Director of Major Gifts, Athletics Development

The Rome Group; Missouri; On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Lindenwood University seeks a Director of Development Athletics to secure private philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities. The role targets donors capable of $25,000+ gifts, including $100,000+ prospects, serving individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, fans, and friends of the university.

The position is collaborative, driving strategic donor engagement and cultivating pipelines to grow philanthropy across athletics and university initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience soliciting major gifts; preferably in athletics or related program.
• Experience with fundraising campaigns and capital campaigns is valued.
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of major donor prospects capable of gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Develop and implement strategies to meet annual and campaign fundraising goals in coordination with leadership.
• Meet with donors via travel, on-campus visits, calls, and virtual meetings; some evenings/weekends.
• Prepare donor proposals, reports, and donor communications tailored to interests.
• Develop strategies to increase major gifts and collaborate with athletics leadership and advancement colleagues.
• Maintain strong partnerships with athletics leadership to identify private support opportunities.
• Stay current on major gifts best practices and philanthropic trends to inform engagement strategies.
• Collaborate on engagement plans for key alumni and donors with stewardship teams.
• Supervise the Assistant Development Officer, Athletics Advancement, and related donor programs.

Skills

Donor engagement

Prospect research

Relationship building

Communication

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Raiser’s Edge

Microsoft Office

Job description

Lindenwood University seeks a Director of Development Athletics to secure private philanthropic support aligned with athletics priorities. The role targets donors capable of $25,000+ gifts, including $100,000+ prospects, serving individuals, alumni, foundations, corporations, fans, and friends of the university.

The position is collaborative, driving strategic donor engagement and cultivating pipelines to grow philanthropy across athletics and university initiatives.