The Director of Legacy Giving, Athletics will manage a portfolio of 100–125 donors and prospects with major gift capacity, developing meaningful relationships and guiding constituents through every stage of the donor cycle. Through strategic cultivation and personalized engagement, they will secure visits with donors and prospects to identify philanthropic interests and solicit multi-year major gift and estate commitments in support of athletic facilities, endowments, and other departmental priorities. The successful candidate will provide thoughtful stewardship to donors, ensuring they remain connected to the impact of their investments and engaged with the athletic program as well as regularly attend athletic competitions and special events to strengthen relationships with donors, alumni, and other key stakeholders.
In addition to frontline fundraising responsibilities, the Director of Legacy Giving, Athletics will oversee and mentor a part-time staff member by providing ongoing guidance, support, and accountability to ensure performance goals are met. The successful candidate will maintain a high standard of prospect management through accurate and strategic use of CRM systems, and collaborate closely with fellow fundraisers to develop and implement planned giving strategies. They will serve as the athletic department's liaison to the principal giving and planned giving teams within University Relations, fostering cross-campus partnerships that enhance fundraising outcomes. The Director of Legacy Giving, Athletics will remain current on industry trends and best practices through professional development opportunities and share knowledge and insights with colleagues to strengthen the overall effectiveness of the athletic development team.
Preferences:
-Advanced Degree
-Proven success securing multi-year major gift commitments as well as estate gifts, ideally within intercollegiate athletics
Physical Demands:
-Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
-Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary
-Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds
-Local travel 50% of the time
-Out of State Travel 25% of the time
Licenses/ Certifications: N/A
*This position does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future. Candidates must be able to provide proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA.Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Six (6) years of professional development, fundraising or external relations experience.
Other: The position may or may not involve supervisory responsibilities.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
Skill in problem solving and strategic planning.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
Ability to develop and administer new policies and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators required.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and strong adherence to deadlines required.
Required Application Materials: Resume and Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date: July 30, 2026
Posting Close Date: NA
Open Until Filled: Yes
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regarding disclosable background check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment EligibilityThe successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO StatementThe University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
- Six (6) years of professional development, fundraising, or external relations experience.
- Proven success securing multi-year major gift commitments and estate gifts (preferably within intercollegiate athletics).
- Advanced degree.
- Skill in problem solving and strategic planning.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
- Experience with CRM/prospect management systems and accurate prospect management.
- Ability to develop and administer policies and procedures.
- Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
- Ability to interact with donors and senior-level executives and administrators.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks with strong adherence to deadlines.
- Regular attendance at athletic competitions and special events; ability to work some evenings and weekends.
- Local travel approximately 50% of the time and out-of-state travel approximately 25% of the time.
- Ability to lift or move up to 25 pounds.
- Proof of ongoing eligibility to work in the USA (no visa sponsorship provided).
- Resume and cover letter required for application.
- Successful completion of a background check is required prior to employment.
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