Principal Gifts Officer

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Gifts Officer is responsible for advancing institution‑wide fundraising priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, the position supports a broad range of strategic fundraising efforts focused on securing philanthropic commitments at the $1,000,000 level and above. The role manages a portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects and works closely with advancement colleagues, as well as academic and administrative partners, to align donor interests with institutional priorities. The Principal Gifts Officer brings sound judgment, discretion, determination, and political acumen to navigate complex, cross‑unit environments, fostering collaboration and alignment in support of shared fundraising goals. The position develops and executes customized engagement strategies, advances complex philanthropic opportunities, high impact stewardship, and supports campaign initiatives and other strategic fundraising efforts through collaboration and thoughtful execution.

Requirements

• Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• At least eight to ten years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating, soliciting and securing major gifts of $1,000,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects with campaign experience.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex institutional or organizational environments with diplomacy and sound judgment, fostering effective cross‑unit collaboration and alignment.
• 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 cultivation, solicitation and stewardship strategies.
• The ability to work strategically and to develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, project management skills, excellent organizational abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• Demonstrated ability to support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful 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.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, tracking systems, and experience in a data-driven environment 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 expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the leadership and principal gift levels ($1,000,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Focus on individual prospects rated at a capacity of $5,000,000 or above.
• Assess and refine the portfolio by identifying new high-net-worth individuals and families with the capacity and affinity to support college priorities.
• Partner closely with central and unit‑based advancement colleagues to advance enterprise‑wide fundraising priorities, principal gift strategies, transformational philanthropic visions and principal gift level solicitations.
• Navigate complex institutional environments with diplomacy and sound judgment to foster effective cross‑unit collaboration and alignment.
• Serve as a trusted partner to academic and administrative stakeholders, facilitating coordination and shared ownership of donor strategies.
• Contribute subject‑matter expertise to campaign planning, readiness, and execution.
• Collaborate across functional areas (prospect development, stewardship, advancement operations) to ensure cohesive and strategic donor engagement.
• Build and sustain long‑term, trust‑based relationships that result in significant philanthropic investments.
• Identify, organize and facilitate high-level engagement experiences, including campus visits, personalized briefings and engagement opportunities to deepen prospect relationships.
• Identify, attend and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Clearly and compellingly articulate institutional priorities, impact opportunities through written and oral communications.
• Ensure donors receive thoughtful, meaningful stewardship and recognition aligned with their intentions and institutional standards.
• Establish and maintain contact with prospects to develop their interest and participation in fundraising projects and to provide information concerning the utilization of gifts and their real‑world impact.
• Maintain accurate documentation and reporting in advancement systems in accordance with best practices.
• Ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision and Values; use best talent management practices.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping.
• Ensure regular and effective use of strategic tools and resources, and prospect management, research and analysis.
• Effectively perform prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, file maintenance, and reporting using the Advance database.

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: Executive