What are the responsibilities and job description for the Associate Athletic Director for Advancement position at Lafayette College?
The Associate Athletic Director for Advancement at Lafayette College is a fundraising partner based in the Advancement division. Reporting to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement, the Associate AD will play a central role in supporting Lafayette’s strategic athletics fundraising priorities— aligning with the Becoming Lafayette strategic plan—and in expanding philanthropic support for the College’s 23-sport Division I Patriot League athletics program.
Working in close partnership with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement, this role will actively support and execute strategies for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and leadership gifts. The Associate AD will play a key role in integrating athletics priorities into campaign planning, collaborating in the areas of donor engagement and communications, and fostering collaboration among coaches, athletics administrators, and central advancement partners. The position is instrumental in driving philanthropic revenue growth to strengthen student-athlete experiences, enhance facilities and scholarships, and advance programmatic excellence—ultimately contributing to Lafayette’s competitive distinction within the Patriot League and beyond.
The role will lead all volunteer management responsibilities, including the Maroon Club Executive Committee, the Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, and all “Friends of” groups that engage alumni, parents, and supporters in advancing Lafayette Athletics.
Serving as the primary advancement liaison for an assigned selection of sport programs, the Associate AD will partner closely with coaches, athletics administration, and central advancement functions to ensure strong alignment across fundraising and engagement efforts.
The Associate Athletic Director is an integral member of both the College’s Advancement team and the Department of Athletics. The position reports to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement, under the leadership of the Associate Vice President for Individual Giving. The Associate AD is accountable for spearheading initiatives focused on athletics major gift fundraising, monitoring and reporting on progress toward goals, and helping to ensure the continued growth of a vibrant culture of philanthropy in support of Lafayette’s scholar-athletes and teams.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects (e.g., gifts of $50,000 and above), developing and implementing individualized strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Partner with Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement and advancement colleagues to align donor opportunity proposals with athletic priorities including athletic scholarships, endowments, coach support, student athlete academic and development programming, and capital/facilities needs.
- Partner with Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement to create annual fundraising plans for each sport with input, approval, and participation from the coaches.
- Secure philanthropic commitments that advance priorities for student-athlete support, facilities, endowments, and programmatic excellence.
- Manage all volunteer activities related to athletics advancement, including the Maroon Club Executive Committee, Hall of Fame Nominating Committee, and sport-specific “Friends of” groups.
- Foster meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to strengthen engagement and philanthropy.
- Serve as the advancement liaison for a selection of sport programs.
- Partner with coaches, athletics leadership, and campus colleagues to ensure alignment of fundraising initiatives with institutional and athletic goals.
- Represent Lafayette Athletics Advancement at events, athletic contests, and donor, alumni, and community gatherings to strengthen visibility and cultivate meaningful relationships.
- Coordinate with coaches and athletics administrators to understand program needs, prioritize initiatives, and develop fundraising prospects and proposals.
- Work with other units in Advancement (e.g., annual giving, alumni relations, corporate relations, development services) to ensure seamless donor experience and efficient use of resources.
- Contribute to the development and execution of short- and long-term strategies that advance athletics fundraising and engagement goals.
- Track progress toward fundraising metrics and ensure timely and accurate reporting of results.
- Uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and donor-centered practice.
- Bachelor’s degree.
- Highly energetic and engaging individual with at least 5 years of fundraising experience or 7 years of related experience with proven track record in related fields (i.e., marketing, sales).
- Demonstrated success in sales or securing major and leadership gifts and in managing a high- performing donor/client portfolio.
- Strong volunteer management experience, with the ability to lead committees and inspire alumni and parent engagement.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking, ability to set and meet ambitious goals, and capacity to manage multiple priorities.
- Familiarity with donor database/CRM tools; comfortable using data to manage donor pipelines and evaluate fundraising effectiveness.
- Understanding of the role of intercollegiate athletics in a liberal arts college setting and
- Ability to travel, including some evenings and weekends, and to attend athletic and advancement events.
- Master’s degree and/or CFRE or equivalent professional credential in advancement.
- Experience in higher education and/or intercollegiate athletics, preferably at the Division I level.
- Knowledge of Patriot League institutions and regional donor landscape.
- Experience with campaign planning and implementation, including capital projects and naming opportunities.
- Prior experience supervising staff.
- Strong understanding of NCAA rules regarding fundraising, donor benefits, and related compliance issues.
Application:
Please provide cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references. https://apply.interfolio.com/176184
Lafayette is deeply committed to creating a diverse community, one that is responsive inclusive and is supportive of each and all of its faculty, students, and staff. All members of the college community share in the responsibility for creating, maintaining, and developing a learning environment in which difference is valued, equity is sought, and inclusiveness is practiced. All lafayette operations reflect the college’s commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (deai) initiatives, and lafayette welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Salary : $50,000
