Director of Development, College of Veterinary Medicine

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

2d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development is responsible for managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, including grateful clients. This role involves identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding these prospects to secure significant donations for the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Director will develop and implement tailored fundraising strategies, focusing on individuals with the capacity to give $100,000 or more, and collaborate with various teams to achieve fundraising goals. This position also requires a deep understanding of the college's mission and strategic priorities to engage donors effectively and ensure meaningful recognition of their contributions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• At least 4-6 years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above from individual prospects with campaign experience.
• Prior experience in a college or university setting.
• Enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university.
• Desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
• Ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities.
• Talent for motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and a team player.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities.
• Capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders.
• Strong project management skills.
• Experience in a data-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational abilities.
• Capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others.
• Proficient in Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• A valid driver license and good driving record.
• Ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed.

Responsibilities

• Identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects and grateful clients.
• Building and managing a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift levels ($100,000+).
• Strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Assessing and refining the portfolio by identifying new high-net-worth individuals and families with the capacity and affinity to support college priorities.
• Developing and implementing tailored fundraising strategies for grateful client donors, aligning philanthropic interests with the College's priorities in research, education, patient care, and capital initiatives.
• Collaborating with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning team to develop and implement a gifting strategy for qualified donor portfolios at the planned giving level.
• Developing a comprehensive understanding of the college mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising.
• Partnering with college leadership and unit/program directors to create and execute tailored, multi-year engagement and solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect, leveraging a moves management framework.
• Developing and presenting concept papers and gift proposals to donors.
• Organizing and facilitating high-level engagement experiences, including campus visits, personalized briefings, and engagement opportunities.
• Attending and supporting activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Delivering thoughtful, personalized donor stewardship by recognizing gifts in meaningful ways, providing customized reporting, facilitating naming opportunities, managing long-term relationships, and ensuring donors are appropriately engaged and recognized.
• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with college administration and faculty through regular, consistent, and relevant communication.
• Working with marketing and communications to design and produce collateral or promotional materials.
• Ensuring best practices in office systems, files, and record keeping.
• Providing research, market, and prospect information for UFA’s integrated database.
• Handling confidential prospect information in a sensitive, ethical manner.
• Contributing to the planning and monitoring of the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities.

Benefits

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave
• Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

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