Assistant Athletic Director for Development

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping the vision and direction for Athletics fundraising, aligning initiatives with departmental and University goals.
• Partner with coaches and administrators to identify opportunities, set development targets, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy around specific programs.
• Integrate Athletics fundraising into broader University campaigns.
• Execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that support key priorities including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, capital improvements and facilities, sport operations, student-athlete scholarships, and emerging initiatives within athletics.
• Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 125+ identified high-capacity prospects and donors capable of making $50,000+ gifts, guiding them through the full lifecycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop compelling proposals, impact reports, and engagement opportunities that demonstrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on student-athlete success and program excellence.
• Achieve established individual fundraising goals and contribute significantly to the overall fundraising targets established for the Athletics development program.
• Serve as a liaison between Athletics, URIF, and advancement colleagues to maximize donor impact.
• Represent Rhody Athletics at donor, alumni, community, and athletics events, including evenings and weekends.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations while maintaining high standards of donor stewardship.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and 4-5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a proven record of securing gifts of $50,000+, including at least three in higher education, college athletics, or professional sports.
• Strong track record in relationship management and closing five and six-figure proposals.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with NCAA coaches, academic leadership, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree.
• Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, and pipeline development.
• Experience within athletics fundraising and an understanding of NIL resource funding.
• Experience working with corporate partners.
• Experience with Salesforce, Workday, or comparable CRM/ERP systems.

Pay

$100,000 - $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications.