Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

UF ECE Ambassadors; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Life and Disability Insurance

Retirement options

Paid time off and holidays

Professional growth programs

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Job summary

University of Florida in Gainesville seeks an Associate Director of Development to lead major gift fundraising for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The role reports to the Senior Director and drives a program to cultivate substantial gifts, align with UF Advancement priorities, and expand donor networks.

Responsibilities include building a major gift portfolio, traveling to donors, and collaborating with faculty to identify priorities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree or bachelor’s degree with relevant experience.
• Valid FL driver’s license.
• Experience in fundraising, development, sales, or related fields preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio with major gift prospects ($100K+).
• Plan and achieve annual fundraising targets; conduct regular donor visits.
• Develop fundraising strategy in collaboration with college leadership.
• Write proposals and materials to inspire donor giving.
• Coordinate with faculty and staff for donor engagement and events.
• Ensure effective administration and stewardship of gifts.

Skills

Major gifts fundraising

Relationship development

Travel planning

Donor engagement

Education

Master’s degree in an appropriate area

Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area

Tools

Donor database software

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Access

Job description

Classification Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.

Classification Title

ASO DIR, Development

Classification Minimum Requirements

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.

Job Description

The Associate 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 Senior Director of Development, 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.

Fundraising & 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 the start date, develop a portfolio that will consistently raise $750 - $1 million per year or more in support of the College of Liberal Arts and 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 Office of Estate & Gift Planning 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 entry into the UFA’s integrated database, while handling confidential prospect information with discretion and the highest ethical standards.
• 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.

Expected Salary

$65,000 -75,000 annually; 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
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.

Valid FL driver's license.

Preferred

The ideal candidate will possess:

• One to three years of fundraising, development, sales, or related experience.
• Prior experience in a university or nonprofit environment.
• General knowledge and understanding of business/economic environment.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Demonstrated successful experience in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, and the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders to achieve shared goals and positive outcomes.
• Competency in problem-solving; exceptional written and verbal communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills; and strong project management abilities.
• 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's license and a good driving record are essential.*
• Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

Health Assessment Required: No

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position