Senior Director of Development Communications

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

40d

About The Position

Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement Communications with a dotted line to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement, UF Health Science Center Colleges, the Senior Director of Development Communications will play a critical role in developing content, collateral and proposals to support strategic fundraising initiatives and complex gift propositions for the Health Science Center Colleges and other units. This role will be embedded within the UF Health Science Center Colleges, working closely with Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, PHHP, Scripps and Veterinary Medicine and other campus stakeholders to identify philanthropic priorities and translate them to donor-focused communications plans. The Senior Director will work closely and in collaboration with the other members of the Strategic Communications & Marketing team and have frequent personal contact with University constituents, including faculty and staff, as well as University, and UF Advancement officials and staff as assigned. The position will focus on strategic development communications, transforming complex and academic information into compelling, donor-focused narratives that inspire engagement and investment. This role will liaise with development officers and leadership and serve as a critical component of the University of Florida's next comprehensive campaign, with a primary focus on the Health Science Center Colleges, centers and institutes. They will build out campaign priority collateral, high-level or complex concept papers and proposals. Additionally, this role will assist in leadership and principal gift level stewardship amongst the health colleges, shaping high-impact, individualized stewardship pieces. This position exercises independent judgment, confidentiality and discretion.

Requirements

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or Journalism or other appropriate area of specialization.
Five or more years of experience writing within a communications function.
Proven success in a complex organization is required, prior experience in higher education - especially in development at a comprehensive research university - is strongly preferred.
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.
Outstanding written and oral communications skills and the ability to draft inspirational donor-facing documents under tight deadlines and with limited direction; comfort working with multi-media, document design and graphics; demonstrated ability to conceptualize, design and implement donor strategies and campaign plans.
Superior editing and proofreading skills, with the ability to convey compelling messaging through writing.
Deep knowledge of best practices and new approaches around internal communications across platforms, and empathy for the staff experience and a history of working in cross-functional teams are critical to ensure coordination and maximum impact.
A working knowledge of best practices and trends in advancement and campaign management, particularly among the university's peer institutions and a nuanced understanding of the state of philanthropy.
Sophisticated facilitation skills, characterized by an open and collaborative leadership style that motivates, engages, energizes and focuses teams.
The ability to work both collaboratively and independently, as well as a strong sense of initiative.
Exceptional strategic-thinking, problem-solving skills, including a results orientation, spirit of urgency and commitment to deadlines and priorities.
Must possess a proficiency in communicating effectively with a wide range of audiences in conversations and through documents.
Knowledge of advancement philosophy and practices; higher education experience preferred.
Skill requiring judgment to take initiative, accurately establish priorities, complete complex assignments in a timely manner, and adapt quickly to changing needs and in dealing with people who present conflicting challenges.
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.
Supports 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.
Off campus travel may be required. A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.

Responsibilities

Responsible for developing and executing creative, tailored and donor-centric strategic communications deliverables for high-level donors.
Serve as a writer, editor and strategic development voice, in collaboration with the college and unit leads, creating inspiring concept papers and proposals and other highly customized communications pieces including: executive/presidential briefs, leadership correspondence, impact and special reports for high-level donor and VIP audiences.
Interact closely with development staff to obtain and organize information and materials to best write, edit, research and design quality reports tailored to each donor or donor audiences, in consultation with the Executive Director.
Attend Central Advancement, SCME and HSC Team meetings and conduct regular unit-level meetings to be aware of development communications needs and prioritize based on level of donors and opportunity.
In consultation with the AVP and Executive Director, collaborate with university leadership and units to conduct visioning sessions and conceptualize donor-facing materials illustrating a unit's momentum and potential pathways for philanthropy and partnership to advance Advancement goals and strategic priorities.
Lead cross-functional collaboration with appropriate communications and marketing teams to ensure consistent and compelling storytelling and branding.
Create and maintain evergreen campaign priority collateral that articulates unit fundraising goals, ensuring consistent messaging across donor audiences and long-term relevance for strategic initiatives.
Serve as a key partner advising strategic direction for special projects, including donor events (provide engagement, stewardship and cultivation ideas and materials) for the Health Science Center Colleges and other units.
Design and implement adaptable proposal templates for major gift and leadership annual giving levels, enabling development officers to deliver personalized, mission-aligned donor communications with efficiency and impact.
Create proactive communications stewardship plans for cadence of stewardship touchpoints, streamlining the process across UF Health, so that all leadership and principal level donors receive the same level of recognition (in alignment with donor's preference).
Convene regular stewardship-focused meetings with the HSC team, with guidance from the AVP, to produce strategic and high-quality materials for leadership and principal gift level donors.
Create content and design of individualized stewardship deliverables for major gift Legacy donors, particularly those who are in active cultivation.
Attend and participate in planning and strategy sessions about top donors and prospects for the Health Science Center Colleges and other units.
Track activities, next steps and results for communications projects related to donors in the principal gift space, including key stewardship and engagement touchpoints.
Serve as a senior advisor to HSC and UF Health leadership and fundraising teams on donor messaging, tone and content personalization.
Meet regularly with HSC and UF Health teams to assess priority fundraising and communications needs and bring those priorities back to the AVP and Executive Director to prioritize and ensure support from Central.
Contribute to the leadership team with unit leaders, AVP and Executive Director to strategize and strengthen development efforts around each unit with special emphasis on the University of Florida's next comprehensive campaign.
In collaboration with AVP and Executive Director, meet as needed with college deans, chairs and faculty to articulate vision and understanding of the greatest needs.
Manage editorial calendars and production timelines to support fundraising initiatives, events and solicitations, in consultation with AVP and Executive Director.
Ensure all projects, tasks and deliverables meet the highest standards of quality, are completed on time and align with established processes and stakeholder expectations. Prioritize assignments and plans concurrently for multiple competing priorities. Execute strategies to work independently and under limited timeframes to meet development deadlines.
Participate in regular status meetings with AVP, Executive Director, team and stakeholders to provide updates and collaborate on project deliverables, tracking progress and ensuring alignment on impending deadlines and milestones.
Monitor and coordinate project planning. Develop and conceptualize short-term and long-term goals of each project using established attributes to achieve the vision and values and effectively communicate project expectations.

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
Inclusive 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
Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

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