Executive Director of Advancement, Family & Campus Development

About the role

The Executive Director of Advancement will lead fundraising efforts for Family & Campus Development units including Parent & Family Programs and the Leadership Annual Giving Program. They will report to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development and work synergistically across the university.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of major and leadership gift prospects/donors for the identification, cultivation, solicitation where gifts are assessed at $100,000 and above.
• Strategically manage 80 face-to-face visits per year to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and maintain major, leadership and principal gift prospects.
• Maintain a portfolio of fundraising prospects for the cultivation of major gifts.
• Qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospects and donors.
• Create innovative and creative outreach strategy to identify, cultivate, and solicit current freshman and sophomore parents for gifts at $100,000 and above.
• Collaborate with other development officers and unit leads to generate multi-unit proposals and solicitations.
• Work closely with the Office of Estate & Gift Planning to make blended cash and estate plan solicitations.
• Work with the Strategic Communications, Marketing & Engagement team to coordinate solicitation communications to key constituencies.
• Contribute to the production of publications and electronic communications.
• Serve as the team lead to set vision, establish annual performance goals and objectives for the Family & Campus Development, Division of Enrollment Management, and the Division of Student Life teams.
• Lead strategic planning efforts, maintain team accountability on performance goals, and represent the team at senior-level meetings to ensure annual goals are achieved related to fundraising and stewardship.
• Prepare presentations with vision, data, and results to Advancement and University leadership as requested.
• Provide leadership to the Parent & Family Giving Program, including the Gator Family Giving Council.
• Provide leadership to the Leadership Annual Giving Officer Program, to train the next generation of fundraisers at UF and cultivate UF’s donor pipeline.
• Coordinate high-level stewardship activities such as the President’s tailgates and football suite attendance.
• Represent Family & Campus Development and Central Advancement, when requested, at events on and off-campus.
• Foster and maintain partnerships with Central Advancement teams such as Annual Giving, Donor Relations, and the UF Alumni Association for donor pipeline and engagement.
• Manage High-Performing Teams: Lead high performing teams to cultivate $1+ million gift strategies; provide leadership, counsel and assistance to the assigned colleges/units on matters relating to fundraising, accountability and staffing.
• Directly oversee the Director of Parent and Family Giving and the Senior Director of Administration for the Leadership Annual Giving Team.
• Evaluate staff, develop a strong sense of teamwork, and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
• Coach the team and bring cohesion to the departments, including Family & Campus Development as well as the Divisions of Student Life and Enrollment Management.
• 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.
• Build collaborative, productive relationships with deans and unit directors to enhance strategic fundraising opportunities.
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices. Implement changes accordingly to maintain competitiveness among peers and to meet goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan and goals.
• Develop support for the programs by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and members of the advisory board, in efforts supporting the fundraising goals of each unit.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.
• Evaluate and analyze programs using established attributes and metrics to produce accurate reports, to guide effective decision making and to achieve the vision, mission, and values of UF Advancement.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience.
• 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 from individual, foundation and corporate prospects; including campaign experience.
• 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.
• Passion and a deep appreciation for initiatives supporting students.
• 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 with attention to detail.
• Talent for motivating volunteers and capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities.
• The highest standards of ethics, integrity, respect and humility; willingness to support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative 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.
• Experience in a data-driven environment with familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources effectively.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly and persuasively.

Benefits

Commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including:

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

Pay

Expected Salary Commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

The position is full-time.