Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Florida invites applications for Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences on Main Campus (Gainesville). You will lead major gift fundraising efforts, build a portfolio, and collaborate with faculty and donors to advance college priorities.

The role targets $750k–$1M in annual donations within 3 years, with 140–160 visits per year and gifts of $50k+. Travel, donor planning, and stewardship are essential, reporting to the Senior Director of

Qualifications

• Master's degree in an appropriate area with 1 year relevant experience, or a bachelor's with 3 years.
• Experience in major gifts ($100K+) fundraising.
• Ability to develop and execute fundraising program aligned with college strategy.
• Proven ability to solicit and close gifts and manage donor portfolios.

Responsibilities

• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at major gift levels ($100K+) and conduct face-to-face visits to close gifts.
• Develop a portfolio that will raise $750k–$1M per year within 36 months, averaging 140–160 visits annually and 10–15 gift solicitations of $50k+.
• Maximize travel for major gift solicitations and donor engagement.
• Collaborate with Estate & Gift Planning to develop gifting strategies for qualified portfolios.
• Write gift proposals and concept papers to inspire donors.
• Attend and support events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Serve as liaison for CLAS Advancement to at least one departmental advisory board.
• Partner with faculty and staff for donor engagement and strategy.

Skills

Fundraising

Relationship building

Major gifts solicitations

Travel planning

Proposals writing

Communication

Project management

Education

Master's degree in an appropriate area

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area

Tools

Donor databases

CRM software

Microsoft Word/Excel

Job description

Associate Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Job No: 541884

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Advancement, Executive/Director/Management

Department: 16010500 - LS-COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT

Job Description

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.

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

Applications Close

20 November 2026

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.