Director/Senior Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

12h

About The Position

The Director or Senior Director of Development leads a broad range of fundraising activities, with primary responsibility for planning, organizing, and directing programs to identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS). Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, the position helps develop and execute plans and policies for the College’s development program and leads fundraising efforts to meet financial needs and align with UF Advancement’s strategic initiatives. Candidates located in metropolitan cities across Florida may be considered. The position independently identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards major-gift prospects, focusing primarily on prospects with gifts or grants assessed at $100,000 and above. It builds and manages a portfolio of prospects, develops solicitation strategies, and works with CLAS leaders, faculty, and development officers to advance College priorities. The role also contributes to campaign planning, team leadership, budget oversight, board and committee recruitment, departmental development activities, and special fundraising initiatives. The role requires a valid driver license. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and three references. Work sponsorship is not available, and the position is open to current UF employees only.

Requirements

Director qualification: 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.
Senior Director qualification: 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 experience.
Valid driver license.

Nice To Haves

Three to five years of major-gift fundraising experience with documented success cultivating and soliciting gifts of $100,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects, including campaign experience.
Prior fundraising experience within a liberal arts college or university setting.
Enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university and willingness to work collegially in 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, and motivate volunteers.
Ability to work collaboratively as a team player and demonstrate problem-solving competency.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and ability to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of people.
Support for the University’s commitment to a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect.
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

Independently identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major-gift prospects, focusing on gifts or grants assessed at $100,000 and above.
Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to close major-gift solicitations.
Administer strategic plans for major-gift, leadership-gift, and principal-gift prospects.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects whose interests align with CLAS needs, priorities, and research.
Engage CLAS deans, directors, faculty, and development officers to identify needs and priorities.
Research prospects, independently determine primary cultivation and solicitation targets, and devise strategies for each foundation prospect.
Support CLAS development officers in developing strategies to increase support and determining appropriate gift-request amounts.
Work with faculty and department leadership and lead solicitation efforts when appropriate.
Partner with the Executive Director to track and report campaign progress to teams and College and UF Advancement leadership.
Participate in recruiting experienced leaders for boards and committees so groups represent and respond to the communities served.
Plan and monitor the budget and use resources effectively for fundraising and activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.
Work with the Executive Director to build, manage, and lead a strong team of development professionals; identify and recruit talent, provide fundraising counsel, establish aligned goals, develop metrics, and support strategic planning and accountability.
Attend senior development meetings.
Support departmental development and advisory committees.
Develop annual and individual strategic plans, including goals and objectives.
Work with department chairs or center directors on alumni activities and increase support directed to College units.
Work with the Executive Director and CLAS leadership to develop strategy for the College’s next fundraising campaign.
Support the Executive Director of Advancement in staffing the Dean’s Leadership Council.
Lead fundraising for special projects.
Maintain files and records and plan activities involving volunteers, prospects, and administration.