal gift ($1,000,000+) prospects and donors by guiding their cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, while at the same time setting goals to expand the base of major gift prospects.

The Director Development-Major Gifts needs to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships between academic leadership, faculty and staff and donors, alumni, business, and community leaders. They will also help manage the annual fund. The primary focus will be to drive fundraising activity at the major and principal gifts to the University which support Athletics scholarships, programs, facility enhancements and capital projects. This position will work in coordination with the Vice President, Advancement and Assistant Vice President, Principal Giving, among other colleagues in Advancement at the University. This position will be visible in the campus community, at Athletics events, and across the greater Akron community and is expected to work a significant number of events throughout the year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Secure major and principal gifts for the University from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Create long-term plans and goals for the successful operation of the Major Gifts Program for Athletics, while identifying new prospects through sophisticated and nuanced discovery/qualification and working closely with prospect development in Advancement.
• Appropriately acknowledge and steward gifts.
• May manage one part-time staff member with oversight of the annual fund program.
• Management of the Varsity A Association, the athletic department’s former student athlete letter winners program.
• Management of InfoCision Stadium Suites, including solicitation of new business and securing renewals of existing patrons.
• Oversight of department-wide special events designed to solicit or cultivate prospects (i.e. Annual Golf Tournament, Athletic Hall of Fame and Homecoming activities).
• Other duties as assigned.

The University of Akron, a NCAA Division 1 (FBS) institution and member of the Mid-American Conference (MAC) is seeking candidates for the position of Director of Development-Major Gifts.

The Director, Development-Major Gifts must be a proven fundraiser with excellent leadership skills who appreciates and nurtures an accountable, goal-oriented and values-based work environment. The role will actively build and manage a strategically focused portfolio of major ($25,000+) and principal gift ($1,000,000+) prospects and donors by guiding their cultivation, solicitation and stewardship, while at the same time setting goals to expand the base of major gift prospects.

The Director Development-Major Gifts needs to build strong and mutually beneficial relationships between academic leadership, faculty and staff and donors, alumni, business, and community leaders. They will also help manage the annual fund. The primary focus will be to drive fundraising activity at the major and principal gifts to the University which support Athletics scholarships, programs, facility enhancements and capital projects. This position will work in coordination with the Vice President, Advancement and Assistant Vice President, Principal Giving, among other colleagues in Advancement at the University. This position will be visible in the campus community, at Athletics events, and across the greater Akron community and is expected to work a significant number of events throughout the year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Secure major and principal gifts for the University from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Create long-term plans and goals for the successful operation of the Major Gifts Program for Athletics, while identifying new prospects through sophisticated and nuanced discovery/qualification and working closely with prospect development in Advancement.
• Appropriately acknowledge and steward gifts.
• May manage one part-time staff member with oversight of the annual fund program.
• Management of the Varsity A Association, the athletic department’s former student athlete letter winners program.
• Management of InfoCision Stadium Suites, including solicitation of new business and securing renewals of existing patrons.
• Oversight of department-wide special events designed to solicit or cultivate prospects (i.e. Annual Golf Tournament, Athletic Hall of Fame and Homecoming activities).
• Other duties as assigned.

Additional Position Information:

Requirements :

Education: Bachelor's degree.

Experience: A minimum of 4 years of progressively responsible work experience in planned giving or major gifts, as well as developing programs and campaigns and project management directing professional and staff employees. Excellent communications skills and presentation skills, along with the ability to write complex proposals for corporate, foundation, and government grants. Knowledge of fund raising, capital campaigns, and the development of promotional and public relations material.

Application Deadline : Review of applicants will begin on November 03, 2025.

Compensation : The compensation for this position is commensurate with experience.

Application Instructions : To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach a resume, a cover letter, and a list of three professional references to your profile. Please include contact information, including email addresses for your professional references

FLSA Status (exempt/nonexempt):

United States of America (Exempt)

Union Affiliation (if applicable):

For assistance with your application or attachments, please contact the Human Resources representative listed:

Natasha Kuzmina

Email:

nkuzmina@uakron.edu

________________________________________________________________________

Background Check Statement

The University of Akron is committed to providing a safe environment for all students and employees.  The University endeavors to protect the health, welfare and safety of all students, employees and visitors on our campus.  As such, all offers of employment with The University of Akron are contingent upon verification of credentials, and satisfactory completion of a criminal background check. Some positions may require additional credit investigation and a pre-employment driving record search. 

Non-Discrimination Statement

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution. View our Non-Discrimination Statement for more information. Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.

State of Residence Statement

It is the expectation of the University of Akron that all work performed as an employee of the University will be performed in Ohio.

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