Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement and working in close partnership with the Vice President for Athletics, the Director of Development is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies for success in securing significant philanthropic support for Merrimack College Athletics.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 150+ high net-worth individuals and corporations, building deep philanthropic relationships and soliciting sponsorships, and major gifts of $25,000 and above.
• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects, successfully moving them through the qualification and cultivation processes to solicitation.
• Develop and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewardship corporate sponsorships.
• Conduct a minimum of 10-12 face-to-face meetings per month.
• Travel locally and nationally to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Engage in Athletics Name, Image, Likeness (NIL) strategic initiatives in accordance with NCAA and conference rules and policies.
• Develop, build and grow an Athletics Board of Advisors, individuals who provide both philanthropic support and strategic advice to the Department of Athletics, coaches, and leadership.
• Partner with Athletics leadership, development colleagues, coaches, trustees, and other volunteers to identify opportunities for prospect engagement within the teams.
• Prepare written briefings and solicitation strategies for senior leadership and coach visits with prospective donors, as well as follow-up documentation and correspondence.
• Prepare proposals for gift solicitations.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to engage and expand the pool of volunteers and prospective donors and coordinate solicitation strategies and campaign activities to increase alumni participation in annual leadership giving.
• Maintain records of activities and engagements in Slate.
• Develop and execute documented stewardship plans for all major gift donors.
• Train, manage and lead a Development Associate in supporting the work of achieving fundraising goals, and building a pipeline of annual leadership support for the Warrior Fund.
• Solicit and drive alumni participation in leadership annual giving.
• Attend advancement events, including Homecoming, Commencement, Reunion, Presidents Cup Golf Tournament and regional/local cultivation events.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in direct frontline fundraising in major and planned gifts, preferably including experience with Athletic fundraising.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, coaches, parents, staff, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish credibility and confidence with stakeholders.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, and the ability to effectively engage with all levels within the college.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with executive-level alumni.
• Ability to work independently and formulate creative strategies and effective moves management for major gifts advancement.
• Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects as needed.
• Strong technology skills including proficiency in Google applications and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change; demonstrate willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and is flexible in changing conditions.
• Extensive experience in the successful solicitation of five- and six-figure gifts working with individuals and families.
• The integrity, intellectual depth, and confidence to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders.
• A deep appreciation for Merrimack’s mission, goals, and culture and the proven ability to create engagement and fundraising strategies tied to the mission and strategic priorities.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to motivate, engage and work with staff, donors, and campus leaders.
• Strong motivation to succeed in a fast-paced and goal-oriented environment. Self starter as well as a team player.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as a representative of Merrimack.
• Evening and weekend work required as needed.
• Must have had a valid unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License for one year, and maintain throughout employment an insurable (as determined by the College’s insurer’s criteria) or a satisfactory driving record.
• Prior fundraising experience in higher education preferred.
• CFRE certification preferred.

Application Materials Should Include:

• Resume
• Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission, our values, and our desire to be a more diverse, equitable and inclusive institution of higher learning.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.