Associate Director of Development

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development works with the Executive Director of Advancement to develop and implement strategy for securing major gifts for college campaign priorities. This role involves building and maintaining a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift level ($100,000+) and strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure. The position requires setting and implementing strategies for identification, qualification, relationship-building, and solicitation to close and steward major gifts for the college. Additionally, the Associate Director will assist in directing and developing a fundraising program for PK Yonge Developmental Research School, maximizing travel plans to strategic geographic regions for major gift solicitations and donor engagement, and attending Advancement functions to identify new individuals and further engage existing prospects. The role also involves developing a comprehensive understanding of the college mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising, collaborating with the Office of Estate and Gift Planning team to develop and implement a strategy for securing deferred gifts, and partnering with college faculty and program directors to understand and formulate priorities and fundable opportunities. The Associate Director will also partner with the College Education’s Advancement team to support all team-led events, serve as the primary point of contact for the Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) team liaison to cultivate donors likely to make a gift under the major gift threshold, and mentor the LAG team member. Administrative duties include writing gift proposals, concept papers, and other documents, documenting all donor interaction and outreach in the donor database, ensuring best practices in office systems, practices, files, and record keeping, and handling confidential prospect information with discretion and to the highest ethical standards. The role also involves contributing to the planning and monitoring of the budget, serving as fund administrator on their own travel budget ensuring maximum ROI for monies spent, and performing related duties as required.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of relevant experience.
A valid Florida driver license is required.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years fundraising experience with proven success soliciting gifts of $25,000 and up strongly preferred.
Experience in development, alumni affairs, education, public relations, external affairs and/or higher education.
Prior experience in a college or university setting.
Enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university.
Desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
Demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
Ability to work strategically, implement and build constituency programs and activities.
Talent for motivating volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively and as a team player.
Competency in problem solving.
Strong organization skills with a focus on detail and fiscal oversight are imperative.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal abilities.
Capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
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 are essential.
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 is also highly preferred.
The ability and willingness to travel.
A good driving record are essential.
The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategy for securing major gifts for college campaign priorities.
Build and maintain a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift ($100,000+) level.
Strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
Set and implement strategies for identification, qualification, relationship-building, and solicitation to close and steward major gifts for the college.
Assist in directing and developing a fundraising program for PK Yonge Developmental Research School.
Maximize travel plans to strategic geographic regions for major gift solicitations and donor engagement.
Attend COE and UF Advancement functions to identify new individuals and further engage existing prospects.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the college mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising.
Collaborate with the Office of Estate and Gift Planning team to develop and implement a strategy for securing deferred gifts.
Collaborate with college faculty and program directors to understand and formulate priorities and fundable opportunities.
Partner with College Education’s Advancement team to support all team-led events for Advancement and the College of Education.
Serve as the primary point of contact for the Leadership Annual Giving (LAG) team liaison to cultivate donors likely to make a gift under the major gift threshold.
Mentor the LAG team member.
Write gift proposals, concept papers, and other documents that will help to inspire donors to give generously to support the college.
Document all donor interaction and outreach in the donor database.
Ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files, and record keeping.
Handle confidential prospect information with discretion and to the highest ethical standards.
Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising.
Serve as fund administrator on own travel budget ensuring maximum ROI for monies spent.
Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.