Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development

Fairfield University; Fairfield (CT); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Fairfield University is seeking a dynamic Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development to lead its athletic fundraising program at a pivotal moment in its trajectory. The role partners with University Advancement and Athletics to elevate annual, major, capital, and planned giving while stewarding top donors and aligning priorities with campus leaders.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, the Director oversees staff, collaborates across divisions,

Qualifications

• Seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
• Experience in athletic fundraising or a related area.
• At least three years of staff management experience.
• Experience working within a comprehensive campaign and a complex higher education environment (preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead comprehensive athletic development across annual, major, principal, and planned giving.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Set annual fundraising goals in collaboration with leadership.
• Oversee Athletic Development staff and strategies.
• Collaborate with Coaches and Athletics leadership on program needs.
• Coordinate prospect activity across University Advancement.
• Represent Fairfield University at events with integrity and donor service.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Fundraising expertise

Communication

Team management

Donor relations

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Fairfield University

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools: The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Job Description

Fairfield University is seeking a dynamic, accomplished, and highly motivated Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development to lead its athletic fundraising program at a pivotal and energizing moment for the University. Fairfield is on a strong upward trajectory—growing in national prominence, increasing selectivity, expanding its reach, and building significant momentum academically, institutionally, and athletically. The University’s planned move to the CAA represents an important next step in that trajectory and brings new opportunities to elevate Fairfield’s Division I athletics program, strengthen facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience, expand engagement with alumni, families, and fans, and position its teams for sustained competitive success. Fairfield is seeking a leader who will be energized by this momentum and committed to ensuring that athletic fundraising keeps pace with the University’s ambitions.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, with an adopted-line relationship to the Director of Athletics, the Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development will join an accomplished and highly successful Advancement team and lead comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategies encompassing annual, major, capital, and planned giving. Serving as the lead major and principal gift officer for Athletics, the Director will manage a portfolio of top prospects, build strong partnerships with coaches and University leaders, and inspire philanthropic support for Fairfield’s athletic priorities. The Director will oversee two full-time staff members and a graduate assistant, collaborate across University Advancement to achieve shared goals, and serve on the senior leadership teams of both University Advancement and Athletics.

Education

A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred.

Experience

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience is required, including demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts. Experience in athletic fundraising or a related area, annual giving programs, and at least three years of staff management experience is also required. Experience working within a comprehensive campaign and a complex higher education environment is preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated ability to think strategically, lead effectively, and model successful fundraising practices is required. The position requires excellent verbal, written, listening, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as sound judgment, discretion, integrity, and the ability to work independently and responsibly.

Strong organizational and time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. The Director must be a collaborative and team-oriented leader who coordinates donor and prospect strategies with colleagues across University Advancement, the Director of Athletics, coaches, and other University partners to advance the collective goals of Athletics and University Advancement.

A commitment to learning about Fairfield University, embracing its mission, and becoming an engaged member of both the University and Athletics communities is essential. Familiarity with fundraising databases, moves management, and data-informed fundraising practices is essential.

Supervision of Personnel

Directly supervises the Associate Athletics Director/Associate Director of Athletic Development and the Assistant Director of Athletic Giving and Events and provides oversight to the department’s graduate assistant.

Reports To

Reports to the Vice President for University Advancement, with adopted-line reporting relationship to the Director of Athletics. Works closely with colleagues throughout University Advancement, Athletics' staff, varsity coaches, and campus partners, including Marketing and Communications staff.

Essential Functions

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive athletic development program that integrates annual, major, principal, and planned giving in support of Fairfield Athletics’ facilities, programs, and strategic priorities.

Manage a portfolio of alumni, parents and friends who are major and principal gift prospects and donors, developing and advancing strategies for their identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

Partner with the Vice President for University Advancement and the Director of Athletics to establish annual fundraising goals, identify priorities, develop cases for support, and ensure that athletic fundraising strategies and prospects are aligned with broader University Advancement and campaign objectives.

Maintain and grow annual support for Athletics, including the Friends of Athletics program, while developing strategies to increase support for capital projects and other athletic priorities.

Lead athletic donor engagement, relations, and stewardship activities, including alumni, parent, and friend events designed to strengthen relationships and increase philanthropic participation.

In partnership with the Director of Athletics, provide leadership for the Athletics Advisory Board and other select or sport-specific donor groups, including member engagement, meeting strategy, and ongoing stewardship.

Lead, supervise, and develop the Athletic Development staff. Establish individual and departmental goals, monitor performance, provide coaching and direction, and ensure that the team’s work is coordinated and effective in advancing annual and long-term objectives.

Collaborate with coaches and Athletics leadership to identify programmatic needs and develop effective fundraising and solicitation strategies.

Work closely with colleagues across University Advancement to coordinate prospect activity, share relevant donor information, and contribute to the achievement of the division’s collective goals.

Represent Fairfield University professionally at athletic, academic, alumni, donor, and other University events. Maintain the highest standards of integrity, confidentiality, professionalism, and donor-centered service. Remain current on trends and best practices in athletic development and higher education fundraising through professional development, participation in relevant organizations, and relationships with colleagues at peer institutions.

Ensure that athletic fundraising activities are conducted in accordance with University policies and all applicable athletics, conference, and regulatory requirements. Contribute to the continued growth and effectiveness of University Advancement and Athletics, promote a culture of collaboration and service, and support safe and responsible working practices.

Work Conditions

Ability and willingness to travel is required. Flexibility with weekend and evening hours for special events, athletic events and dinners.

Category

Advancement - Admin

Performs such other duties, responsibilities, and activities as required by supervisor and as departmental/University needs indicate.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a satisfactory background check.

Fairfield University provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.