Career Opportunities

Development Office Opportunities

SENIOR ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT (Search # R28256)
ASSOCIATE DIRECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT (Search # R28255)
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF DEVELOPMENT (Search # R28254)

The University of Massachusetts Amherst seeks a range of enthusiastic and experienced professionals to join its growing fundraising team.

A national public research university established in 1863 and the flagship campus of the Commonwealth’s university system, the University of Massachusetts Amherst is located on 1,450 acres in one of the most scenic areas of New England. Within its ten colleges and schools, the University of Massachusetts Amherst offers bachelor's degrees in eighty-seven areas, master's degrees in seventy-three, and the doctoral degree in fifty-one. There are approximately 25,800 students enrolled on campus: 20,100 undergraduates and 5,700 graduate students. There are 211,000 alumni of record.  For more information about the university, please visit www.umass.edu.

UMass Amherst offers excellent benefits and competitive compensation in a region of New England that offers the best of both city and country. This region is rich with creative arts, rural beauty, cultural diversity, and great music and restaurants fueled by the area’s dense cluster of colleges, universities, and excellent public schools.

All development officers must:  Maintain a portfolio of a minimum of 75 prospects; possess excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills; hold a bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred); demonstrate the capacity to work as part of a team; have excellent administrative skills; and have the ability and willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends.  Knowledge of database fundraising software SunGard BSR/CS Advance is preferred.

Senior Associate Directors of Development report to the Director of Development for the respective school, college or unit; and contribute significantly to the design and implementation of a comprehensive development program incorporating both major campaign and annual fundraising, with particular emphasis on leadership, major and planned gifts from individuals.  In addition to the required qualifications cited above that all development officers must have, Senior Associate Director of Development required qualifications include:  five or more years of significant experience in a development program, preferably with an educational institution – equivalent experience in private sector sales or marketing will be considered; and a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts of $50,000 and above. Management experience, experience working with senior-level executives, knowledge of prospect management systems, and Web fundraising experience are preferred. Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Associate Directors of Development report to the Director of Development for the respective school, college or unit; identify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts of $5,000 and above; and are instrumental in the planning and implementation of the school, college or unit fundraising program. In addition to the required qualifications cited above that all development officers must have, Associate Director of Development required qualifications include: three or more years of relevant experience in a development program, preferably with an educational institution – related experience in private sector sales and marketing will be considered; and a proven track record of cultivating, soliciting, and closing gifts of $5,000 and above. Experience working with senior-level executives, knowledge of prospect management systems, and Web fundraising experience are preferred.  Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Assistant Directors of Development report either centrally to the Director of Annual Giving or to a Director of Development for a respective school, college or unit; and have responsibility for the discovery, qualification, solicitation, and stewardship of individual prospects for gifts of $1,000 and above. They make visits with constituents to update them on campus, school, college or unit developments, re-engage their involvement, and garner information pertinent to the development agenda. In addition to the required qualifications cited above that all development officers must have, Assistant Director of Development required qualifications include: three or more years development experience, preferably with an educational institution – equivalent experience in private sector sales or marketing will be considered; the ability to work with minimal supervision; an energetic and enthusiastic self-starter; and the ability to relate well to a diverse audience of constituents. Previous experience cultivating, soliciting and closing gifts of $1,000 and above are preferred.  Salary will be commensurate with skills and experience.

Ideal candidates for all positions will demonstrate integrity, confidence, enthusiasm, initiative, analytical ability, understanding of volunteer board relations, the capacity to inspire cooperation, understanding of the vital importance of public higher education, and the breadth and complexity of a major research university, and a sense of humor.

Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled. To be considered for a position, please submit a resume, letter of application (noting the appropriate search number), and the names, addresses and telephone numbers for three professional references (who will not be contacted without permission) to:  Employment Office, 167 Whitmore Administration Building, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003-9170.

The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.