Assistant Director of Development

The University of Missouri Department of Athletics is seeking a motivated fundraising professional to serve as Assistant Director of Development within the Mizzou Athletics Fund. Reporting to the Assistant Athletics Director for Development, this position is responsible for securing philanthropic support for Mizzou Athletics through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors and prospective supporters. The Assistant Director of Development will manage a regional portfolio of alumni, donors, and prospects while serving as a frontline fundraiser for the department. The Assistant Director will build meaningful donor relationships, execute strategic fundraising plans, and consistently advance prospects through the donor pipeline. 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 (MLC) members and other key Athletics supporters. Key Responsibilities 1. Major Gift Fundraising & Portfolio Management (70%) • Manage a regional portfolio of leadership annual giving and major gift prospects. • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors in support of Mizzou Athletics priorities. • Conduct regular in-person donor visits and meaningful prospect interactions. • Develop individualized strategies to move prospects through the fundraising pipeline. • Solicit philanthropic support for 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, donor strategies, and contact reports 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 fundraising 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. Minimum Qualifications 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 • One to three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, collegiate athletics, higher education, or a related field. • Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and achieve performance goals. • Strong communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.