Director, Advancement or Senior Director, Advancement

University of Florida • Gainesville, FL

2d • $110,000 - $158,000

About The Position

The Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP) serves as the strategic leader driving all aspects of the college’s development and alumni engagement efforts. Reporting jointly to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for the UF Health Science Center and the Dean of PHHP, this role sets the vision and direction for a comprehensive advancement program that fuels the college’s mission and growth. PHHP is in an exciting period of expansion and innovation, creating a prime opportunity for a forward‑thinking advancement leader to elevate philanthropic support and strengthen connections across a vibrant network of more than 22,000 alumni. The Director/Senior Director oversees a broad and impactful portfolio that includes major and leadership giving, development communications, alumni engagement, and volunteer board management. Operating within a collaborative, matrixed structure, this position works closely with both college leadership and UF Advancement to align strategies, build momentum, and achieve shared fundraising and engagement goals. This is a high‑visibility role for a results-driven relationship builder who thrives in a mission-centered, growth-oriented environment. The Senior Director/Director of Advancement reports to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for the UF Health Science Center and the Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP). The individual in this role leads the college’s overall development strategy, providing vision, direction, and oversight for fundraising and advancement initiatives. Under the Dean’s leadership, the college is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and innovation, creating a significant opportunity to expand and strengthen its development and alumni engagement efforts. Serving a network of more than 22,000 alumni, this role oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes fundraising, development communications, alumni engagement, and volunteer board management. This position operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with both the college and UF Advancement (UFA) to align strategies and achieve shared goals.

Requirements

• Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field. One year of supervisory experience.
• Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

Nice To Haves

• At least 6-8 years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects. Campaign experience is 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.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Experience in development and alumni relations and/or external affairs with demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
• Ability to work strategically, implement and build constituency programs and activities is highly desired.
• A strong understanding of budgeting practices and financial accountability and the ability to manage resources with prudence and efficiency.
• Proven skills handling multiple priorities and work pressure.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, as well as effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside College of Public Health and Health Professions.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions; experience in a data-driven environment; 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.
• The ability and willingness to travel are required. A valid driver license and good driving record which meets insurance liability requirements are essential
• Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Responsibilities

• Build upon a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new prospects $100,000 and above for the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP).
• Attend PHHP and University of Florida Advancement (UFA) functions primarily to identify new prospects.
• As steward of major gift prospects, coordinate and lead PHHP faculty on their appropriate involvement with donors interested in specific college activities.
• Establish and maintain contact with prospects to develop their interest and participation in major PHHP fundraising projects and to provide information concerning the utilization of gifts.
• Develop and present major gift proposals with expertise and a high level of organization.
• 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 college by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and volunteers.
• Strategically lead and manage the development office within PHHP.
• Build, lead and manage a strong team of development professionals within PHHP.
• Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership.
• Evaluate, coach and counsel the Dean, faculty and staff on matters relating to fundraising and accountability which includes establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.
• Oversee staff and ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision; 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 donor database.
• Assist the Dean with strategically organizing and managing donor relationships.
• Attend senior development meetings on behalf of PHHP as organized by UFA.
• Attend and participate in the Dean’s Operations Meeting and Executive Leadership Meeting.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
• Oversee the maintenance of files, contact reports, prospect tracking and records associated with development activities.
• Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
• Assist the Dean in prioritizing development efforts and work with the Dean’s staff to schedule travel and make optimal use of travel time.
• Work closely with the Dean, alumni and volunteers to identify new prospects and establish fundraising priorities for the College.
• Serve as advisor to the Dean and PHHP faculty on fundraising matters and coordinate development activities between the PHHP and UFA.
• Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively in coordinating major college development events; managing public relations and development communications; maintaining accurate records and files; and planning activities that engage volunteers, prospects, and administration.
• Assist the Dean and AVP of Advancement and/or constituent development managers in the analysis, formulation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies.

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, 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

What This Job Offers

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