Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

5d

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development implements fundraising activities for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, primarily soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the incumbent helps develop and execute a fundraising program that addresses financial needs identified by the Dean and aligns with UF Advancement’s strategic initiatives.

The role builds and manages a portfolio of major-gift prospects, develops strategies for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, closing, and stewarding gifts, and partners with faculty and college leaders to determine fundraising priorities. Within 36 months of starting, the incumbent is expected to develop a portfolio that consistently raises $750,000 to $1 million or more annually, averaging 140–160 personal visits each year and 10–15 annual solicitations of $50,000 or more.

The position also develops donor communications and engagement plans, writes proposals and related materials, supports events, serves as a liaison to at least one departmental advisory board, and maintains accurate records and prospect information. It requires travel to strategic geographic regions, discretion in handling confidential information, and the ability to pay business expenses personally and obtain reimbursement.

The University of Florida describes its work environment as one that values integrity, professionalism, mutual respect, and collaboration. A cover letter and resume are required. Work visa sponsorship is not available.

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.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a personal credit card and obtain reimbursement.
• Ability to handle confidential prospect information with discretion and high ethical standards.
• Submit a cover letter and resume with the application.

Nice To Haves

• One to three years of fundraising, development, sales, or related experience.
• Prior experience in a university or nonprofit environment.
• General knowledge and understanding of the business and economic environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Demonstrated success in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, and collaborate effectively with stakeholders.
• Problem-solving competency; strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and strong project management abilities.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, internet browsers, and email platforms.
• Experience in a data-driven environment and familiarity with donor databases, contact-management systems, and tracking systems.

Responsibilities

• Build and strategically manage a portfolio of major-gift prospects, primarily at the $100,000-plus level, using face-to-face visits to bring solicitations to closure.
• Within 36 months, develop a portfolio that consistently raises $750,000–$1 million or more annually, averaging 140–160 personal visits and 10–15 solicitations of $50,000 or more per year.
• Plan travel to strategic geographic regions for major-gift solicitations and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning on planned-giving strategies for qualified donor portfolios.
• Develop and implement strategies for identifying, qualifying, building relationships with, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major gifts.
• Work with college faculty and unit or program directors to understand and formulate gift priorities and opportunities.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the college’s mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising.
• Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the unit and UF Advancement.
• Develop and implement communications and engagement plans that keep prospects connected to the college and informed about its priorities and gift opportunities.
• Maintain regular, relevant communication and effective relationships with college administration and faculty.
• Write gift proposals, concept papers, and other donor materials.
• Attend and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Serve as a liaison for CLAS Advancement to at least one departmental advisory board.
• Partner with college faculty and staff on donor engagement and fundraising strategy.
• Maintain effective office systems, files, and records.
• Provide research, market, and prospect information for entry into UF Advancement’s integrated database, handling confidential information discreetly and ethically.
• Contribute to budget planning and monitoring and use resources effectively for fundraising and related activities.

Benefits

• Affordable state medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off, including 11 paid holidays and family, sick, and vacation leave.
• Professional and personal growth opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility.

What This Job Offers

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