"Assistant Director of Development for Athletics"

Position Purpose

Serving as a development officer for New England College, the Assistant Director of Development for Athletics is charged with implementing a comprehensive development plan to engage and solicit alumni, parents, friends, and corporate partners to achieve the athletics-related fundraising goals for the College. The Assistant Director of Development for Athletics is personally responsible for building an athletics corporate sponsorship program and soliciting and closing major gifts. The position plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of NEC and its students. In this role, the Assistant Director of Development for Athletics works closely with corporations, donors, alumni, and internal stakeholders, utilizing exceptional fundraising and relationship-building skills to drive philanthropic support for NEC's athletics programs and initiatives.

Essential Duties Summary

• Implement a comprehensive development plan to increase philanthropic support for athletics funding priorities established by the President, in partnership with the Vice President of Advancement, the Director of Athletics, the Director of Development, and other campus leaders.
• Identify, engage, qualify, cultivate, and solicit corporate and major gifts, and stewarding major donors to NEC.
• Cultivate community partnerships and create opportunities for sponsorship and individual donor support, by collaborating closely with athletic teams and coaches.
• Identify, solicit, and steward local and regional businesses for corporate sponsorship opportunities supporting athletics. Serve as the primary contact for all corporate and small business sponsorships under $5,000, ensuring proper execution and fulfillment of sponsor benefits. Develop customized sponsorship packages and pricing for banners, printed programs, and event-specific advertising.
• Build, develop, and manage a portfolio of up to 175 athletics major gift prospects, with a goal of having 20 or more prospects in the solicitation phase of the donor cycle at any given time, in collaboration with Prospect Management and Research.
• Annually conduct 125 prospect visits and present 15+ proposals, with an expectation of escalating philanthropic goals. Identify, cultivate, and solicit gifts from individual donors, alumni, corporations, and foundations, maintaining a portfolio of prospects and actively managing relationships.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including donor recognition events, alumni gatherings, and cultivation activities.
• Collaborate with the athletic department and academic units to identify fundraising opportunities, develop cases for support, and ensure alignment with donor interests.
• Utilize donor management software and databases to track and manage donor interactions, gifts, and pledges. Use data and performance metrics to plan and execute strategies; ensure accurate records of activities and prospect management.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues and campus partners in the development of fundraising materials, including brochures, newsletters, and online content, to enhance donor engagement and stewardship. Prepare compelling fundraising proposals, reports, and donor correspondence to effectively communicate the impact of philanthropic investments.
• Responsible for responding to leadership/major gift leads for follow up in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in fundraising, development, or related fields, preferably in a higher education or nonprofit setting.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including donors, alumni, and corporations.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to articulate the mission and goals of NEC to various audiences.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices.
• Understanding of ethical considerations and confidentiality related to donor relations.
• Self-motivated and results-oriented, with a strong commitment to achieving fundraising goals.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Experience in sports marketing, sponsorships, or corporate sales is a plus.

To apply, visit https://nec.peopleadmin.com/postings/5922

New England College prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed or religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, veteran's status or disability in regard to treatment, access to or employment in its programs and activities, in accordance with federal and state laws and regulations. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), individuals with disabilities needing accommodation should contact the ADA Compliance Officer. New England College is committed to providing equal opportunity in all conditions of employment and creating a welcoming and supportive environment that celebrates diversity. If an imbalance is found to exist, the College will make good faith efforts to recruit, hire and promote persons underrepresented in the workplace.