Athletics Development Director - Major Gifts Leader

Lindenwood University; Saint Charles (MO); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindenwood University is seeking a Director of Development Athletics to secure private philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities. The role identifies, qualifies, cultivates, and solicits donors capable of gifts of $25,000 or more, with emphasis on 100,000+.

The successful candidate will collaborate with advancement and athletics leadership to grow donor pipelines and the philanthropic landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience soliciting major donors and gifts.
• Higher education fundraising experience or familiarity with campaigns is preferred.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manages a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more, with focus on 25–100k+.
• Coordinates with senior leaders to develop strategies to meet annual and campaign fundraising goals.
• Meets with donors 25–50% time via travel, on-campus visits, phone, and video conferencing.
• Prepares donor proposals, reports, drafts, and communications tailored to donor interests.
• Develops and executes unit strategies to increase major gift support in partnership with leadership.
• Maintains partnerships with athletics leadership to identify opportunities for private support.
• Keeps expertise in major gifts best practices and innovative giving vehicles; uses insights for engagement.
• Collaborates on strategic engagement plans for alumni and donors.
• Supervises the assistant development officer, athletics advancement, and related donor programs.
• Utilizes Raiser’s Edge to document activities and interactions; participates in advancement meetings.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Donor relationship management

Prospect research

Proposal writing

Gift agreements

Leadership / mentoring

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Job description

Lindenwood University is seeking a Director of Development Athletics to secure private philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities. The role identifies, qualifies, cultivates, and solicits donors capable of gifts of $25,000 or more, with emphasis on 100,000+.

The successful candidate will collaborate with advancement and athletics leadership to grow donor pipelines and the philanthropic landscape.