Job Description

The Assistant Athletic Director for Advancement will be a key partner in the growth of Lafayette Athletics engagement, communication and fundraising at a pivotal time in the College’s history— aligning with Lafayette’s strategic plan and in support of a transformational comprehensive campaign. This position will assist the Associate Athletic Director for Advancement in setting the overall vision and strategy for annual athletic fundraising and engagement across Lafayette’s 23 varsity sports.

The Assistant Athletic Director will develop and manage a comprehensive communications and events calendar, including solicitations, newsletters, invitations, and other outreach designed to strengthen donor engagement and participation. The role will coordinate all major events for the Maroon Club and Athletics Advancement, including sport-specific golf outings, the Maroon Club Hall of Fame Dinner, other key engagement activities, and will assist with the Maroon Club Golf Outing. The Assistant AD will also partner with the Annual Giving team to coordinate Bring the Roar efforts for the Athletic Advancement department, ensuring alignment with institutional and athletics fundraising priorities.

In addition to managing events and communications, the Assistant AD will manage a portfolio of prospects capable of leadership and annual fund gifts, working to qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends who can make annual and multi-year unrestricted commitments in support of Lafayette Athletics.

Serving as the advancement liaison for an assigned selection of sport programs, the Assistant AD will partner closely with coaches, athletics administration, and central advancement staff to build relationships and drive philanthropic results.

The Assistant Athletic Director is an integral member of both the College’s Advancement team and the Department of Athletics. The position reports to the Associate Athletic Director for Advancement, under the leadership of the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Advancement. The Assistant AD is accountable for spearheading initiatives focused on athletics annual fundraising, monitoring and reporting on progress toward goals, and helping to ensure the continued growth of a vibrant culture of philanthropy in support of Lafayette’s scholar-athletes and teams.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising and Donor Engagement:

• Manage a portfolio of prospects capable of leadership and annual gifts, focusing on qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Collaborate with advancement colleagues to execute annual giving strategies that enhance unrestricted support through the Maroon Club and other athletic priorities.
• Support the planning and execution of targeted campaigns, including Bring the Roar, to maximize alumni, parent, and friend participation.
• Engage directly with alumni and supporters to foster long-term relationships and encourage continued giving.

Communications and Events Management:

• Develop and manage a communications and events calendar that includes solicitations, newsletters, invitations, stewardship messages, and updates to athletics donors and volunteers.
• Plan and coordinate all major Athletic Advancement and Maroon Club events, including sport-specific golf outings, the Maroon Club Hall of Fame Dinner, and assist with the Maroon Club Golf Outing.
• Partner with Advancement Communications to ensure cohesive and compelling messaging that reinforces Lafayette Athletics’ philanthropic priorities.

Collaboration and Liaison Roles:

• Oversee strategic communications and events that enhance donor relations and recognition.
• Serve as the advancement liaison for assigned sport programs, building strong relationships with coaches and program staff to align fundraising goals with team needs.
• Work closely with Athletics leadership, Advancement colleagues, and campus partners to support donor engagement, events, and recognition.
• Provide logistical and strategic support to the Associate Athletic Director for Advancement in developing and implementing annual fundraising strategies.

Data, Reporting, and Operations:

• Track and report on donor engagement, participation, and revenue progress toward annual goals.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records within the Advancement database.
• Support post-event and campaign analytics to measure success and inform future strategy.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three to five years of experience in fundraising, advancement, athletics administration, marketing, or a related field.
• Demonstrated success in managing events, communications, and/or donor engagement programs.
• Experience in soliciting and closing annual fund gifts or demonstrated aptitude for relationship-based fundraising.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; able to build trust and work collaboratively across departments.
• Knowledge of or strong interest in collegiate athletics and appreciation for the role of athletics in a liberal arts environment.
• Willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends for athletic and advancement events as needed.

Preferred:

• Advanced degree.
• Three or more years of athletic fundraising experience.
• Experience in planning and executing major events.
• Fundraising experience towards a comprehensive, multi-year campaign.
• Proficiency with CRM or donor database systems.

Application Instructions

Qualified applicants please provide a cover letter, resume, and contact information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Lafayette College does not discriminate, or permit discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, disability, religion, age, military or veteran status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law in any educational programs and activities it operates, including admissions or employment, as required by Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of sex); the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (which require that the College not discriminate on the basis of disability); Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of race, color, or national origin); Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (which requires that the College not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin); the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (which requires that the College not discriminate on the basis of age); and other applicable laws and College policies. Individuals may report concerns or questions to the Director of Educational Equity/Title IX Coordinator. Copies of relevant policies and procedures can be found at https://sash.lafayette.edu/policies-laws/.