Director of Development, Grateful Patient - College of Medicine

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

5d • $85,000 - $100,000

About The Position

The Director of Development, Grateful Patient is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects for UF Health, with a primary emphasis on grateful patient fundraising and gifts of $100,000 and above. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the role coordinates strategic research, data collection, and planning to identify and advance new major gift prospects in support of the College of Medicine and UF Health.

The position works closely with clinical partners, including physicians and medical staff, to identify and engage grateful patient prospects and align fundraising with clinical priorities. Outreach may also include alumni, parents, friends, and faculty in support of broader College of Medicine initiatives.

The role manages and develops a portfolio of prospects and donors; prepares proposals and solicitation strategies; engages stakeholders and volunteers; supports fundraising events and strategic initiatives; and maintains prospect records, portfolio information, and reports using the Ascend database. It also handles confidential prospect information sensitively and ethically. Related duties may be assigned as appropriate.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field.
• Ability and willingness to travel; a valid driver's license and good driving record are essential.
• Dependable transportation is required for travel within the surrounding area to support program activities and site visits.
• Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a credit card and obtain reimbursement is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Four to six years of successful fundraising experience in a medical center, college, or university setting.
• Experience working with volunteers and soliciting gifts in the $100,000-plus range.
• Experience working with or supporting clinical partners such as physicians, care teams, or medical staff, or transferable skills indicating readiness to collaborate in a healthcare setting.
• Prior experience in a college or university setting and enthusiasm for fundraising at a comprehensive research university.
• 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.
• Collaborative approach and ability to work as part of a team.
• Problem-solving competency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and ability to work effectively with a wide range of people.
• Commitment to a respectful, collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders, strong project management skills, experience in a data-driven environment, excellent organizational abilities, and capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others.
• 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 major gift prospects for the College of Medicine and UF Health, especially grateful patient prospects and gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Grow and refine a portfolio of prospects and donors, advance relationships, and close gifts through face-to-face visits, proposals, and solicitations.
• Develop and present concept papers and major gift proposals, and acknowledge and recognize gifts appropriately.
• Engage clinical partners, volunteers, faculty, staff, and other stakeholders to advance grateful patient fundraising and related engagement initiatives.
• Increase support for College of Medicine campaign priorities, including scholarships, faculty endowments, department priorities, and other initiatives.
• Support physicians, researchers, administrators, and medical staff in identifying and referring prospects and presenting needs and giving opportunities.
• Collaborate with clinical partners and development officers to develop strategies that increase grateful patient and house staff engagement and solicitation opportunities.
• Prepare research and reports for College staff, volunteers, and stakeholders in support of relationship- and partnership-building initiatives.
• Initiate, plan, and support activities and events for volunteers, donors, grateful patients, and prospects on campus and regionally.
• Maintain prospect tracking, portfolio management, records, files, and reports using the Ascend database, following sound office and record-keeping practices.
• Participate in College of Medicine events focused on cultivating prospects and donors for scholarship, faculty support, and research initiatives.
• Provide research, market, and prospect information for the Foundation’s integrated database and handle confidential prospect information ethically.
• Perform related duties as required or appropriate to the position.

Benefits

• Low-cost state medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement options.
• Paid time off, including over 10 paid holidays and paid family, sick, and vacation leave.
• Personal and professional development opportunities, including UF Training & Organizational Development programs, leadership development, and LinkedIn Learning.
• Tuition assistance through the UF Employee Education Program.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.

What This Job Offers

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