Director/Senior Director of Advancement

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the Division of Student Life is responsible for the implementation of a broad range of fundraising activities, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts. This role reports to the Senior Assistant Vice President (SRAVP) of Development and the Vice President (VP) for Student Life. The incumbent is the primary fundraiser for the Division of Student Life and will develop and execute the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the SRAVP and VP. Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic partner with Student Life departments and Advancement, ensuring conformity with central fundraising efforts and alumni programs and goals, and promoting a culture of philanthropy by broadening constituents’ understanding of the value of giving. The position involves working with Division of Student Life units to identify prospects and cultivate donors in alignment with University protocols, and maintaining and enhancing relationships with past donors and philanthropic partners.

Requirements

• Director of Advancement: 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 of Advancement: 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.
• Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree; degree specialization in Student Personnel or a related field.
• Four to six years of philanthropic and strategic planning experience in complex higher education organizations.
• Three to five years of major gift fundraising experience (preference with higher education fundraising, preferably Student Life fundraising efforts) 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.
• 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.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities.
• Capacity to engage effectively and work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents).
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Experience in a data-driven environment.
• 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.
• Good driving record.
• Ability to pay for expenses using personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and sustain a multi-year fundraising plan.
• Establish the major gift program for the Division of Student Life by building a pipeline of major-giving prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and maintain all major gift prospects for the division, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Oversee the division’s participation in the University’s annual giving activities.
• Build and manage stewardship relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach.
• Articulate and communicate priorities within the context of the overall Division of Student Life mission, goals, and objectives.
• Strengthen alumni and donors’ awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities within Student Life.
• Collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus as appropriate.
• Oversee plans for campaign readiness to ensure all campaign goals are achieved.
• Advise the Vice President of Student Life on strategic and annual fundraising and alumni affairs goals and prioritization of these efforts.
• Initiate, plan, and support activities and events involving prospects, donors, volunteers, and staff.
• Participate in University events and serve on committees as needed.
• Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues and throughout the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Life, and the VP of Enrollment Management to ensure fundraising and stewardship goals and objectives for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship (MFOS) are achieved.
• Coordinate efforts between the Division of Student Life Advancement office and MFOS Director to program the biannual MFOS Leadership Council meetings.
• Ensure that Council leadership and members are appropriately engaged, stewarded, and developed as prospects for the program.
• Work in partnership with the Division of Student Life’s Marketing and Communications team to implement a comprehensive communications plan as well as create print and digital collateral for fundraising efforts.
• Support alumni association efforts in student philanthropy initiatives, affiliate groups, and annual giving efforts.
• Maintain strong partnership and collaborate with the Parent & Family Giving Program within UF Advancement.
• Develop and implement a robust stewardship strategy involving divisional and departmental leadership.
• Serve as a liaison to the Director of Finance in Student Life to help monitor and manage foundation accounts held in Student Life.
• Discuss fund usage and future plans with Student Life Directors regularly.
• Partner to appropriately steward endowment donors during the Annual Endowment Reporting period.
• Help ensure scholarship allocation is cultivated and provided in alignment with Division of Student Life priorities and donor intent.
• Serve as a resource to DSL fund administrators.
• Manage employees, including recruitment and hiring, onboarding, training, certifying time and attendance, goal setting, performance management, and creating action plans.
• Evaluate staff and develop a strong sense of teamwork and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
• Coach the team and bring cohesion to the department.
• Serve on University and/or Divisional committees at the request of the Vice President for Student Life.
• Serve as a member of the Vice President's Student Life Leadership Team.

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
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

What This Job Offers

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