Director/Senior Director of Advancement, Student Life

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

1d • $95,000 - $125,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the University of Florida Division of Student Life leads a broad range of fundraising activities, primarily focused on acquiring major gifts. The position is the division’s primary fundraiser and develops and executes fundraising programs to meet financial needs identified by the Executive Director of Advancement and the Vice President for Student Life. Reporting to both, the role also partners strategically with Student Life departments and Advancement to align fundraising and alumni programs with university-wide efforts and promote a culture of philanthropy.

The incumbent develops and sustains a multi-year fundraising plan, manages a portfolio of 60–80 major gift prospects, and identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donors, with a focus on gifts of $100,000 or more. The position supports campaign readiness, advises Student Life leadership on fundraising and alumni priorities, coordinates donor- and prospect-facing activities, develops communications and stewardship strategies, and collaborates with campus development officers, the alumni association, and the Parent & Family Giving Program.

The role also serves as a liaison regarding Student Life foundation accounts, supports stewardship of endowment donors and scholarship allocations, and acts as a resource to fund administrators. Leadership duties include recruiting, hiring, onboarding, training, setting goals, managing performance, evaluating staff, and fostering teamwork and professional development. The position serves on the Vice President’s Student Life Leadership Team and other university or divisional committees as requested.

This is an onsite position based in Gainesville, Florida. The posting lists an annual salary of $95,000–$105,000 for the Director level and $115,000–$125,000 for the Senior Director level, commensurate with education and experience. Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system; the ability to pay expenses personally and seek reimbursement is essential.

Requirements

• Director level: Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate Development or related experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and five years of Development or related experience; one year of supervisory experience.
• Senior Director level: Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience, or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to pay business expenses using personal funds or a personal credit card and obtain reimbursement.
• Applicants must upload a cover letter and resume.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree, preferably with a 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, preferably in higher education or Student Life, with documented success cultivating and soliciting gifts of $100,000 or more from individual and corporate prospects and campaign experience.
• Prior experience in a college or university setting, enthusiasm for fundraising at a comprehensive research university, and ability to work collegially in a goal-oriented fundraising organization.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards, and expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
• Ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, and solve problems.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and ability to engage and collaborate effectively with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents.
• Commitment to a respectful and collaborative work environment grounded in integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
• Experience in a data-driven environment and proficiency with Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, internet browsers, and email platforms.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Division of Student Life fundraising program in coordination with the Executive Director of Advancement and Vice President for Student Life.
• Work with Student Life units to identify prospects, cultivate donors, and maintain relationships with past donors and philanthropic partners in accordance with University protocols.
• Implement and sustain a multi-year fundraising plan and establish a major gift program with a pipeline of prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of 60–80 major gift prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and maintain major gift prospects, managing relationships through face-to-face visits and focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more.
• Oversee the division’s participation in University annual giving activities.
• Build and manage stewardship relationships using a strategic moves-management approach encompassing identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Articulate and communicate fundraising priorities in the context of the Division of Student Life’s mission, goals, and objectives.
• Strengthen alumni and donor awareness of Student Life giving opportunities and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers as appropriate.
• Oversee campaign-readiness plans aligned with Student Life strategic priorities.
• Work with and advise the Vice President and senior leadership on fundraising and alumni plans, policies, goals, and prioritization.
• 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 relationships with Advancement colleagues and across the University.
• Partner with Student Life Marketing and Communications to implement a communications plan and create print and digital fundraising materials.
• Support the alumni association’s student philanthropy initiatives, affiliate groups, and annual giving efforts.
• Collaborate with the Parent & Family Giving Program to introduce parents and family members to Student Life and philanthropic opportunities.
• Develop and implement a stewardship strategy involving divisional and departmental leadership.
• Liaise with the Student Life Director of Finance to monitor and manage foundation accounts, and regularly discuss fund usage and future plans with Student Life Directors.
• Partner in stewardship of endowment donors during the Annual Endowment Reporting period.
• Help ensure scholarship allocation aligns with Student Life priorities and donor intent.
• Serve as a resource to Division of Student Life fund administrators.
• Manage employees, including recruitment and hiring, onboarding, training, time-and-attendance certification, goal setting, performance management, and action planning.
• Evaluate staff, develop teamwork, create an environment of mentoring and support, and coach the team to build departmental cohesion.
• Serve on University and/or divisional committees at the Vice President’s request and as a member of the Vice President’s Student Life Leadership Team.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through affordable State Health Plans.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off, including 11 paid holidays, family leave, sick leave, and vacation leave.
• Professional and personal growth opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and other offerings.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer.

What This Job Offers

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