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. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, the incumbent will oversee the advancement offices in the Division of Student Life and the Division of Enrollment Management.

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;
• Work to broaden the University’s donor base and build new donor/parent pipelines;
• 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;
• Lead high performing teams to cultivate $1+ million gift strategies;
• 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;
• Manage and supervise the Director of Parent and Family Giving and the Senior Director of Administration for the Leadership Annual Giving Team, as well as one administrative support team member;
• 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;
• 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.

Requirements

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

Qualifications

• 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.
• The ability to develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a 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.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.

Skills

• Strong initiative and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal abilities.
• Ability to think strategically and analytically.
• Experience in a college or university setting.
• Experience in major/leadership gift fundraising.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Experience in managing high-performing teams.
• Experience in working with volunteers and stakeholders.
• Experience in evaluating and analyzing programs.

Benefits

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
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Pay

Commensurate with education and experience.

Schedule

N/A

Contact Information

To apply, please visit the link provided in the application instructions. For further inquiries, refer to the university's website or contact the Human Resources department.