Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

13h • $65,000 - $75,000

About The Position

The Associate Director/Director of Development is responsible for implementing a broad range of fundraising activities, primarily focused on soliciting and closing major gifts ($100K+) in support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, the incumbent is responsible for assisting in developing and executing the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the Dean of the college, and in alignment with the strategic initiatives of UF Advancement. Fundraising and Relationship Development Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift levels ($100,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure. Within 36 months of start date develop portfolio that will consistently raise $750,000-$1 million per year or more in support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences averaging 140-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $50,000 or more. Maximize travel plans to strategic geographic regions for major gift solicitations/donor engagement. Collaborate with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning to develop and implement a gifting strategy for qualified donor portfolios at the planned giving level. Development Strategy Set and implement strategies for identification, qualification, relationship-building and solicitation to close and steward major gifts for the college. Collaborate with college faculty and unit/program directors to understand and formulate priorities and opportunities related to individual gifts at the assessed level. Must develop a comprehensive understanding of the college mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising. Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision, and values of the unit and UF Advancement. Communications/Events/Administration Develop and implement communication and engagement plans to keep prospects connected to the college and informed about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities. Build and maintain effective relationships with college administration and faculty through regular, consistent, and relevant communication. Write gift proposals, concept papers, and other documents that will help to inspire donors to give generously to support the college. Attend and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects. Serve as a liaison for CLAS Advancement to at least one departmental advisory board. Partner with faculty and staff at the college for donor engagement and fundraising strategy. Administrative Ensure best practices in office systems, files, and record keeping. Provide research, market, and prospect information for inclusion into the UFA’s integrated database, and handle confidential prospect information in a sensitive, ethical manner. Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.
• 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.
• The ability and willingness to travel.
• A valid driver's license and a good driving record are essential.

Nice To Haves

• One to three years of fundraising, development, sales, or related experience.
• Prior experience in a university or nonprofit environment.
• General knowledge and understanding of business/economic environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Demonstrated successful experience in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and be a team player.
• Competency in problem-solving.
• Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift levels ($100,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Within 36 months of start date develop portfolio that will consistently raise $750,000-$1 million per year or more in support of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences averaging 140-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $50,000 or more.
• Maximize travel plans to strategic geographic regions for major gift solicitations/donor engagement.
• Collaborate with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning to develop and implement a gifting strategy for qualified donor portfolios at the planned giving level.
• Set and implement strategies for identification, qualification, relationship-building and solicitation to close and steward major gifts for the college.
• Collaborate with college faculty and unit/program directors to understand and formulate priorities and opportunities related to individual gifts at the assessed level.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the college mission, strategy, and goals as they relate to fundraising.
• Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision, and values of the unit and UF Advancement.
• Develop and implement communication and engagement plans to keep prospects connected to the college and informed about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with college administration and faculty through regular, consistent, and relevant communication.
• Write gift proposals, concept papers, and other documents that will help to inspire donors to give generously to support the college.
• Attend and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Serve as a liaison for CLAS Advancement to at least one departmental advisory board.
• Partner with faculty and staff at the college for donor engagement and fundraising strategy.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, files, and record keeping.
• Provide research, market, and prospect information for inclusion into the UFA’s integrated database, and handle confidential prospect information in a sensitive, ethical manner.
• Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.

Benefits

• The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development, and work life support.

What This Job Offers

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