Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving

Job Description

Job Description

Position Description:

Merrimack College’s Athletic Department invites applications for the position of Assistant Athletic Director for Annual Giving. This key role is responsible for leading and executing the annual fundraising strategy for Merrimack Athletics, with a focus on increasing alumni participation, donor engagement, and annual giving revenue in support of the College’s 28 NCAA Division I athletic programs.

Reporting directly to the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development, the Director will play a vital role in developing comprehensive annual fund campaigns, overseeing day-to-day donor outreach, and strengthening relationships with alumni, parents, and supporters of Merrimack Athletics.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual giving strategy for the athletic department, aligned with institutional and departmental fundraising goals.

• Collaborate closely with coaches, athletics staff, and the Office of Development & Alumni Relations to identify fundraising priorities and donor engagement opportunities.

• Manage all aspects of athletic annual fund appeals, including digital campaigns, direct mail, Giving Day initiatives, and sport-specific fundraising efforts.

• Maintain a portfolio of annual fund prospects and donors, ensuring consistent outreach, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.

• Track and analyze campaign performance metrics and provide regular reports to senior leadership.

• Coordinate with the athletic communications team to create compelling donor- facing content, including impact stories, newsletters, and campaign materials.

• Assist in planning and executing events and initiatives that drive donor engagement, such as alumni games, receptions, and special recognition programs.

• Ensure proper gift processing and donor acknowledgment in partnership with Advancement Services.

• Provide guidance and support to coaches and teams conducting their own sport-specific fundraising activities.

• Stay current with best practices in athletic fundraising, donor engagement, and digital philanthropy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred.

• 3–5 years of professional experience in annual giving, fundraising, alumni relations, or a related field, preferably in intercollegiate athletics or higher education.

• Demonstrated success in managing fundraising campaigns and meeting annual giving goals.

• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, goal-oriented environment.

• Strong understanding of donor databases and digital fundraising platforms.

• Willingness to work evenings, weekends, and travel as necessary.

Application Instructions:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and list of three professional references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

This position is subject to the successful completion of a criminal background check.

Statement on Our Mission

Merrimack College is a Catholic Augustinian institution of higher education committed to building an accepting and respectful community. Our mission is to enlighten minds, engage hearts and empower lives and is inspired by our Catholic faith and the Augustinian tradition of seeking truth through inquiry and dialogue.

Merrimack College seeks candidates who understand, respect, and can contribute to Merrimack’s Catholic and Augustinian mission. All candidates should describe in their application how they will foster a culture that supports our mission.

About Merrimack College

The only Catholic, Augustinian institution of higher education in New England, Merrimack College is a private, independent, coeducational institution with more than 4,100 undergraduate, 2,500 graduate students and 50 doctoral students from 48 states and 63 countries. The College features more than 160 career-focused undergraduate, professional and graduate programs, all taught by exceptional faculty who are passionate about their subject and student success. The College has six schools: arts and sciences, engineering and computational sciences, nursing and health sciences, education and social policy, the Girard school of business and the graduate school of counseling and social work. The College’s suburban 220-acre campus is just north of Boston in North Andover, Massachusetts. Merrimack is a Master’s Colleges and Universities/Larger Programs (M1) institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Merrimack is one of the fastest growing educational institutions in the country and has steadily climbed up in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Best Colleges, ranking 38th in the Regional Universities North category in 2026. Merrimack is a NCAA Division I athletic institution.

Merrimack College is an Equal Opportunity Employer.