Associate Director of Development - East Coast Region

To be considered for this position, a cover letter is required and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter must address your specific interest in the role and outline skills and experience directly related to this position.

About the Role

The Associate Director of Development, East Coast Region, secures major and planned gifts of $100,000+ by managing a portfolio of 200+ prospects and donors in a defined territory (Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and other major markets). This role involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors while collaborating with athletic department leaders, coaches, and development staff in a decentralized environment. Frequent travel is required, as well as regular participation in evening and weekend activities.

Responsibilities

• Aggressively identify, qualify, develop, and manage a portfolio of 200 major gift prospects, focusing on solicitations of $100,000 and above.
• Key Performance Metrics:
  • 200+ visits per year
  • 25 asks per year
  • Three planned gift commitments per year
  • Minimum of $1,000,000 in philanthropic commitments in the first year
• Gather data, assess new prospects, and develop strategies to maximize their lifetime giving potential.
• Manage communication strategies to maintain consistent donor engagement throughout the year.
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Michigan Athletics fundraising priorities and persuasively align donor interests with key programs and projects.
• Partner with University Development and Athletics colleagues to ensure continued execution of the Look to Michigan campaign.
• Collaborate with the U-M development community while representing the Athletic Department's values and its unique role at the University of Michigan.
• Work in consultation with University Development colleagues on strategic sessions focused on donor engagement and growth.
• Develop and maintain an awareness of social, business, and philanthropic cultures, and serve as an expert liaison for the Michigan Athletics community.
• Support 3-5 sports, coaches, and their staff with fundraising plans, initiatives, and efforts.
• Participate in Athletic Development events such as home and away games, on- and off-campus donor activities, and other athletic events.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• Three or more years of development, non-profit, sales, or athletics experience.
• Demonstrated track record of a strong work ethic and productivity in a complex work environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• An entrepreneurial mindset with a drive to meet and exceed annual fundraising goals.
• Positive attitude with strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively in a team setting and build impactful relationships with stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to work within an organizational culture that includes diverse personalities and priorities.
• Ability to manage expectations with both internal and external constituents.
• Open to frequent monthly travel, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, when needed.

Benefits

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, the University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off.
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting.
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability coverage.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Additional Information

Positions eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time for any reason throughout employment.

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.