The Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement will be a critical partner in the growth of Lafayette athletics fundraising and engagement at a pivotal time in the College’s history, with a bicentennial anniversary on the horizon in 2026 and as the College moves into a landmark comprehensive campaign. This position will assist the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement to set overall vision and strategy for annual athletic fundraising and engagement for Lafayette’s 23 varsity sports. The position will be responsible for executing annual athletic fundraising initiatives and athletic donor relations events including both the Maroon Club Hall of Fame and the Maroon Club Golf Outing. The Assistant Athletic Director will qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents and friends who are capable of making annual and multi- year unrestricted gifts in support of the Athletics Maroon Club. This position will work with Advancement Communications to help develop athletic fundraising communications.
The Assistant Athletic Director is an integral member of both the College’s Advancement team and the Department of Athletics. The position will report to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement under the leadership of the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving. The Assistant Athletic Director is accountable for spearheading initiatives focused on Athletics annual fundraising and monitoring and reporting on progress toward goals. The candidate will work closely with Advancement fundraisers in Individual Giving, Annual Giving, Parent Philanthropy, the Maroon Club and with key principals in the Department of Athletics including athletics administration, coaches, and volunteers to develop and execute strategies to ensure success in meeting athletics annual fundraising goals.
Primary Responsibilities:
● Assist the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement to develop a comprehensive strategy for the annual solicitation of prospects to benefit the College’s Department of Athletics and specific athletic teams.
● Provide oversight and coordination of event management, newsletters, correspondence, and other communications with volunteers, prospective donors, and existing donors.
● Coordinate and execute athletics annual fundraising efforts as part of the College’s comprehensive campaign.
● Work directly with coaching staff in developing fundraising strategies for our 23 sports programs.
● Focus on annual fund activities for the Maroon Club which includes oversight of print and digital appeals and communication pieces.
● Plan and develop strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of prospective donors.
● Participate as a member of the College’s Advancement team.
● Perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
● Bachelor’s Degree required.
● Highly energetic and engaging individual with at least two years of fundraising experience or three years of related experience (i.e., marketing, sales) within an intercollegiate athletics environment.
● The position requires exceptional organizational and analytical thinking skills, a demonstrated capacity to develop relationships with a diverse community, and the ability to engage and motivate prospects and volunteers.
● Exceptional interpersonal skills necessary for building relationships with external (donors, prospects, Trustees) and internal (faculty, staff, colleagues) constituents.
● Ability to work with a variety of personalities and to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
● Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
● Ability and willingness to travel and manage a complex work schedule (including commitments during the evening, weekends, and holidays).
● High level of energy and enthusiasm combined with a commitment to execute the mission and vision of the College and the department.
● Experience with Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite is essential as well as familiarity with web-based interfaces and fundraising software. Knowledge of and commitment to uphold NCAA and Patriot League rules and regulations are required.
Preferred Qualifications:
● Three or more years of athletic fundraising experience.
● Experience in planning and executing major events.
● Fundraising experience towards a comprehensive, multi-year campaign.
Application Process:
Qualified applicants should submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information for three references http://apply.interfolio.com/141803
Lafayette Athletics, as a partner in the mission of the College, provides an incredibly effective learning experience for student-athletes through competitive NCAA Division I athletics. Lafayette sponsors 23 varsity sports with approximately 580 student-athletes.
Lafayette College is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is inclusive and responsive, and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the College community share a responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All Lafayette operations reflect the College’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, Access, and Inclusion (DEAI) initiatives, and Lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.