Assistant Athletic Director for Development

Assistant Athletic Director for Development

University of Rhode Island Foundation South Kingstown, RI

The University of Rhode Island is on the rise, and philanthropy is accelerating that momentum. With new leadership guiding Rhody Athletics, the University is building a championship-caliber program that competes at the highest level in the Atlantic 10 Conference and Coastal Athletic Association. As URI's national reputation continues to grow, philanthropic investment will be critical to advancing student-athlete success, enhancing facilities, and driving competitive excellence.

The University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) seeks a dynamic, results-oriented leader to serve as its next Assistant Athletics Director for Development.

Reporting to the Associate Athletic Director for Development, with a collaborative reporting relationship to the Vice President and Director of Athletics, the Assistant Athletics Director for Development will help shape and execute the fundraising strategy for Rhody Athletics. The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of 125+ major gift donors and prospects, build meaningful relationships, secure transformational philanthropic investments, and advance the strategic priorities of Rhody Athletics while ensuring compliance with NCAA and conference regulations.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a high-performing fundraiser who is energized by building relationships, closing major gifts, and helping elevate Rhode Island's flagship public research university through the power of philanthropy. Working in close partnership with the Associate Vice President for Unit Development at the URI Foundation, the Vice President and Director of Athletics, and the Chief Business Officer for Rhody Athletics, this leader will play a key role in shaping the future of Rhody Athletics.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in shaping the vision and direction for Athletics fundraising, aligning initiatives with departmental and University goals.
• Partner with coaches and administrators to identify opportunities, set development targets, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy around specific programs.
• Integrate Athletics fundraising into broader University campaigns.

Major Gifts and Fundraising Execution

• Execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that support key priorities including Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, capital improvements and facilities, sport operations, student-athlete scholarships, and emerging initiatives within athletics.
• Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of 125+ identified high-capacity prospects and donors capable of making $50,000+ gifts, guiding them through the full lifecycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop compelling proposals, impact reports, and engagement opportunities that demonstrate the transformative impact of philanthropy on student-athlete success and program excellence.
• Achieve established individual fundraising goals and contribute significantly to the overall fundraising targets established for the Athletics development program.

Collaboration & Engagement

• Serve as a liaison between Athletics, URIF, and advancement colleagues to maximize donor impact.
• Represent Rhody Athletics at donor, alumni, community, and athletics events, including evenings and weekends.
• Ensure compliance with NCAA and conference regulations while maintaining high standards of donor stewardship.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 4-5 years of progressive fundraising experience, with a proven record of securing gifts of $50,000+, including at least three in higher education, college athletics, or professional sports.
• Strong track record in relationship management and closing five and six-figure proposals.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with NCAA coaches, academic leadership, and external stakeholders.

Preferred Education and Experience

• Advanced degree.
• Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, and pipeline development.
• Experience within athletics fundraising and an understanding of NIL resource funding.
• Experience working with corporate partners.
• Experience with Salesforce, Workday, or comparable CRM/ERP systems.
• Knowledge of best practices in donor engagement, pipeline development, and campaign planning.

Salary: $100,000 - $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We remain open to discussion with exceptional candidates.

Join the URI Foundation team! We offer competitive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, generous paid time off, and unparalleled retirement savings programs. Join our team of talented, mission-driven advancement professionals!

We are an equal opportunity employer and provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, making decisions based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic characteristics, or any other characteristic protected by law.