Director of Development

University of Central Florida•Orlando, FL

15h•$85,000 - $100,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development for the College of Sciences (COS) secures major gifts of $25,000 or more by cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding alumni, parents, friends, and community partners. The role advances COS priorities and UCF's mission through meaningful relationships with current and prospective donors. The Director independently manages a portfolio of major gift donors, develops and implements fundraising strategies, and partners with the Dean, faculty, and leadership to support philanthropic growth for COS initiatives. The position is based on-site at UCF, where on-site presence is an essential function. UCF business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The anticipated salary for a well-qualified candidate is $85,000–$100,000; the posting also lists an expected salary of $75,809 to negotiable. The final starting salary depends on factors including education and relevant experience. Offers are contingent on successful background and reference screens. Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship and H-1B transfers are not available. UCF expects employees to reside in Florida when employment begins unless otherwise stated. UCF describes opportunities for collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful work. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; flexible spending and an Employee Assistance Program; annual and sick leave and paid holidays; retirement savings options; employee discounts; and education assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s or master’s degree and at least 6 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6).
Applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer; visa sponsorship and H-1B transfers are unavailable.
The successful candidate must work on-site at UCF as their primary work location.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience identifying, cultivating, and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more from individual donors.
Experience as a frontline fundraiser, gift officer, nonprofit development professional, or in a similar relationship-driven revenue generation role.
Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, healthcare philanthropy, alumni engagement, or a related fundraising environment.
Experience building and managing donor, prospect, client, or partner relationships through a portfolio-based engagement cycle.
Experience developing donor-centered proposals, gift agreements, or persuasive fundraising materials.
Proficiency with Blackbaud, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, or comparable fundraising, donor management, or CRM platforms.
Ability to travel in and out of state for meetings and events as needed.
Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a variety of donor and partner audiences.
Initiative, resilience, and self-motivation in a goal-oriented fundraising or revenue-generating environment.
Strategic thinking and excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Familiarity with or interest in UCF, the College of Sciences, STEM-related fields, or university advancement.

Responsibilities

Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, with a focus on individuals, through discovery, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Design and implement fundraising strategies that support the needs and priorities of COS and UCF.
Conduct face-to-face visits and develop donor-centered proposals to secure major gifts.
Collaborate with the Dean and division leadership to expand the fundraising pipeline and strengthen advisory board member engagement.
Ensure effective use of prospect management tools, research, contact reports, and the CRM database.
Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways meaningful to donors and aligned with UCF’s strategic plan, vision, and values.
Maintain best practices in office systems, records, acknowledgments, and stewardship activities.
Perform related duties as required to advance the college’s fundraising success.