Associate Director of Athletic Development (Hybrid)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $77,900 - $143,300. The budgeted salary that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $80,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around January 2, 2025. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position has a potential for a hybrid schedule.

Please note: This is a 3-year contract appointment.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

With 12 intercollegiate varsity programs, UC Merced was recently accepted into the NCAA Division II and will begin competition in the 2025-26 academic year and will be fully eligible for postseason in 2026-27.

The Associate Director of Development (ADD) will be tasked with managing a portfolio of prospects and donors with a primary focus on Athletic fundraising and will play an important role in growing the overall development strategy for identifying and qualifying new prospects to optimize philanthropic support for Intercollegiate Athletics. The ADD will use skills as a fundraising professional to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward donors. Under the direct supervision of the Associate Vice Chancellor of Philanthropy & Strategic Partnerships (External Relations) and Athletics Director (Recreation & Athletics), the ADD's primary solicitation focus is securing new and renewing individual and organizational donors as well as corporate partners for gifts at $1,000 + annually for funding priorities established by the Athletic Director. The ADD will also work closely with the Philanthropy and Strategic Partnerships team to help develop the prospect pipeline for major gift opportunities at $50,000+ for Intercollegiate Athletics. The ADD executes prospect discovery and fosters collaboration and strategy with colleagues across External Relations, campus administrators and key volunteers, to maximize philanthropic support from donors to UC Merced Athletics.

The ADD will employ various methods in increasing UC Merced's donor base, long term strategic partnerships, and revenue capacity for the University's fundraising efforts. The ADD must understand operational activities and the ability to assist in planning, coordinating, and implementing events and demonstrate good judgment in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. The ADD focuses about 80% of his/her time on direct fundraising and fundraising outreach activities, including stewardship, and 20% is focused on other activities, including administrative duties, such as planning and coordinating. The Associate Director works to ensure that all aspects of his/her development program are internally consistent, thematically related, and thoroughly coordinated within the Intercollegiate Athletics operation compatible with the policies and priorities of the External Relations Division and University.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilizes moves management to actively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to build and maintain a robust pipeline of individual and organizational donors. Plans, schedules and implements fundraising activities to advance the major gift pipelines and maximize private fundraising support for Intercollegiate Athletics. Manages a portfolio of 100-120 prospects and develops strategies to ensure individual goals and monthly activity benchmarks are met. Collaborates with colleagues in philanthropy and strategic partnerships, administration, faculty, and staff to identify funding opportunities, recognize new opportunities for partnership, and pursue other areas ripe for support. Stay informed on current university initiatives and activities. Understand NCAA bylaws, state and federal laws, campus and departmental polices as they relate to fundraising for intercollegiate athletics. Conduct proactive research, prospecting, and networking to grow support base. Oversee the implementation of stewardship related activities including the delivery of benefits and courtesies associated with sponsorships for UC Merced Athletics. In collaboration with other team members, support fundraising and donor recognition events connected to UC Merced Athletics.
• Generates proposals and customized request materials, including sponsorship and membership programs for UC Merced Athletics. Prepares draft of donor correspondence for campus leaders and assist with the development of ancillary materials, including but not limited to: Briefings, status reports, talking points, impact reports, thank you letters, and strategic communications as it relates to fundraising activities.
• Maintains appropriate records, including the timely entry of required items in the constituent database. Track all prospect and donor interactions. Monitor personal progress through the database and tracking of personal metrics.
• Attend UC Merced athletic events, community events, and networking opportunities to increase the reach of UC Merced in the community and other priority areas. Will work occasional evenings and weekends.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related area from an accredited institution.
• 3 years of progressively responsible prospect management with successful development experience or equivalent training/experience.
• Three to five (3-5) years of professional experience in community relations, government relations, public affairs, public relations, communications, or related field. (Preferred)
• Prior professional development experience with collegiate or professional athletics. (Preferred)
• Valid US Drivers License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Thorough working knowledge of fundraising, donors relations, and public relations concepts, principles, procedures, and techniques.
• Thorough working knowledge of the campus, its vision, mission, goals, objectives, achievements and infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of applicable laws, rules, regulations, policies, etc.
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills to establish and maintain good working relationships throughout the organization and with outside constituencies.
• Strong organizational, analytical and critical thinking skills, including skills in creative and effective decision-making and problem identification/avoidance/resolution, and project management skills.
• Strong skills in maintaining confidentiality.
• Travel with and provide staff support to campus leaders and trustees, as needed.
• Represent UC Merced at internal, external, and third-party events (including evenings, weekends, and possibly some holidays).
• Perform other development-related duties as assigned.
• The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative and must be strategic, well-organized, and goal oriented, with an enthusiastic and positive personality, strong interpersonal skills, the ability to manage complex projects and maintain a collaborative work style.
• Motivated to work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Articulate with persuasive written and oral presentation skills.
• Genuine affinity for UC Merced - able to learn and understand the University's priorities and to advocate and articulate them to donors and prospects.
• Innovative, self-motivated leader. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and work ethic.
• Time-sensitive, goal oriented, deadline driven.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, database software (experience with Raiser's Edge preferred) and other basic computer skills.
• Broad knowledge of the principles and practices of volunteer and community relations.
• Knowledge of NCAA legislation related to fundraising, boosters and extra benefits

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.