Dr. Mackenzie Draine
Durham
Summary
Experienced higher education professional with over 10 years in collegiate athletics, donor engagement, and student development. Skilled in cultivating donor relationships, supporting major gift strategies, and leading collaborative initiatives that enhance alumni involvement and philanthropic support. Committed to advancing student-athlete success through thoughtful program development and strategic fundraising efforts.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
Work History
Assistant Director of Iron Dukes Varsity Club
Duke University
09.2021 - Current
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors for the Iron Dukes Varsity Club and Annual Fund.
- Serve as the primary liaison for Duke Women’s Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Men’s Soccer, and Men’s Tennis, while providing strategic support to additional athletic programs.
- Founded an affinity group for Women’s Basketball supporters contributing $50K annually.
- Collaborated with Annual Fund members to secure Men's Basketball season tickets through increased donations and multiyear pledge agreements.
- Lead the planning and execution of strategic donor engagement initiatives in partnership with Duke Women’s Basketball and Head Coach Kara Lawson.
- Plan and execute year-round events and initiatives to engage donors, alumni, and parents, and promote philanthropic support.
- Manage the Duke Letterwinner Program, including Varsity Club Letterman Jackets and Senior Awards.
- Organized select events such as former player reunions, donor recognition, and athletic-related celebrations.
Adjunct Professor
Wingate University
01.2024 - Current
- MASM 576 – Fundraising and Development in College Athletics
- Develop engaging course materials to enhance student learning and participation geared towards fundraising and development
Head Softball Coach
Coker University
05.2020 - 09.2021
- Organize, direct, and monitor all activities of the Division II Softball Program including recruitment, development, and training of the student-athletes
- Organize financial expenditures and fundraising efforts, securing over $30K each year
- Coordinate public relations activities within the community
- Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs to enhance player performance and teamwork.
- Participated on University’s Strategic Planning Committee
- Served on the Title IX Hearing Panel and multiple hiring committees, including the University President
- Served as Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Co-Advisor
Assistant Softball Coach
Coker University
08.2018 - 06.2019
- Led the team to two NCAA Regional appearances (2018 & 2019)
- Assisted in designing and implementing practice plans to enhance team performance
- Supported recruitment efforts by evaluating prospective student-athletes' skills and potential fit
- Organized logistics for team travel, including accommodations and transportation arrangements
Adjunct Professor
Coker University
01.2018 - 01.2021
- BA 371: Business in Sport Management
- CC 101: Freshman Experience
- Developed learning outcomes and assessment plans
- Facilitated life-skill projects that related to course material
Assistant Softball Coach
Cleveland State University
07.2016 - 06.2018
- Assisted the Head Coach to develop, manage, and successfully coach a Division I Softball program including scheduling, recruiting, equipment management, reporting scores, and website updating
- Developed and implemented a team unifying program, V.I.K.E.S week
- Recruited prospective student-athletes while simultaneously arranging campus visits
- Managed and operated within budget parameters
Graduate Assistant Softball Coach
Coker University
08.2014 - 06.2016
- Developed and ran a successful strength and conditioning program
- Managed academic success
- Operated the official social media platforms for Coker University Softball
- Attended women in leadership conference with female student-athletes
Education
Doctor of Education - Sport & Athletic Management
Northcentral University
San Diego, CA10-2019
Master of Science - College Athletic Administration
Coker University
Hartsville, SC12-2015
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
King University
Bristol, TN01.2013
Skills
- Major Gift Strategy & Revenue Generation
- Donor & Alumni Engagement
- Program Management & Strategic Planning
- Community & Stakeholder Outreach
- Public Speaking & Presentation
- Leadership Development & Team Collaboration
Accomplishments
- Secured operational endowments of $100K each for Duke Women’s Basketball and Field Hockey.
- Closed a $7.8M bequest to benefit the Duke Athletic Director Excellence Fund.
Affiliations
- Women Leaders in Sports
- National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics
Timeline
Adjunct Professor
Wingate University
01.2024 - Current
Assistant Director of Iron Dukes Varsity Club
Duke University
09.2021 - Current
Head Softball Coach
Coker University
05.2020 - 09.2021
Assistant Softball Coach
Coker University
08.2018 - 06.2019
Adjunct Professor
Coker University
01.2018 - 01.2021
Assistant Softball Coach
Cleveland State University
07.2016 - 06.2018
Graduate Assistant Softball Coach
Coker University
08.2014 - 06.2016
Doctor of Education - Sport & Athletic Management
Northcentral University
Master of Science - College Athletic Administration
Coker University
Bachelor of Arts - Interdisciplinary Studies
King University
Similar Profiles
CHANTIA N MASSEYCHANTIA N MASSEY
Benefits Specialist at Duke UniversityBenefits Specialist at Duke University
Zoila AirallZoila Airall
Academic Advisor, Anthropology Professor, or at Duke UniversityAcademic Advisor, Anthropology Professor, or at Duke University
Barbara J. SmithBarbara J. Smith
Grants Contracts Manager/Sr Grants Contracts Admin at Duke UniversityGrants Contracts Manager/Sr Grants Contracts Admin at Duke University
Nysia DavisNysia Davis
Shift Supervisor at Burger KingShift Supervisor at Burger King
Joe MosleyJoe Mosley
Sales Development Representative at Simply CloseSales Development Representative at Simply Close