Director of Development

Classification Title:

DIR, Development

Job Description:

The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Development Office is seeking a Director of Development. The 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 & Sciences. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, 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. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

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 a portfolio that will consistently raise $1.5 million per year or more in support of the College of Liberal Arts & 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 Gift Planning team 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.

Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.

Expected Salary:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements:

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.

Preferred Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least 3 - 5 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 with 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.
• 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.
• Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• 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 is required.
• 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.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver's license and a good driving record are essential.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resumé, and the names and contact information of three professional references.

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

Valid Florida driver's license.

Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Training is required.

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

Health Assessment Required: No