Associate Director, Philanthropy

The Associate Director for Philanthropy – Engagement & Pipeline Development is a frontline relationship-builder whose primary focus is connecting with alumni and friends to assess philanthropic interest, readiness, and alignment with university priorities. This role serves as a qualifier and connector, strengthening affinity for the University of Memphis and building a healthy pipeline of prospective donors. 

Rather than carrying primary solicitation responsibility, this position emphasizes discovery conversations, relationship warming, and strategic preparation of prospects for future engagement by solicitation-focused fundraisers. The Associate Director partners closely with Annual Giving, Major Gifts, Engagement, and academic leaders to ensure seamless movement through the philanthropic pipeline. 

This role requires frequent travel to meet with alumni and friends and occasional evening and weekend activities.

 Initial candidate screenings will take place Wednesday August 11th and continue weekly until position is filled. 

Alumni & Donor Engagement and Qualification 

• Manage a portfolio of alumni and friends with the potential and interest for leadership-level annual and future major giving. 
• Conduct in-person and virtual visits focused on listening, discovery, and relationship-building rather than immediate solicitation. 
• Lead intentional conversations to understand donor interests, motivations, and connection to the university. 
• Assess philanthropic capacity, inclination, and readiness; document qualification outcomes and recommended next steps. 
• Create a welcoming, mission-centered experience that strengthens trust and long-term affinity for the University of Memphis. 
• Serve as an initial relationship manager who prepares and warms prospects for future investment conversations. 

Pipeline Development and Movement 

• Identify and qualify new prospects for entry into the philanthropic pipeline. 
• Strategically advance prospects through early and middle stages of engagement. 
• Partner with Major Gift Officers and Annual Giving staff to transition qualified prospects through clear and timely handoffs. 
• Contribute to sustained pipeline growth across colleges, programs, and university priorities. 

Collaboration and Relationships

• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to align outreach strategies and avoid duplication of effort. 
• Partner with the Engagement Team and academic leaders to create meaningful connection opportunities. 
• Share prospect insights to inform cultivation strategy and institutional decision-making. 
• Actively model Advancement’s core values and foster a positive, collaborative team culture. 

Operational Effectiveness and Data Integrity 

• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all interactions, discovery insights, and qualification outcomes in the CRM. 
• Utilize advancement systems and data to support strategic decision-making and pipeline reporting. 
• Prepare clear documentation to support prospect transitions and long-term relationship management. 

Other Duties as Assigned 

• Participate in advancement-wide projects, events, and initiatives as needed. 

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain authentic relationships. 
• Strong listening and assessment skills to evaluate interest, readiness, and alignment. 
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with comfort working across functions. 
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational and time-management skills. 
• Ability to travel 40% of work time , including occasional overnight travel, and work some evenings and weekends to engage donors and represent the university.