UMass Amherst Foundation
Director of Development, Athletics
UMass Amherst Foundation, Amherst, Massachusetts, us, 01002
About the UMass Amherst Foundation
Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds to support 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 UMass community by providing a best‑practice resource for fundraising strategy and implementation.
About the role The Director of Development 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 Director of Development is responsible for a comprehensive understanding of campaign fundraising priorities, regularly meeting with prospects and donors (with a focus on face‑to‑face visits), meeting with development colleagues and athletic leaders, preparing briefing materials and gift proposals, attending sporting events and other development focused engagement opportunities.
This position is an exempt, full-time, hybrid role. It is open to employees in select U.S. states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
What you'll do
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 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 the donor cycle (qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward). Document all contacts and moves through the prospect tracking system (Advance).
Collaborate with central advancement functions (planned giving, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations) on major gift proposals.
Create and update strategic donor plans, participate in relationship management teams, and contribute to strategic plans for key donors.
Complete donor briefings and prepare written correspondence for senior leadership regarding assigned prospects.
Participate in key events, committees and other opportunities focused on cultivating relationships with donors, prospects, and internal partners; support advisory councils and manage volunteers as appropriate.
Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and adhere to the policies and procedures for accepting, recording, and acknowledging gifts.
Support the fundraising team, including donor strategy conversations, development officer meetings, professional development activities, and staff meetings.
Track expenses, manage travel logistics, and support the budget process.
Collaborate with faculty and staff partners to support the creation of donor‑centric visions that 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%)
Support the UMAF growth initiatives with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Minimum 5 years of face‑to‑face fundraising experience in higher education or nonprofit, or equivalent experience in a complex organization such as sales, business development, or client/account management.
Willingness to travel 50% of the time, including overnight and occasional weekends.
Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including prospects, donors, executives, and volunteer stakeholders.
Ability to problem‑solve, adapt to change, and manage multiple projects from start to finish.
Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one by 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 are 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.
401(k) plan: 5% employee contribution with a 10% matched contribution.
Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision coverage.
16 weeks of paid parental leave within 1 year of childbirth; an additional 6 weeks for the birthing parent. Part‑time work for full‑time pay during the first 4 weeks post‑parental leave.
Learn more about our benefits.
Proposed Annual Salary Range:
$123,000 - $136,000
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, constituents, and 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 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.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at UMass Amherst Foundation by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
About the role The Director of Development 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 Director of Development is responsible for a comprehensive understanding of campaign fundraising priorities, regularly meeting with prospects and donors (with a focus on face‑to‑face visits), meeting with development colleagues and athletic leaders, preparing briefing materials and gift proposals, attending sporting events and other development focused engagement opportunities.
This position is an exempt, full-time, hybrid role. It is open to employees in select U.S. states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.
What you'll do
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 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 the donor cycle (qualify, engage, cultivate, solicit, steward). Document all contacts and moves through the prospect tracking system (Advance).
Collaborate with central advancement functions (planned giving, principal gifts, corporate and foundation relations) on major gift proposals.
Create and update strategic donor plans, participate in relationship management teams, and contribute to strategic plans for key donors.
Complete donor briefings and prepare written correspondence for senior leadership regarding assigned prospects.
Participate in key events, committees and other opportunities focused on cultivating relationships with donors, prospects, and internal partners; support advisory councils and manage volunteers as appropriate.
Maintain a high degree of confidentiality and adhere to the policies and procedures for accepting, recording, and acknowledging gifts.
Support the fundraising team, including donor strategy conversations, development officer meetings, professional development activities, and staff meetings.
Track expenses, manage travel logistics, and support the budget process.
Collaborate with faculty and staff partners to support the creation of donor‑centric visions that 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%)
Support the UMAF growth initiatives with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
Minimum 5 years of face‑to‑face fundraising experience in higher education or nonprofit, or equivalent experience in a complex organization such as sales, business development, or client/account management.
Willingness to travel 50% of the time, including overnight and occasional weekends.
Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including prospects, donors, executives, and volunteer stakeholders.
Ability to problem‑solve, adapt to change, and manage multiple projects from start to finish.
Valid driver's license or ability to obtain one by 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 are 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.
401(k) plan: 5% employee contribution with a 10% matched contribution.
Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision coverage.
16 weeks of paid parental leave within 1 year of childbirth; an additional 6 weeks for the birthing parent. Part‑time work for full‑time pay during the first 4 weeks post‑parental leave.
Learn more about our benefits.
Proposed Annual Salary Range:
$123,000 - $136,000
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, constituents, and 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 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.
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at UMass Amherst Foundation by 2x.
#J-18808-Ljbffr