Director of Development

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri—Department of Intercollegiate Athletics is seeking a Director of Development to secure philanthropic support for Mizzou Athletics through major gifts and donor stewardship. The role includes managing a regional portfolio, developing fundraising plans, and advancing prospects toward significant investments.

Responsibilities cover major gift activities, collaboration with advancement colleagues, and donor-focused events.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 2 years in fundraising or related field.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management: manage a regional portfolio of major gift prospects and donors; identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making leadership and major philanthropic commitments.
• Regional Development, Premium Seating & Collaboration: serve as the primary development officer for an assigned geographic region; collaborate with University Advancement and Foundation colleagues on shared prospects and principal gift opportunities.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship: represent the Mizzou Athletics Fund at donor events and participate in donor cultivation events and stewardship initiatives; build long-term relationships to encourage philanthropic investments.
• Shift: Monday-Friday 8:00am-5:00pm; Nights, Weekends, and travel as required.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Hiring Department

University of Missouri, Department of Intercollegiate Athletics

Job Description

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

The Director will build meaningful donor relationships, execute strategic fundraising plans, and consistently advance prospects toward significant philanthropic investments. 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 members and other key Athletics supporters.

Key Responsibilities

• 1. Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management (70%)
• Manage a regional portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors capable of making leadership and major philanthropic commitments.
• Conduct regular in-person donor visits and meaningful prospect interactions.
• Develop individualized strategies to move prospects through the fundraising pipeline.
• Solicit gifts supporting 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, and donor strategies 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 principal gift 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

• Three to five years of progressively responsible fundraising, sales, or relationship management experience, preferably in collegiate athletics or higher education.
• Demonstrated success in relationship-based fundraising or sales.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to travel extensively throughout assigned territories and work evenings and weekends as required.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $60,000.00 - $65,000.00 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.