Director of Athletic Development/Senior Associate Director of Athletics

About the Role

Fairfield University is seeking a dynamic, accomplished, and highly motivated Director of Athletic Development/Senior Associate Director of Athletics to lead its athletic fundraising program at a pivotal and energizing moment for the University. Fairfield is on a strong upward trajectory—growing in national prominence, increasing selectivity, expanding its reach, and building significant momentum academically, institutionally, and athletically. The University’s planned move to the CAA represents an important next step in that trajectory and brings new opportunities to elevate Fairfield’s Division I athletics program, strengthen facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience, expand engagement with alumni, families, and fans, and position its teams for sustained competitive success.

The Director will report to the Vice President for University Advancement, with a dotted-line relationship to the Director of Athletics, and join an accomplished and highly successful Advancement team. This role will lead comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategies encompassing annual, major, capital, and planned giving, serving as the lead major and principal gift officer for Athletics.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive athletic development program integrating annual, major, principal, and planned giving in support of Fairfield Athletics’ facilities, programs, and strategic priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of alumni, parents, and friends who are major and principal gift prospects and donors, developing strategies for their identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Director of Athletics to establish annual fundraising goals, identify priorities, develop cases for support, and align athletic fundraising strategies with broader University Advancement and campaign objectives.
• Maintain and grow annual support for Athletics, including the Friends of Athletics program, while developing strategies to increase support for capital projects and other athletic priorities.
• Lead athletic donor engagement, relations, and stewardship activities, including alumni, parent, and friend events designed to strengthen relationships and increase philanthropic participation.
• Provide leadership for the Athletics Advisory Board and other select or sport-specific donor groups, including member engagement, meeting strategy, and ongoing stewardship.
• Supervise, develop, and establish goals for the Athletic Development staff, ensuring coordinated and effective work to advance annual and long-term objectives.
• Collaborate with coaches and Athletics leadership to identify programmatic needs and develop effective fundraising and solicitation strategies.
• Work closely with colleagues across University Advancement to coordinate prospect activity, share relevant donor information, and contribute to the division’s collective goals.
• Represent Fairfield University professionally at athletic, academic, alumni, donor, and other University events while maintaining the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, and donor-centered service.
• Remain current on trends and best practices in athletic development and higher education fundraising through professional development and participation in relevant organizations.
• Ensure athletic fundraising activities comply with University policies and all applicable athletics, conference, and regulatory requirements.
• Contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of University Advancement and Athletics, promoting a culture of collaboration and service.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts.
• Experience in athletic fundraising or a related area, annual giving programs, and at least three years of staff management experience.
• Experience working within a comprehensive campaign and a complex higher education environment is preferred.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, lead effectively, and model successful fundraising practices.
• Excellent verbal, written, listening, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Sound judgment, discretion, integrity, and the ability to work independently and responsibly.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative and team-oriented leadership, coordinating donor and prospect strategies with colleagues across University Advancement, Athletics, and other University partners.
• Commitment to learning about Fairfield University, embracing its mission, and becoming an engaged member of both the University and Athletics communities.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases, moves management, and data-informed fundraising practices.

Supervision

• Directly supervises the Associate Athletics Director/Associate Director of Athletic Development and the Assistant Director of Athletic Giving and Events.
• Provides oversight to the department’s graduate assistant.

Work Conditions

• Ability and willingness to travel is required.
• Flexibility with weekend and evening hours for special events, athletic events, and dinners.
• This position is based on Fairfield University’s campus in Fairfield, Connecticut, and is not eligible for immigration assistance.