DIR, Advancement

Classification Title:

DIR, Advancement

Job Description:

Intentionally cultivates a welcoming and inclusive environment for staff and all (Phillips Center, University Auditorium, Baughman Center) visitors. Ensures accessible, fair, and equitable treatment for everyone in our diverse and valued team.

The Director of Advancement will serve as the chief fundraiser for University of Florida Performing Arts (UFPA) and will provide strategic direction for a comprehensive fundraising program in partnership with the Director of UFPA and the Assistant Vice President of Development. The incumbent will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major and principal gift level individuals, corporations and foundations as well as Endowment development, annual giving, planned giving, corporate sponsors, and special events. The Director of Advancement will serve on the senior leadership team of UFPA as well as a manager and mentor for the development team.

Portfolio Management/ Fundraising

• Develop, activate, and deliver on a collaborative fundraising plan with UF Foundation that addresses the needs of each prospective donor, segmented by type (individual, corporate, government, foundation), level (donor levels, various major gift levels, planned giving), and fund (unrestricted annual operating and restricted for specific purposes, including programming, capital and endowment).
  
  
• Identify the best people to help pursue the top prospects, help schedule meetings and/or cultivation/solicitation events and provide guidance and strategy.
  
  
• Independently perform identification, cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects where gifts are assessed at $25,000 and above.
  
  
• Strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits, following best practice and steps to identify, learn donor passions and align interests with UFPA priorities.
  
  
• Develop and present major gift proposals, acknowledge and recognize gifts appropriate to the policies and procedures of the UF Advancement (UFA).
  
  
• Build and nurture effective working relationships with alumni, parents, friends, volunteers, board members, and staff.
  
  
• Coordinate all donor solicitations in accordance with the UFA and work to engage staff in appropriate activities to increase awareness of opportunities related to grants and individual solicitations to benefit prescribed funding needs of UFPA. This position requires significant travel by automobile; maintaining an acceptable driving record that meets insurance requirements as well as an active Florida driver license, in order to meet this function.
  
  

Management

• Responsible for all development budget goals. Create and maintain reports on progress against fundraising goals. Create and maintain reports on progress against fundraising goals and objectives to the director and leadership team, other development staff, and UFA.
  
  
• Organize a departmental plan of work to achieve all annual operating and future campaign goals, coordinating and balancing UFPA’s multiple fundraising initiatives and programs.
  
  
• Evaluate staff, develop a strong sense of teamwork, and establish an environment of mentoring and support. Maintain cohesion to the department.
  
  
• Strive to create an inclusive and accessible environment for all, promote and sustain diversity in the workplace in all its forms.
• Effectively manage the unit development office including: managing using talent management best practices in alignment with UF Advancement's vision, mission and values; ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Advance database.
  
  
• Utilize the resources for best practice in fundraising. Coordinate with the Director on oversight of Advisory Board of Directors or its future restructure, committee and task force members.
  
  

Strategic Leadership

• Participate as an active senior leader in the management of UFPA, engaging in strategic and operational discussions and decisions that move the organization forward.
  
  
• Create, implement, and manage strategic development and communication initiatives designed to significantly increase contributed revenue. Implement of a strategic fundraising plan with short- and long- term goals ranging from 1,3, 5, and 10 years.
  
  
• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan in concert with Marketing and Public Relations department and the UFA Communications, and UFA Research Departments to identify and inform the local, national and international audiences of Affiliates, patrons, friends and UF alumni.
  
  
• Create materials that communicate the UFPA vision to patrons and donors through proposals, annual mailings, targeted solicitations, foundation and corporate funding, and stewardship materials to all donors.
  
  
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program. Collaborate with leadership to further develop individual, foundation, corporate and institutional relationships and partnerships.
  
  
• Serve as a liaison to the executive council and leadership council. Oversee councils to include recruiting, tracking volunteer solicitation, and maintaining regular communications.
  
  
• Participate in the planning and implementation of cultivation/stewardship events.
  
  
• Oversee communications to the Board, and participates in recruiting experienced and diverse leadership on associated boards and/or committee
  
  

Assist with special projects, such as fundraising events. Participate in UFA and UF training and committees as appropriate and in dialogue with the Director and the Assistant VP for Development.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with experience

Minimum Requirements:

A master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in development with a demonstrated track record of successful fundraising in a university and/or performing arts center.
• Track record of developing, and retaining a high caliber staff, building a team, and creatively organizing and managing them to maximize the support of external constituencies.
• Excellent organizational and operational skills; confidence and independence in exercising leadership skills and in representing the Museum to external constituents.
• Ability to construct, articulate, and implement an annual strategic development plan.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Experience working in the strategic planning and/or implementation of an organization.
• Demonstrated ability to support UFPA and UF missions. Collaborative focus. A strong understanding of budgeting practices and financial accountability and the ability to manage resources with prudence and efficiency.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside the organization.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Experience engaging, training, motivating, and staffing volunteers in the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of significant gifts; appreciation for the role of volunteers in building an effective development network.
• Ability to demonstrate the highest standards of ethics as accepted by the professional fundraising community.
• Excellent oral and written communications and interpersonal skills.
• Working knowledge in these areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system. Tech savvy with social media awareness desirable.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver license and good driving record 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.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered you must upload cover letter, resume and list of three references.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

This position has been reposted. Previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply.

Health Assessment Required: No