Director of Development – Office of Advancement

University of Tampa•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The University of Tampa’s Office of Advancement is seeking an accomplished Director of Development to join its dynamic and growing team. As a key member of the Advancement leadership structure, the Director of Development reports to the Vice President of Development and works closely with the Executive Vice President of Advancement to drive major and transformational giving. This position is responsible for managing and engaging a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, cultivating meaningful relationships, and securing gifts of $25,000 and above in support of the University’s top priorities. The Director will design and implement innovative strategies that elevate philanthropic impact and advance the University’s mission, including key campaign initiatives. The Director of Development collaborates extensively across the Advancement division to ensure strategic coordination among all fundraising programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum seven (7) years of progressive success in individual major gift fundraising, preferably in higher education.
Demonstrated experience securing individual gifts of $25,000+.
Strong verbal, written, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
Ability to travel regularly, including some evenings and weekends.
Proficiency with fundraising databases; Raiser’s Edge experience highly preferred.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with University leadership, volunteers, donors, boards, and Advancement colleagues.
Ability to quickly learn University systems, including Workday and Microsoft Office.
Commitment to adopting new technologies and innovative fundraising practices.

Nice To Haves

Minimum five (5) years of supervisory or team leadership experience preferred.
Master’s degree preferred.
Raiser’s Edge experience highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Collaborates (but does not supervise) across the Advancement team, working closely with gift officers and unit leaders to advance fundraising goals.
Partners extensively with the President, EVP, VP, AVP, Planned Giving, and Campaign leadership to support institutional and campaign priorities.
Prospects, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects capable of making gifts of $25,000+.
Manages assigned colleges, University initiatives, and designated geographic territories, including local, statewide, and national regions.
Conducts 10–12 in-person donor/prospect meetings per month.
Achieves an annual fundraising goal of $1–2 million in support of strategic University initiatives.
Develops and recommends customized solicitation strategies for major donors, including purpose, level of gift, and individuals involved in cultivation.
Prepares compelling proposals aligned with University priorities and donor interests.
Ensures all solicitations are executed with excellence and follow-through.
Contributes to a professional, inclusive, and culturally responsive work environment.
Demonstrates respect for individuals of diverse backgrounds and supports initiatives that advance belonging and engagement.