Executive Director of Advancement

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

About The Position

The Executive Director of Advancement for the College of Education serves as the chief fundraiser for the College of Education, with the general responsibility of overseeing the advancement program. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President of Development and the Dean, this position is responsible for the management and administration of a broad range of public support programs for the College of Education including fundraising, communications, alumni relations, public support groups and college services.

Requirements

Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience.
The ability and willingness to travel.
A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.
The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Nice To Haves

Five to seven years of major/leadership gift or related fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above.
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.
Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
Exceptional judgment, strong initiative, and a quick learner with ability to think strategically and analytically and the organizational skills to move from vision to action.
Highly motivated and efficient operator with the ability to manage a significant volume of tasks, activities and projects, including both tactical and strategic projects.
Highly competent and detail-oriented in executing tasks.
The highest standards of ethics, integrity, respect and humility.
The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a 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, 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; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; strong project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
Proficient in the following areas: 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 is also highly preferred.
At least basic familiarity with AI tools to support preparation of communications (e.g., UF’s NaviGator Notebook).

Responsibilities

Serve as the chief fundraiser for the College of Education to include oversight and strategy for fundraising within the Lastinger Center and New Worlds Reading Initiative.
Identify, cultivate, solicit and maintain major, leadership and principal gift prospects for the College.
Strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more, and oversee the College’s participation in the University annual fund activities.
Manage stewardship of college donors and those within individual portfolio to encourage continued investment and build stronger relationships through a strategic moves management approach.
Attend college and UF Advancement (UFA) functions primarily to identify new prospects.
Responsible for coordinating solicitation with college development and alumni officers/directors; must communicate frequently with these persons, deans, other administration, faculty and colleagues within Advancement; must properly handle leadership, annual gifts and pledges made to the University.
Establish and maintain contact with prospects to develop their interest and participation in major Education fundraising projects and to provide information concerning the utilization of gifts.
Develop and present major gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision and values of the unit and UFA.
Develop support for the program by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and members of the advisory board.
Direct the planning, strategy and implementation of all fundraising and alumni activities for the College including the Lastinger Center and New Worlds Reading Initiative.
Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program.
Design solicitation strategies on case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and college office needs and procedures; will maintain continuous personal contact with key volunteers, members, lapsed members and prospects throughout the state; will communicate regularly via phone and mail with those outside the state.
Serve as advisor to the Dean of the College and the Director of the Lastinger Center on fundraising matters and coordinate development activities between the College and UFA.
Coordinate events, communication, and solicitation of College of Education Faculty and Staff (including retired faculty).
Work with UFA office to develop a comprehensive engagement strategy for our faculty and staff.
Budget, event planning, communication planning, and volunteer coordination are included in this process.
Participate in professional programs at the state and national level as appropriate.
Manage the operations of the Development, Private Grants, and Alumni Relations functions of the College of Education; 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 Education 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 the organization’s vision, mission and values; use best talent management practices; ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Advance database.
Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.