Development Associate (Athletics)

About University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation

Established in 2003, the University of Massachusetts Amherst Foundation (UMAF), a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists to raise philanthropic funds in support of the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s mission and highest aspirations. Located on the Amherst campus and wholly dedicated to supporting the University’s mission, UMAF is a separately governed nonprofit organization with its own health, wellness, and retirement benefits. UMAF serves the University of Massachusetts Amherst community by serving as a best practices resource for fundraising strategy and implementation.

About the role

The Development Associate (Athletics) is responsible for leading and implementing a comprehensive Athletics Department Office constituent engagement and stewardship program. The position will also be responsible for several different aspects of fundraising activity including UMass Gives, alumni student-athlete involvement, select sport-specific giving and marketing and communication efforts for the Minutemen Club. This role will be involved with the day-to-day management of partnership with the UMass Amherst Foundation Advancement Services Office.

Location: This is a full-time hybrid position and is open to employees in select US states: Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

What you'll do

Constituent Engagement and Donor Relations/Stewardship

• Design, implement, and coordinate a department-wide comprehensive donor relations and stewardship process that provides recognition of donors at all levels.
• Manage acknowledgement and recognition of current donors to enhance their relationship with the University and increase the likelihood of continued contributions.
• Develop and assesses stewardship policies and procedures across the department, and devises strategies with staff on creative ways to engage and acknowledge donors.
• Implement strategies to engage and connect constituents via unique methods and techniques (i.e., ThankView Platform)

Fundraising

• Manage the coordination of sport specific giving groups annual fundraising while serving as head liaison for multiple teams/head coaches as assigned; including but not limited to identify, cultivation and renewal of annual donors, support of sport-specific communications and alumni reunion event activity.
• Assist on all aspects of UMassGives Campaign, including but not limited to social media strategy, email template creation, graphic element coordination, along with coach and student-athlete communication.

Internal Operations

• Oversee and coordinate all marketing and communication efforts for athletic development, including emails, website, social media and creative design.
• Oversee the athletics day-to-day gift entry and data operation in coordination with UMass Amherst Foundation Advancement Services Office. This includes but is not limited to gift and pledge entry and tracking, biographical updates, matching gifts and payroll deductions. Also provide support with the Paciolan and Advance donor management systems.

Other Duties as Assigned (10%)

• UMAF is building and growing, and this position will support those efforts with other duties and projects as assigned from time to time.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in fundraising, communication, or related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in an advancement role in a combination of at least three of the five relevant areas: fundraising, alumni relations, organizing events, stewarding donors, and communications.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to take initiative and work independently. Strong project and time management skills.
• Proficient in donor management software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Passion for donor-centric philosophies and a commitment to continuous improvement.
• High degree of integrity and emotional intelligence. Ability to demonstrate respect for individuals at every level of an organization.
• Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including prospects, donors, executives, volunteer stakeholders, etc.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel and work evenings and weekends occasionally.
• Ability to travel occasionally.

Note: We’re passionate about building a diverse team. If your experience is close, but not an exact match, please consider applying. Experience comes in many forms, and skills are transferable. We know that diverse teams make better decisions and deliver better results, which is why we’re committed to adding new perspectives and encourage everyone to apply.

BENEFITS

• 20 vacation days, 12 holidays, 12 sick days, 5 personal days, and 2 office closure days.
• 4-day summer work week.
• 401(k) plan. You contribute 5% and receive a 10% match.
• Health insurance packages for medical, dental, and vision.
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave to use within 1 year of childbirth. An additional 6 weeks available for the birthing parent. Part-time work for full-time pay for the first 4 weeks post parental leave.
• Learn more about our benefits.

Proposed Annual Salary Range:
$60,000 - $65,000

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

At the UMass Amherst Foundation, we understand the value that diversity, equity, and inclusion bring to our workplace, our constituents, and our community. View our DEI Statement here

We welcome and value diversity in all its forms and recognize that a diverse and inclusive team strengthens our work and advances our mission. We recognize that the benefits of a diverse team are fully realized when people of all races, gender identities, ages, ethnicities, cultural heritages and nationalities; educational backgrounds; religious and political beliefs; sexual orientations; abilities; and socioeconomic and veteran status are valued, respected, and included at every level. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact careers@uma-foundation.org to request accommodation.

OUR VALUES (S.T.E.W.A.R.D.S)

UMAF is committed to building a team with these shared values:

Service: We focus on the needs of others above ourselves and support our colleagues when they need help.

Trust, Transparency, and Teamwork: We value honesty, trustworthiness, and open communication. Our colleagues can count on us for support.

Excellence: We pursue excellence in all that we do – each time, and learn and grow as a team.

Wellness: Our work culture provides flexibility and empowers individuals.

Accountability: We accept full responsibility for our decisions, actions, and results.

Respect: We respect each other and celebrate our different ideas, strengths, interests, and cultural backgrounds.

Donor-Centric: We find intersections between donor’s experiences and values, and our organization’s priorities and funding needs.

Synergy: We connect, communicate, and collaborate within teams, and across functions to enhance our effectiveness and impact.

Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at careers@uma-foundation.org