Associate Director of Development, College of Dentistry

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development implements a broad range of 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, the position assists with developing and executing fundraising programs that address the college’s financial needs and align with UF Advancement’s strategic initiatives. The role manages prospect relationships from identification and qualification through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship; builds and manages a major-gift prospect portfolio; and works with faculty, staff, volunteers, and central advancement teams to increase support for college priorities. It also supports development and alumni events, annual giving and campaign activities, donor communications and recognition, and the college’s overall development and alumni affairs program. Administrative work includes prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, reporting, correspondence, and research using the Ascend database and the Foundation’s integrated database. The position handles confidential prospect information ethically and supports effective office systems and record keeping. Travel is required, and business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system; the ability to pay expenses personally and obtain reimbursement is essential.

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 obtain reimbursement.

Nice To Haves

Two to three years of major-gift fundraising experience, with proven success soliciting gifts of $25,000 and above.
Prior experience in a college or university setting and enthusiasm for fundraising at a comprehensive research university.
Desire to work collegially in a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
Ability to work strategically and develop and implement constituency programs and activities.
Ability to motivate volunteers.
Collaborative team-player approach.
Problem-solving competency.
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 working 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, including face-to-face visits and solicitations intended to close gifts of $100,000 or more.
Contact prospects in person and virtually to assess their readiness to engage with the dental school and their 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 on giving strategies for qualified prospects and donors.
Work with the college’s Development Coordinator on development and alumni events.
Initiate, plan, and support activities and events for volunteers, donors, and prospects on campus and regionally.
Attend college and UF Advancement functions, in coordination with the Senior Director of Advancement, to identify individuals and move prospects through the donor continuum.
Manage the project planning for 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 administration of the College’s development and alumni affairs program.
Assist with writing proposals, annual giving campaign content, alumni magazine articles, and other development materials.
Maintain prospect tracking, portfolio records, files, and reports using the Ascend database.
Ensure donors are properly recognized for their contributions.
Draft correspondence to donors, prospects, alumni, and corporations for the development office and Dean.
Maintain effective office systems, files, and record keeping.
Participate in planning and executing departmental alumni association events, including events that cultivate prospects and donors.
Research and provide market and prospect information for entry into the Foundation’s integrated database.
Handle confidential prospect information sensitively and ethically.