Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development

Overview

The University of Rhode Island is on the rise, and philanthropy is helping to fuel that momentum. Rhody Athletics, under the leadership of a new Vice President and Director of Athletics, is building a championship-caliber program competing in the Atlantic 10 Conference and the Coastal Athletic Association. As the University continues to elevate its national profile, strategic philanthropic investment will play an increasingly important role in advancing student-athlete success, enhancing facilities, and sustaining competitive excellence.

The University of Rhode Island Foundation (URIF) seeks a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as its next Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development (Sr. AD).

The Sr. AD will lead the fundraising and advancement strategy for Rhody Athletics. Reporting to the URIF Associate Vice President for Unit Development, with a supportive reporting line to the Vice President/Director of Athletics, the Sr. AD will oversee a comprehensive advancement program for Rhody Athletics and ensure fundraising goals and priorities are achieved in full compliance with NCAA and conference rules and regulations.

This role represents an exceptional opportunity for a strategic, relationship-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is energized by building partnerships, elevating teams, and securing transformational philanthropic support for Rhode Island’s flagship public research university.

The Sr. AD will work closely with the Vice President of Advancement and Chief Executive Officer of the URI Foundation, the Vice President for Athletics/Director of Athletics and the Chief Business Officer for Rhody Athletics.  The Sr. AD will serve as a senior member of the Athletics leadership team. 

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Provide vision and direction for Athletics fundraising, aligning initiatives with departmental and University goals.

• Partner with the Director of Athletics to identify opportunities, set development targets, and strengthen a culture of philanthropy.

• Integrate Athletics fundraising into broader University campaigns.

Major Gifts and Fundraising Execution

• Lead and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies that support key priorities including student-athlete scholarships, sport operations, capital improvements and facilities, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities, and emerging innovation initiatives within athletics.

• Manage and actively cultivate a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors capable of making $100,000+ gifts, guiding them through the full lifecycle of identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.

• Build strong, lasting relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of the University to increase investment in Rhody Athletics.

• 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.

Team & Program Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing Athletics Development team, providing coaching, clear goals, and professional growth opportunities.

• Oversee comprehensive prospect management, documentation, and performance tracking.

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.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.

• 5–7 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 managing donor pipelines and closing six- and seven-figure gifts.

• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with Division I coaches, academic leadership, and external stakeholders.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree.

• Leadership 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: The anticipated hiring range for this position is $140,000 – $160,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications. We remain open to discussion with exceptional candidates.