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 Associate Director of Development for the College of Social & Behavioral Sciences (SBS) works to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts as determined by the needs of the SBS development program. This position manages a prospect pool of 100+ individual prospective donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more. The Associate Director works closely with the Chief Development Officer and other SBS development officers to create opportunities for increased philanthropic support from constituents, with primary focus on those managed within the prospect pool.
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
Fundraising (80%)
- Builds and manages an appropriate portfolio of donors capable of making gifts of $25,000 or more to the school. Develops and carries out effective strategies for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift donors while completing a significant number of face-to-face visits, proposals, and other strategic contacts per year. Consistently conducts the donor cultivation work and planning necessary to have a robust pipeline of major gift proposals.
- Works with the Chief Development Officer to feature prospects in meaningful engagements that build stronger relationships with constituencies. Recommends prospects for volunteer positions, including advisory boards, regional engagement and development committees and other opportunities at the university level.
- Provides excellent briefing, follow-up, and other support materials that include prospect strategy, meeting objectives, and next steps, to the dean and other university leaders who meet with assigned prospects. Writes and edits reports, gift agreements and donor proposals.
- Attends on and off campus alumni events and engagements in which assigned prospects are present, and as requested by the Chief Development Officer.
- Promotes university priorities and image to constituents. Maintains current knowledge of institutional priorities. Proactively anticipates and responds to donor inquiries.
- Stewards assigned donors through ongoing communications, recognition activities, invitations to key events, and interaction with beneficiaries of their support. Carefully records donor intentions when securing gifts and processes all appropriate documentation. Works closely with the Advancement Services team to ensure timely updating of record changes. Maintains performance goals and standards for the Associate Director of Development.
Collaborating (10%)
- While a majority of time will center around donor management, pipeline development, consistent and personalized stewardship, an effort is required to support the team, and UMAF as a positive team player.
- Contribute to fundraising team meetings, including donor strategy conversations; and as a positive team member of the UMAF, attend development officer meetings, professional development activities, and other staff meetings as appropriate.
- In addition to efforts that revolve around fundraising, you will also be expected to track expenses, manage travel logistics, and support the budget process.
- Collaborate with faculty and staff partners to support the creation of visions that will resonate with donors and lead to securing major and blended gifts, and to develop a deep and evolving understanding of the priorities and program initiatives that require philanthropic support.
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.
- Minimum of three (3) years of relevant experience in a development program, preferably within an educational institution. Equivalent experience in private sector sales, marketing, financial services, or a related field will be considered.
- Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of philanthropy, particularly in higher education and/or institutionally related foundations.
- Ability to inspire, generate excitement, shared purpose, and action; excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal), while also being a good listener.
- Ability to effectively work and interact respectfully within a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Ability to engage and effectively communicate with diverse audiences, including prospects, donors, executives, volunteer stakeholders, etc.
- Ability to problem solve, adapt to change, and successfully manage multiple projects from start to finish.
- Must have a valid driver's license, the ability to obtain a driver's license, or access to a licensed driver by the employment start date.
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:
$93,000 - $103,000
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.
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 to request accommodation.
OUR VALUES
Connection • Build meaningful relationships rooted in trust, respect, and belonging.
Courage • Show up with integrity, embrace challenges, and lead through uncertainty.
Curiosity • Commit to learning—for yourself and others—and create a culture where everyone can thrive.
Questions regarding the position or anything else related to careers with UMAF may be directed to the People & Culture team at
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