Assistant Director of Development

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 54,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Missouri seeks an Assistant Director of Development in the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics to secure philanthropic support for Mizzou Athletics through donor identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. You will manage a regional portfolio and serve as a frontline fundraiser, building meaningful donor relationships and advancing prospects through the donor pipeline.

In addition to fundraising, the role supports premium seating initiatives and provides

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2+ years of fundraising, sales, or related field experience.
• Ability to build relationships and meet performance goals.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management: manage a regional portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to support Athletics priorities.
• Conduct regular in-person donor visits and develop strategies to move prospects through the pipeline.
• Solicit support for scholarships, capital projects, and sport-specific priorities.
• Recruit and upgrade donors into the MLC and maintain CRM activity.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Portfolio management

Communication

Relationship building

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM

Job description

Hiring Department

University of Missouri, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Description

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a motivated fundraising professional to serve as Assistant Director of Development within the Mizzou Athletics Fund. Reporting to the Assistant Athletics Director for Development, this position is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Mizzou Athletics through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective supporters. The Assistant Director of Development will manage a regional portfolio of alumni, donors, and prospects while serving as a frontline fundraiser for the department.

The Assistant Director will build meaningful donor relationships, execute strategic fundraising plans, and consistently advance prospects through the donor pipeline. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, this position will assist with premium seating initiatives and provide a high level of customer service and stewardship to Mizzou Leadership Circle (MLC) members and other key Athletics supporters.

The Assistant Director will build meaningful donor relationships, execute strategic fundraising plans, and consistently advance prospects through the donor pipeline. In addition to fundraising responsibilities, this position will assist with premium seating initiatives and provide a high level of customer service and stewardship to Mizzou Leadership Circle (MLC) members and other key Athletics supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management (70%)
  • Manage a regional portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift prospects.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in support of Mizzou Athletics priorities.
  • Conduct regular in-person donor visits and meaningful prospect interactions.
  • Develop individualized strategies to move prospects through the fundraising pipeline.
  • Solicit philanthropic support for scholarships, capital projects, annual giving, endowments, and sport-specific priorities.
  • Recruit, retain, and upgrade donors into the Mizzou Leadership Circle (MLC).
  • Maintain accurate fundraising activity, proposals, donor strategies, and contact reports within the CRM.
• 2. Regional Development, Premium Seating & Collaboration (15%)
  • Serve as the primary development officer for an assigned geographic region.
  • Collaborate with University Advancement and Foundation colleagues on shared prospects and fundraising opportunities.
  • Participate in campaign initiatives and departmental fundraising strategies.
  • Assist with premium seating sales initiatives, including the cultivation and solicitation of prospective premium seating donors, while identifying opportunities to increase philanthropic support.
  • Provide exceptional customer service to Mizzou Leadership Circle members, premium seating holders, and assigned donors by ensuring timely communication, stewardship, and fulfillment of donor benefits.
• 3. Donor Engagement & Stewardship (15%)
  • Represent the Mizzou Athletics Fund at donor events, athletic contests, alumni functions, and community events.
  • Assist with donor cultivation events, Mizzou Leadership Circle programming, and stewardship initiatives.
  • Build meaningful, long-term relationships that encourage continued philanthropic investment in Missouri Athletics.
  • Promote the mission and philanthropic priorities of Missouri Athletics.

Shift

Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and Travel as required.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 2 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• One to three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, collegiate athletics, higher education, or a related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and achieve performance goals.
• Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $53,976.00 - $55,000.00 per year

Grade: GGS 010

University Title: Advancement Officer

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Community Information

Columbia offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. Founded on education and known as an ideal college town, its location also makes it an attractive spot for businesses and travelers. Located on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63, Columbia is right in the middle of the state and the nation. Just a couple hours' drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County's largest population center offering big-city culture, activities, and resources with a low cost of living. Columbia is home to a variety of restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen festivals each year. If you want to grow your career, continue your education, raise a family, and retire, Columbia is a good place to be!

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.