Assistant Director of Donor Programs

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

6d • Onsite

About The Position

This position supports programmatic development and donor recognition efforts within UF Advancement. The Assistant Director will work closely with the Director of Recognition & Donor Programs to identify under-recognized donor segments and create strategic programs to enhance their experience, with a focus on program processes and reporting. Key responsibilities include ensuring appropriate donor thanks, collaborating on donor program projects, assisting with the Grateful Gator Day event, tracking donor relations activities in Ascend, developing impact reporting initiatives, managing donor programming calendars, and supporting stewardship communications and programmatic experiences. The role also involves collaborating with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning for the UF Legacy Society, providing strategic direction for donor experience enhancement projects, evaluating tools and platforms for efficiency, and consulting with development officers. The position represents UF donors' best interests by offering strategic input for process improvements and actively participating in workgroups. Additionally, the role assists in managing centralized giving societies, developing programming to build donor relationships, creating collateral materials, executing recognition events, and contributing to the strategy and stewardship of the President’s Council and UF Loyal societies. The Assistant Director will also maintain recognition databases, coordinate supporting materials, and assist in executing the permanent stewardship process, including supporting procedures, conducting research, assembling donor communications, maintaining documentation, and responding to inquiries. This role serves as a liaison between central Donor Relations, Prospect Strategy & Research, and colleges/units to align donor data and enhance program performance.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of relevant experience.
• Valid FL driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Strong organization skills with a focus on detail and fiscal oversight.
• Ability to meet deadlines, solve problems, be self-motivated, and work independently.
• Leverage approved generative AI tools to draft, edit and summarize routine communications, while exercising professional judgment and adhering to university privacy and data security policies.
• Ability to conceptualize, develop and utilize innovative materials and resources in support of donor relations.
• Demonstrated project management experience in a multi-operational and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a customer service-oriented attitude and discretion and judgment in working with highly confidential information.
• One to three years of professional experience; preferably in development and/or donor relations.
• Demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to listen, apply critical thinking skills, and effectively communicate with a focus on stakeholder satisfaction.
• Strong research skills and drive to problem solve.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in a data-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational abilities.
• Capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others.
• Proficient in Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems.
• Working knowledge of SalesForce and Conga.
• Off campus travel may be required.
• A valid driver license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Identify under-recognized donor segments and develop strategic programs to enhance their donor experience, with a strong focus on program processes and reporting.
• Ensure that donors to the University are thanked appropriately, professionally and accurately, considering gift levels, donor history and special circumstances.
• Collaborate on all donor program-related projects within Donor Relations and with unit partners.
• Assist with the planning and execution of the annual Grateful Gator Day event with a special focus on campus participation, collaboration, and annual audience growth.
• Track donor relations activities within Ascend to strengthen relationships and increase the likelihood of continued contributions.
• Help develop and execute broad-based impact reporting initiatives for key constituencies based on organizational priorities.
• Manage donor programming calendars to ensure alignment and support for communications initiatives.
• Assist the Associate Director of Donor Stewardship & Acknowledgements with devising and implementing consistent, accurate and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for stewarding prospects and donors.
• Participate in regular brainstorming sessions to develop innovative, unique and personalized stewardship communications and programmatic experiences.
• Support the development and execution of all annual Giving Day stewardship initiatives in conjunction with internal partners and planning committees.
• Collaborate with members of the Office of Estate & Gift Planning team to execute specialized communications and engagement opportunities for members of the UF Legacy Society.
• Work with unit colleagues to provide strategic direction for individual and group projects aimed at enhancing the donor experience.
• Assist in evaluating tools and online platforms to enhance the efficiency of donor programs and stewardship communications.
• Provide consultation and support to development officers in colleges and units by guiding donor programs and engagement initiatives, and by troubleshooting and enhancing existing recognition efforts.
• Represent UF donors' best interests by offering strategic input for process improvements through cross-team collaboration and active participation in workgroups.
• Assist with managing centralized giving societies and developing programming aimed at building stronger, deeper, relationships with our donors.
• Create giving society collateral materials that increase donor awareness and increasing levels of membership status.
• Execute recognition events involving key university leadership to relay philanthropic impact.
• Contribute to the strategy and stewardship of the President’s Council giving society through engagement, communication to, and recognition of its members.
• Support the strategy and stewardship of the UF Loyal consecutive giving society through engagement, communication to, and recognition of its members.
• Maintain recognition databases, rosters, and membership criteria; coordinate with communications colleagues to produce supporting materials for recognition societies.
• Assist in executing the functions of the permanent stewardship process, including supporting the Senior Director of Donor Engagement and the Director of Recognition & Donor Programs in developing and improving annual procedures and portfolio reviews.
• Conduct research, collaborate with internal partners, assemble and distribute donor communications via text and email, maintain proper documentation, and respond to inquiries from donors or development officers.
• Serve as a liaison between central Donor Relations, Prospect Strategy & Research and the colleges and units to collect and align donor data and key details, enhancing program performance and capabilities.

Benefits

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave
• Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level