Director of Development, Grateful Patient - College of Medicine

College of Medicine • Gainesville, FL

2d

About The Position

The Director of Development, Grateful Patient, identifies, qualifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major gift prospects for UF Health, with a primary emphasis on grateful patient fundraising and gifts of $100,000 and above. The position reports to the Senior Director of Development and coordinates strategic research, data collection, and planning to identify and advance new major gift prospects supporting the College of Medicine and UF Health. The role 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 Director grows and refines a portfolio of prospects and donors, advances relationships, and brings gifts to closure through face-to-face visits, proposals, and solicitations. The role develops concept papers and major gift proposals, recognizes gifts appropriately, engages stakeholders in support of institutional priorities, and works with physicians, researchers, administrators, volunteers, faculty, and staff on fundraising and engagement initiatives. It also supports prospect referrals and solicitation strategies, prepares research and reports, and plans activities and events involving donors, volunteers, grateful patients, and prospects.

Administrative responsibilities include prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, file maintenance, and reporting using the Ascend database; maintaining best practices in office systems and records; participating in College of Medicine events; and providing research, market, and prospect information for the Foundation’s integrated database. The position handles confidential prospect information sensitively and ethically and performs related duties as required.

The position requires travel within the surrounding area to support program activities and site visits. A valid driver’s license and dependable transportation are required. Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system, and the employee must be able to pay expenses personally and receive reimbursement.

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.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and dependable transportation.
• Ability and willingness to travel within the surrounding area for program activities and site visits.
• Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a credit card and receive reimbursement.
• Support for a respectful and collaborative work environment grounded in integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.

Nice To Haves

• Four to six years of successful prior fundraising experience in a medical center, college, or university setting.
• Experience working with volunteers and soliciting gifts in the $100,000+ 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 in 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 a team player.
• Problem-solving competency.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, interpersonal skills, and ability to engage collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
• 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, with a primary emphasis on grateful patient fundraising and gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Grow and refine a portfolio of prospects and donors, advance relationships, and bring gifts to closure 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, and staff to advance grateful patient fundraising and related engagement initiatives.
• Increase knowledge of and support for College of Medicine campaign priorities, including scholarships, faculty endowments, department priorities, and initiatives.
• Support physicians, researchers, administrators, and medical staff in identifying and referring prospects and presenting needs and possibilities effectively.
• Collaborate with clinical partners and development officers on strategies to increase grateful patient and house staff engagement opportunities and solicitations.
• Prepare research and reports for College staff, volunteers, and stakeholders to support targeted relationship- and partnership-building initiatives.
• Initiate, plan, and support activities and events involving volunteers, donors, grateful patients, and prospects, on campus and regionally.
• Manage prospect tracking, portfolios, records, files, and reporting using the Ascend database; maintain effective office systems 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 sensitively and ethically.
• Travel within the surrounding area to support program activities and site visits.

Benefits

• Low-cost state medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement options
• Paid time off, including more than 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 (PSLF) eligible employer

What This Job Offers

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