Associate Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

13d

About The Position

This position is responsible for managing and executing annual giving initiatives, developing and implementing long-term strategies to grow donor participation and annual fund revenue. It also involves managing and executing a comprehensive and integrated donor relations program and stewardship plan for major donors and alumni. The role includes scholarship coordination and tracking, ensuring philanthropy-funded scholarships are awarded according to donor criteria and that donors are appropriately stewarded. Periodic evening and weekend work may be required.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field; OR a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field.
• A Valid Florida driver's license is required.
• Ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Proficiency and willingness to continue learning with regards to AI, emerging technology solutions.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage and execute annual giving initiatives, including direct mail, digital, and web-based fundraising campaigns.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies to grow donor participation and annual fund revenue.
• Inspire philanthropic support for the College, department, and program priorities.
• Build a sustainable pipeline of future major gift donors.
• Effectively move annual donors through the solicitation pipeline, working with central annual giving, digital fundraising, and major gift teams.
• Serve as the COE liaison to central's Annual Giving team and the Leadership Annual Giving Liaison.
• Participate in goal setting with central advancement annual giving and fundraising teams.
• Draft communications for direct mail appeals, personalized letters, fundraising brochures, proposals, and pledge forms.
• Research and stay current on trends in higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy.
• Suggest new initiatives and/or improvements in annual giving outcomes.
• Serve as the COE liaison to all UF Giving Day activities and lead the execution of COE giving day strategies.
• Manage the Dean’s Leadership Circle campaign.
• Prepare reports and presentations on annual giving trends.
• Manage and execute a comprehensive and integrated donor relations program and stewardship plan for major donors and alumni.
• Assist Executive Director and Associate Director of Development with individual stewardship plans.
• Administer a comprehensive recognition program, including the Dean’s Leadership Circle donors.
• Evaluate weekly giving reports to determine the need for gift acknowledgements and custom acknowledgements.
• Review weekly giving reports to uncover unmanaged prospects with $1000 or more in unsolicited giving for possible gift officer outreach and referral.
• Serve as the liaison between COE and the central Donor Relations team.
• Manage the Annual Endowment Reporting process.
• Regularly review COE prospects in permanent stewardship portfolios and share timely college news.
• Leverage recognition tools like Thankview and project management tools effectively.
• Serve as the team lead on Grateful Gator Day events and create ways to steward COE donors on that day.
• Coordinate VIP donor visits/tours to the college.
• Review and produce personalized milestone birthday and anniversary recognition pieces with the Development Coordinator.
• Maintain the list of philanthropy-funded scholarships and donors.
• Work with the EduGator Team and COE Business Office to ensure all scholarships are awarded and follow donor criteria.
• Ensure scholarship donors are invited to the Scholarship and Awards Banquet and encourage participation.
• Coordinate timely and intentional stewardship for scholarship donors.
• Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate.

Benefits

• Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system.

What This Job Offers

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