Associate Director of Development, College of Dentistry

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

4d•$65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development implements fundraising activities for the College of Dentistry, primarily soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, this role helps develop and execute a fundraising program to meet financial needs identified by the Dean and align with UF Advancement’s strategic initiatives. The position manages prospect relationships from identification and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; builds and manages a major-gift portfolio; and works with college stakeholders and university teams to advance fundraising priorities. It also supports development and alumni events, annual fund strategies, campaign activities, donor communications, and the administration of the College’s development and alumni affairs program. Administrative duties include maintaining prospect records and reports in the Ascend database, ensuring donors receive appropriate recognition, drafting correspondence, supporting sound office record-keeping practices, and supplying prospect and market research. The role handles confidential prospect information sensitively and ethically. Travel is required, and the employee must be able to pay business expenses personally and receive reimbursement.

Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.
Ability and willingness to travel.
Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a credit card and receive reimbursement.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of major-gift fundraising experience, with proven success soliciting gifts of $25,000 or more.
Prior experience in a college or university setting and 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.
Ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, and motivate volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team player.
Competency in problem solving.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and ability to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
Commitment to a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
Strong project management skills, experience in a data-driven environment, and excellent organizational abilities.
Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, internet browsers, and email platforms.
Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems.

Responsibilities

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward mid-range gift prospects.
Build and strategically manage a portfolio of major-gift prospects ($100,000+) through face-to-face visits and solicitations.
Contact prospects in person and virtually to assess their readiness to engage with the dental school and interest in giving.
Increase knowledge of and support for UFCD campaign priorities.
Involve faculty, staff, and volunteers in fundraising and engagement initiatives.
Collaborate with Estate & Gift Planning and Corporate and Foundation Relations teams to develop and implement giving strategies for qualified prospects and donors.
Work with the Development Coordinator on development and alumni events.
Initiate, plan, and support on-campus and regional activities and events involving volunteers, donors, and prospects.
Attend college and UF Advancement functions with the Senior Director of Advancement to identify individuals and move prospects through the donor continuum.
Manage the College of Dentistry’s role in Gator Nation Giving Day.
Coordinate annual fund strategies and solicitations through central Annual Giving and internal direct-mail projects.
Assist the Senior Director of Advancement with plans and policies for the College’s development and alumni affairs program.
Assist with writing proposals, annual giving campaign content, alumni magazine articles, and other development materials.
Use the Ascend database for prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, file maintenance, and reporting.
Work with the development team to ensure donors are properly recognized.
Draft correspondence to donors, prospects, alumni, and corporations for the development office and Dean.
Maintain best practices in office systems, files, and record keeping.
Participate in planning and executing departmental alumni association events, including events focused on cultivating prospects and donors.
Provide research, market, and prospect information for entry into the Foundation’s integrated database.
Handle confidential prospect information in a sensitive and ethical manner.