Director, Advancement or Senior Director, Advancement

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $110,000 - $158,000

About The Position

The University of Florida College of Pharmacy seeks a strategic and relationship-driven Director/Senior Director of Advancement to help lead the advancement team with a focused emphasis on driving strategy for a comprehensive capital campaign. This role is pivotal in securing transformative philanthropic investments that advance the college’s priorities in innovation, research and education. Partnering closely with the Dean and Advancement leadership, the Director/Senior Director will develop and execute a donor-centric strategy, cultivating high-capacity prospects and aligning their interests with impactful giving opportunities.

As a key leader, the Director/Senior Director of Advancement will guide a high-performing team and oversee an integrated development program that includes mid-range, major and leadership level gift fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement. Through a disciplined approach to portfolio management and campaign execution, this individual will build meaningful donor relationships, inspire significant contributions, and play a critical role in positioning the College of Pharmacy for long-term growth and success during this capital campaign focus.

This person will be reporting jointly to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for the UF Health Science Center and the Dean of Pharmacy.

Requirements

• Director: 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. One year of supervisory experience.
• Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• At least 8 years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects with campaign experience.
• Prior experience in a college or university setting, enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university, and the desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Experience in development and alumni relations and/or external affairs with demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
• Ability to work strategically, implement and build constituency programs and activities is highly desired.
• A strong understanding of budgeting practices and financial accountability and the ability to manage resources with prudence and efficiency.
• Proven skills handling multiple priorities and work pressure.
• Effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside College of Pharmacy.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Experience in a data-driven environment. Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.
• Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.
• Relationship Mastery - Identifies, targets and strategically builds relationships with colleagues, prospects, donors and volunteers
• Donor Focus - Ability to establish, cultivate and steward prospects/ donors to build and maintain lifelong partnerships and trust on behalf of the institution
• Tenacity - Ability to demonstrate the discipline and resilience necessary to successfully achieve goals and strategies
• Credibility - Displays responsible, reliable and trustworthy actions
• Entrepreneurial Spirit - Ability to generate creative solutions and take risks
• Engaging Communication - Ability to attentively listen and express oneself clearly and empathetically in interactions with others in all forms of communication
• Strategic Thinking - Ability to develop strategies and plans that integrate into the organization’s mission, priorities and goals
• Mission Driven - Fundamentally identifies with the core mission to create awareness, build relationships, generate support and recognize donors for the purpose of advancing the university

Responsibilities

• Identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new prospects $100,000 and above for the College of Pharmacy.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Attend college and UFA (University of Florida Advancement) functions primarily to identify new prospects, cultivate and steward donors of the college.
• Spearhead the analysis, formulation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies with the Dean and AVP of Development and/or constituent primary relationship managers.
• Assist the Dean in prioritizing development efforts, and work with the Dean’s staff to schedule travel and make optimal use of travel time.
• Develop and present concept papers and gift proposals in alignment with donors interest and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of College of Pharmacy.
• Work closely with the Dean and members of the Dean’s Leadership Council to identify new prospects and establish fundraising priorities for the College.
• Meaningful acknowledge and steward donors.
• Serve as advisor to the Dean and the faculty of the College on fundraising matters and coordinate development activities between the College of Pharmacy and UF Advancement.
• Effectively oversee the following: coordination of major College events related to development, coordination of PR and communication in the College related to development, maintenance of files and record keeping, planning activities involving volunteers, prospects and administration.
• Manage the Dean’s Leadership Council, a group of 25 high level prospects and donors, developing agendas and executing biannual meetings on behalf of the Dean.
• Budget resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration. Coordinate daily office routing, such as solicitation letters and responses to letters received from various constituents of the Colleges.
• Build and manage relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to yield maximum philanthropic support in a timely fashion.
• Evaluate and analyze programs using established attributes and metrics to make recommendations for change as necessary.
• Oversee projects and programs such as Legacy challenge, Crisafi challenge, and other innovative programs aligned with the college’s priorities.
• Oversee all stewardship programs and ensure donors are properly and appropriately stewarded at the levels of their gifts.
• Manage the operations of the Development and Alumni Relations functions of the College of Pharmacy; hires, supervises and evaluates staff; oversees maintenance of files, contact reports and records associated with these activities.
• Responsible for effective prospect tracking, record keeping, reporting and administration aligned with the metrics and reporting from the College of Pharmacy and UFA.
• Build, manage and lead a strong team of development professionals. Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership, counsel on matters relating to fundraising, and accountability including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning. In addition, incumbent will attend senior development meetings.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
• Oversee staff and ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision. Use best talent management practices; ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping; ensures effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Ascend database.
• Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
• Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues through the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
• Provide leadership and counsel on matters relating to fundraising and accountability.

Benefits

• Health Insurance: UF participates in state- and university-sponsored benefits programs for individuals, families and domestic partners, and offers voluntary insurance that includes vision, dental, long-term disability and more.
• Retirement Options: Attractive options include Florida Retirement System Pension Plan, State University System Optional Retirement Program, Florida Retirement System Investment Plan, and Voluntary Retirement Savings Plan.
• Leave: UF Faculty and Staff enjoy a generous paid leave plan as well as access to a sick-leave pool, maternity/paternity leave, and leave payouts.

What This Job Offers

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