Executive Associate Athletic Director​/Director of Athletic Development

Fairfield University

Fairfield University is a co-educational, comprehensive Jesuit university with a 200-acre campus located along the scenic shoreline community of Fairfield, CT. The University is comprised of approximately 3,500 undergraduate and 1,200 graduate students pursuing degrees within 5 schools:
The College of Arts and Sciences, The Charles

F. Dolan School of Business, The School of Engineering, The Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and School of Education and Human Development. As an expression of our Jesuit, Catholic mission and identity, Fairfield embraces a liberal humanistic approach to education, encouraging critical thinking, cultivating free and open inquiry, and fostering ethical and religious values.

Fairfield University is seeking a dynamic, accomplished, and highly motivated Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development to lead its athletic fundraising program at a pivotal and energizing moment for the University. Fairfield is on a strong upward trajectory—growing in national prominence, increasing selectivity, expanding its reach, and building significant momentum academically, institutionally, and athletically. The University’s planned move to the CAA represents an important next step in that trajectory and brings new opportunities to elevate Fairfield’s Division I athletics program, strengthen facilities, enhance the student-athlete experience, expand engagement with alumni, families, and fans, and position its teams for sustained competitive success.

Fairfield is seeking a leader who will be energized by this momentum and committed to ensuring that athletic fundraising keeps pace with the University’s ambitions.

Reporting to the Vice President for University Advancement, with an adopted-line relationship to the Director of Athletics, the Executive Associate Athletic Director/Director of Athletic Development will join an accomplished and highly successful Advancement team and lead comprehensive fundraising and engagement strategies encompassing annual, major, capital, and planned giving. Serving as the lead major and principal gift officer for Athletics, the Director will manage a portfolio of top prospects, build strong partnerships with coaches and University leaders, and inspire philanthropic support for Fairfield’s athletic priorities.

The Director will oversee two full-time staff members and a graduate assistant, collaborate across University Advancement to achieve shared goals, and serve on the senior leadership teams of both University Advancement and Athletics.

A bachelor's degree is required; a master's degree is preferred.

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience is required, including demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts. Experience in athletic fundraising or a related area, annual giving programs, and at least three years of staff management experience is also required. Experience working within a comprehensive campaign and a complex higher education environment is preferred.

Demonstrated ability to think strategically, lead effectively, and model successful fundraising practices is required. The position requires excellent verbal, written, listening, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills, as well as sound judgment, discretion, integrity, and the ability to work independently and responsibly.

Strong organizational and time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential. The Director must be a collaborative and team-oriented leader who coordinates donor and prospect strategies with colleagues across University Advancement, the Director of Athletics, coaches, and other University partners to advance the collective goals of Athletics and University Advancement.

A commitment to learning about Fairfield University, embracing its mission, and becoming an engaged member of both the University and Athletics communities is essential. Familiarity with fundraising databases, moves management, and data-informed fundraising practices is essential.