Development Officer, Athletics (VPUR)

University of Maryland; College Park (MD); On-site; USD 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland in College Park is seeking a Development Officer to cultivate and solicit individual donors for Maryland Athletics and its priorities. You will work with the Director of Development to engage prospects, discuss needs persuasively, and support major gift activities within metropolitan Washington and beyond.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree and at least two years in fundraising or related fields, with strong storytelling, written and verbal communication skills, and the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Two (2) years of fundraising, annual giving, donor relations, marketing, sales, operations, or customer service experience.
• Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to four (4) years of required education.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and solicit individual donors for Maryland Athletics and initiatives.
• Represent Athletics to internal and external audiences and advance the university's mission.
• Support major gift activities across geographic areas inside/outside the DC metropolitan area.
• Coordinate with university partners to align priorities with donor interests.

Skills

Fundraising principles

Donor cultivation

Donor relations

Storytelling

Interpersonal skills

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM software

Donor database

Job description

Job Description Summary

Organization's Summary Statement: The Department of Athletics at the University of Maryland seeks a dynamic and creative Development Officer to cultivate and solicit individual donors for Maryland Athletics and its initiatives and priorities. Reporting to the Director of Development, the candidate will apply knowledge and understanding of the University of Maryland and Maryland Athletics, its traditions, programs, needs and priorities to the development process. The Development Officer will represent Maryland Athletics to internal and external audiences while working with members of the university community to advance our mission. They will persuasively discuss Athletic Department needs and priorities with prospective donors and volunteers. The Development Officer will be assigned to support the major gift activities of Maryland Athletics and/or programs and geographic areas inside and outside of the metropolitan Washington, DC, area.

Preferences

• Masters Degree Preferred
• Previous development/fundraising experience, ideally within intercollegiate athletics

Physical Demands

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary
• Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds
• Local travel 50% of the time
• Out of State Travel 25% of the time

*This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience: Two (2) years of experience in fundraising, annual giving, donor relations, marketing, sales, operations, or customer service.
• Other: Additional work experience as defined above may be substituted on a year for year basis for up to four (4) years of the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices, particularly annual giving, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies.
• Knowledge of data analysis and reporting methods to track donor engagement, fundraising metrics, and portfolio performance.
• Skill in digital technologies, strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to listen actively and inspire through storytelling.
• Skill in organization with strong attention to detail and commitment to quality outcomes.
• Skill in creative problem-solving, data analysis, and managing multiple priorities to meet deadlines.
• Skill in adaptability and results-oriented problem-solving.
• Ability to remain resilient and optimistic while maintaining high ethical standards.
• Ability to work effectively in teams, engage various individuals, and manage confidential information with discretion.

Additional Job Details

Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter

Best Consideration Date: November 30, 2026

Posting Close Date: NA

Open Until Filled: Yes

We will be hiring two (2) people to this position.

Job Risks

Not Applicable to This Position

Financial Disclosure Required

No For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website .

Department

VPUR-SCU Development

Worker Sub-Type

Staff Regular

Salary Range

$63,064-$75,000

Benefits Summary

For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link .

Background Checks

Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.

Employment Eligibility

The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.

EEO Statement

The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment.

Please read the University's Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.

Resources

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