The Associate Director of Development (ADD) will be tasked with managing a portfolio of prospects and donors with a primary focus on Athletic fundraising and will play an important role in growing the overall development strategy for identifying and qualifying new prospects to optimize philanthropic support for Intercollegiate Athletics. The ADD will use skills as a fundraising professional to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors. Under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships (External Relations) and Athletics Director (Recreation & Athletics), the ADD's primary solicitation focus is securing new and renewing individual and organizational donors as well as corporate partners for gifts at $1,000 + annually for funding priorities established by the Athletic Director. The ADD will also work closely with the Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships team to help develop the prospect pipeline for major gift opportunities at $50,000+ for Intercollegiate Athletics. The ADD executes prospect discovery and fosters collaboration and strategy with colleagues across External Relations, campus administrators and key volunteers, to maximize philanthropic support from donors to UC Merced Athletics.

The ADD will employ various methods in increasing UC Merced's donor base, long term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for the University's fundraising efforts. The ADD must understand operational activities and the ability to assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing events and demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. The ADD focuses about 80% of his/her time on direct fundraising and fundraising outreach activities, including stewardship, and 20% is focused on other activities, including administrative duties, such as planning and coordinating. The Associate Director works to ensure that all aspects of his/her development program are internally consistent, thematically related, and thoroughly coordinated within the Intercollegiate Athletics operation compatible with the policies and priorities of the External Relations Division and University.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilizes moves management to actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to build and maintain a robust pipeline of individual and organizational donors. Plans, schedules and implements fundraising activities to advance the major gift pipelines and maximize private fundraising support for Intercollegiate Athletics. Manages a portfolio of 100-120 prospects and develops strategies to ensure individual goals and monthly activity benchmarks are met. Collaborates with colleagues in philanthropy and strategic partnerships, administration, faculty, and staff to identify funding opportunities, recognize new opportunities for partnership, and pursue other areas ripe for support. Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities. Understand NCAA bylaws, state and federal laws, campus and departmental polices as they relate to fundraising for intercollegiate athletics. Conduct proactive research, prospecting, and networking to grow support base. Oversee the implementation of stewardship related activities including the delivery of benefits and courtesies associated with sponsorships for UC Merced Athletics. In collaboration with other team members, support fundraising and donor recognition events connected to UC Merced Athletics.
• Generates proposals and customized request materials, including sponsorship and membership programs for UC Merced Athletics. Prepares draft of donor correspondence for campus leaders and assist with the development of ancillary materials, including but not limited to: Briefings, status reports, talking points, impact reports, thank you letters, and strategic communications as it relates to fundraising activities.
• Maintains appropriate records, including the timely entry of required items in the constituent database. Track all prospect and donor interactions. Monitor personal progress through the database and tracking of personal metrics.
  
• Attend UC Merced athletic events, community events, and networking opportunities to increase the reach of UC Merced in the community and other priority areas. Will work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related area from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of progressively responsible prospect management with successful development experience or equivalent training/experience.
• Three to five (3-5) years of professional experience in community relations, government relations, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field. (Preferred)
• Prior professional development experience with collegiate or professional athletics. (Preferred)
Valid US Drivers License.