Director of Development

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. 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.