Director of Development Campaign
Gainesville, FL - USA
Job Summary
The University of Florida is currently in its fifth comprehensive campaigna bold futureshaping initiative building on the extraordinary momentum of recent years and propelling the university into its next era of impact. To help advance this historic effort UF Advancement is expanding its team with missiondriven development professionals who are ready to champion UFs priorities and inspire transformational philanthropy.
Join the UF Advancement team as a Director of Development and take advantage of a unique opportunity to combine strategic fundraising leadership meaningful relationship building and mission-driven impact within a leading research university environment. Professionals considered for these roles will support:
Major Gift Fundraising & Donor Portfolio Management
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors capable of making gifts of $100000 through strategic relationship development and personalized engagement.
- Develop and implement individualized strategies for identifying qualifying cultivating soliciting and stewarding major gift donors aligned with college/unit priorities.
- Lead donor solicitations and philanthropic conversations that result in significant charitable investments and long-term partnerships.
- Achieve annual fundraising and performance goals including philanthropic production targets donor visits proposals submitted and total dollars raised.
Donor Engagement Stewardship & Relationship Building
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with donors prospects alumni volunteers and university stakeholders through meaningful in-person engagement.
- Steward donors through thoughtful recognition communication and ongoing engagement aligned with UF Advancements mission values and standards.
- Create tailored communication and engagement strategies that keep donors informed about institutional priorities opportunities and philanthropic impact.
- Represent the college/unit at events and engagement activities designed to strengthen donor relationships and advance fundraising objectives.
Strategic Fundraising Planning & Collaboration
- Collaborate with faculty administrators and program leaders to identify funding priorities and translate institutional needs into compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Partner with faculty and staff to coordinate comprehensive donor engagement and fundraising strategies.
- Build and sustain strong internal partnerships through consistent proactive communication with leadership faculty and advancement colleagues.
- Develop efficient travel and engagement strategies to maximize donor outreach and fundraising productivity across priority regions.
Communications Proposal Development & Storytelling
- Prepare persuasive written materials including gift proposals concept papers donor correspondence and case statements that inspire philanthropic investment.
- Communicate institutional priorities and impact effectively through exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Tailor messaging and solicitation approaches to diverse donor audiences and philanthropic interests.
Performance Management & Operational Effectiveness
- Operate effectively in a goal-driven metrics-based advancement environment with strong accountability for fundraising outcomes.
- Demonstrate strong organizational prioritization and time-management skills while managing multiple projects and donor relationships simultaneously.
- Utilize donor databases contact management systems and tracking tools to document activity manage pipelines and support strategic decision-making.
- Maintain technical proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and other advancement-related technologies.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field; and a valid drivers license.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Fundraising Expertise: Demonstrated success securing major gifts ideally at the $100000 level and cultivating long-term donor relationships; and strong understanding of fundraising principles donor strategy development and advancement best practices.
- Higher Education & Mission Alignment: Experience working within higher education or a similarly complex organization; and enthusiasm for advancing the mission of a large comprehensive research university through philanthropy.
- Relationship Management & Collaboration: Ability to work independently while contributing as a collaborative and collegial team member; and skilled at building productive relationships across varying levels of leadership and stakeholder groups.
- Leadership & Professionalism: Commitment to fostering a respectful professional and collaborative work environment; and ability to lead through influence inspire confidence and thrive in a data-informed culture.
- Technical & Operational Skills: Proficiency with Windows-based systems Microsoft Office Suite donor databases and constituent relationship management platforms.
- Travel & Engagement: Willingness and ability to travel frequently to maintain strong donor and university relationships.
ABOUT GAINESVILLE
Gainesville Florida is a vibrant welcoming city known for its natural beauty rich culture and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health it is a hub for education healthcare and innovation. With award-winning parks a thriving arts scene and a variety of dining and entertainment options Gainesville offers something for everyone.
Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024 Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenitiesmaking it a great place to live work and the citys website for community information.
As one of the nations leading public research universities the University of Florida is committed to supporting the whole employeeboth personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package is thoughtfully designed to enhance your wellbeing provide flexibility for a variety of individual and family needs and empower your longterm growth. From health and wellness to career development UF invests in helping you thrive at every stage of life.
OUR BENEFITS
As one of the nations leading public research universities the University of Florida is committed to supporting the whole employeeboth personally and professionally. Our comprehensive benefits package is thoughtfully designed to enhance your wellbeing provide flexibility for a variety of individual and family needs and empower your longterm growth. From health and wellness to career development UF invests in helping you thrive at every stage of life.
NOTICE TO APPLICANTS
Interest forms for opportunities will be reviewed on an ongoing basis as positions become available. Should you be considered to advance in the screening and selection process you will be contacted by the department.
Because this is a pooled recruitment applicants may not receive immediate updates regarding their status. Hiring managers will review qualified candidates as openings arise and selected applicants will be contacted directly for further screening interviews or additional documentation.
We appreciate your patience throughout this process. Inclusion in the talent pool indicates that your application will remain active and eligible for consideration for up to six months from the date of submission. Applicants are encouraged to ensure that contact information remains current during this period.
JOIN OUR TEAM AND LETS GROW GREATER TOGETHER!
Required Experience:
Director
About Company
A top five public land-grant research university, the University of Florida creates a collaborative environment and accelerates future solutions.