Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Associate Director of Development implements fundraising activities for the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, with a primary focus on soliciting and closing major gifts of $100,000 or more. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the role assists in developing and executing a fundraising program that meets financial needs identified by the Dean and aligns with UF Advancement’s strategic initiatives.

The incumbent builds and manages a portfolio of major-gift prospects, develops donor relationships through in-person visits, and creates strategies to identify, qualify, solicit, close, and steward gifts. Within 36 months of the start date, the position is expected to develop a portfolio that consistently raises $750,000 to $1 million or more annually, averaging 140–160 personal visits per year and 10–15 annual solicitations of $50,000 or more. The role includes travel to strategic geographic regions and collaboration with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning on planned-giving strategies.

The Associate Director works with college faculty, administrators, and program directors to understand fundraising priorities and opportunities. The position develops donor communications and engagement plans, writes proposals and concept papers, supports volunteer and prospect events, and serves as a liaison to at least one departmental advisory board. Administrative duties include maintaining office systems and records, providing prospect information for the UFA integrated database, handling confidential information ethically, and contributing to budget planning and monitoring. 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.
• Valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to travel; a valid driver’s license and good driving record are essential.
• Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a credit card and obtain reimbursement.

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 to achieve shared goals and positive outcomes.
• Problem-solving competency; exceptional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and strong project-management abilities.
• Commitment to a respectful, collaborative workplace that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and 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 manage a portfolio of major-gift prospects ($100,000+) and develop relationships through face-to-face visits to close solicitations.
• Within 36 months of the start date, develop a portfolio that consistently raises $750,000–$1 million or more annually, averaging 140–160 personal visits and 10–15 annual solicitations of $50,000 or more.
• Plan travel to strategic geographic regions for major-gift solicitations and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning to develop and implement planned-giving strategies for qualified donor portfolios.
• Develop and implement strategies for identifying, qualifying, building relationships with, soliciting, closing, and stewarding major-gift donors.
• Collaborate with college faculty and unit or program directors to understand priorities and gift opportunities.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the college’s mission, strategy, and fundraising goals.
• 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 to keep prospects connected to the college and informed about its priorities and gift opportunities.
• Maintain effective relationships with college administration and faculty through regular, relevant communication.
• 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 the UFA integrated database, while handling confidential prospect information discreetly and ethically.
• Contribute to budget planning and monitoring and use resources effectively for fundraising and related activities.

Benefits

• Affordable state health plans, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 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 other offerings.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.

What This Job Offers

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