Director/Senior Director of Development, Athletics

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. 

About the role

The Foundation is recruiting for this role at either the Director or Senior Director level. Final title and level will be determined based on the finalist’s experience and the needs of the organization.

The Director/Senior Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of current and prospective athletic donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, Athletics, the position requires a comprehensive understanding of campaign fundraising priorities; regular face-to-face prospect and donor meetings; close collaboration with development colleagues and athletic leaders; preparation of briefing materials and gift proposals; and active participation in sporting events and development focused engagement opportunities.

_ Location _: This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

What you'll do

Fundraising (80%)

●      Actively manage a portfolio of current and prospective athletic donors capable of making major gifts of $25,000 or more. 

View Full Description

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation. 

About the role

The Foundation is recruiting for this role at either the Director or Senior Director level. Final title and level will be determined based on the finalist’s experience and the needs of the organization.

The Director/Senior Director of Development, Athletics is responsible for building and managing a portfolio of current and prospective athletic donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, Athletics, the position requires a comprehensive understanding of campaign fundraising priorities; regular face-to-face prospect and donor meetings; close collaboration with development colleagues and athletic leaders; preparation of briefing materials and gift proposals; and active participation in sporting events and development focused engagement opportunities.

_ Location _: This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

What you'll do

Fundraising (80%)

●      Actively manage a portfolio of current and prospective athletic donors capable of making major gifts of $25,000 or more. 

●      Meet or exceed annual fundraising goals, which are focused on soliciting major gifts, closing major gifts, conducting personal visits, dollars raised, and growing the proposal pipeline.

●      Ensure continuous progress in moving assigned donors through donor cycle (e.g., qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, and steward). Document all quality contacts and moves management strategies through the use of the prospect tracking system (Advance).

●      Collaborate with central advancement such as planned giving, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations on major gift proposals. 

●      Create and update strategic plans for donors you plan on soliciting. Participate in relationship management teams and contribute to strategic plans associated with key donors.

●      Complete donor briefings and prepare written correspondence for senior leadership associated with your assigned prospects. Prepare the dean, other administrators, or volunteers for development activities.

●      Participate in key events, committees and other opportunities focused on cultivating relationships with donors, prospects, and internal partners; support advisory councils with development-related matters and manage volunteers as appropriate.

●      Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and adhere to the policies and procedures for accepting, recording, and acknowledging gifts.

 

Collaborating (10%)

●      While a majority of time will center around donor management, pipeline development, consistent and personalized stewardship, an effort is required to support the team, and UMAF as a positive team player.

●      Contribute to fundraising team meetings, including donor strategy conversations; and as a positive team member of the UMAF, attend development officer meetings, professional development activities, and other staff meetings as appropriate.

●      In addition to efforts that revolve around fundraising, you will also be expected to track expenses, manage travel logistics, and support the budget process.

●      Collaborate with faculty and staff partners to support the creation of visions that will resonate with donors and lead to securing major and blended gifts, and to develop a deep and evolving understanding of priorities and program initiatives that require philanthropic support.

 

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

●      UMAF is growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

●      Bachelor's degree from an accredited university.

●      Minimum 5 years of prior experience with face-to-face fundraising in higher education or other non-profit organization OR equivalent experience in a complex organization (sales, business development, or account management).

●      Willingness to travel 50% of time, including overnight and occasional weekends.

●      Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including prospects, donors, executives, volunteer stakeholders, etc.

●      Ability to problem solve, adapt to change, and successfully manage multiple projects from start to finish.

●      Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to obtain a driver's license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.

Note: We’re passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close, but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply. 

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range:
Director of Development: $123,000 - $136,000

Senior Director of Development: $145,000 - $160,000

 

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION  

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. View our DEI Statement here 

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

 

OUR VALUES

Connection •  Build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.

Courage •  Show up with integrity, embrace challenges, and lead through uncertainty.

Curiosity •  Commit to learning—for yourself and others—and create a culture where

everyone can thrive.

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org 

 

Apply Now

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