Major Gift Officer, Athletics Advancement

Position Overview & Responsibilities Merrimack College seeks a dynamic, relationship‑driven Major Gift Officer to join the Athletics Advancement team. Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, this position will play a critical role in advancing the mission and strategic priorities of Merrimack Athletics through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors and prospects. The Major Gift Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately 100 prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 and above, with a focus on securing leadership‑level philanthropic investments that support student‑athlete success and the long‑term growth of Merrimack Athletics. This individual will work collaboratively with athletics leadership, coaches, and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations colleagues to secure support for capital projects, revenue‑sharing opportunities, student‑athlete development initiatives, annual fund growth, and sport‑specific priorities. The ideal candidate is an energetic fundraiser who thrives in a fast‑paced Division I athletics environment, possesses exceptional relationship‑building skills, and is passionate about connecting alumni, parents, friends, and supporters to the mission of Merrimack College and Merrimack Athletics. Primary Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of approximately 100 major gift prospects and donors, developing meaningful relationships and securing philanthropic investments of $25,000 and above. Develop and execute individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies that successfully move prospects through the donor pipeline. Meet established goals for donor visits, solicitations, proposals submitted, and dollars raised. Lead fundraising efforts supporting key athletics priorities, including capital projects, revenue‑sharing initiatives, student‑athlete development programs, facility enhancements, and annual fund growth. Conduct a high volume of in‑person and virtual meetings with alumni, parents, friends, and supporters of Merrimack Athletics. Utilize prospect research, data analysis, and donor insights to identify philanthropic interests and align giving opportunities with institutional priorities. Identify and qualify new prospects through research, networking, events, referrals, and engagement activities. Partner closely with coaches, athletics administrators, and senior campus leadership to develop and execute fundraising strategies. Collaborate with colleagues in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations on prospect management, donor communications, campaign initiatives, and stewardship efforts. Prepare donor briefings, gift proposals, stewardship reports, correspondence, and fundraising updates. Represent Merrimack Athletics and the College at athletic contests, alumni events, donor functions, and community engagement opportunities. Travel locally, regionally, and nationally to cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors. Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions, proposals, and fundraising activity within the College's CRM system (Slate). Follow all institutional policies and best practices related to fundraising, donor stewardship, and gift documentation. Qualifications Bachelor's degree required. Minimum of three years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, athletics development, sales, business development, or another relationship‑driven field. Demonstrated success securing major gifts, philanthropic investments, or comparable revenue‑generating commitments. Strong understanding of moves management, prospect strategy development, and donor stewardship. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills. Ability to build trust and credibility with alumni, parents, volunteers, coaches, senior administrators, and campus partners. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment. Self‑motivated, goal‑oriented, and capable of working independently while contributing to a collaborative team culture. Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to evolving priorities. Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and donor database/CRM systems; experience with Slate preferred. Willingness and ability to travel frequently and work evenings and weekends as needed. Valid driver's license and insurable driving record required. Prior experience in higher education fundraising and/or Division I athletics fundraising strongly preferred. Knowledge of the changing collegiate athletics landscape, including revenue sharing, NIL, and modern fundraising strategies, is preferred. Demonstrated enthusiasm for Merrimack College's mission and commitment to student‑athlete success. Application Materials Should Include Resume or CV Cover letter stating motivation and interest in the position, citing experience relevant to the qualifications and including experience with, and commitment to, our Catholic Augustinian mission and our values. Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Merrimack College