ASO DIR, Donor Relations

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field.

Are you passionate about storytelling, relationship-building, and celebrating generosity? The University of Florida Advancement team is seeking a thoughtful and strategic Principal Gifts Stewardship Officer to help recognize and amplify the impact of our most transformative philanthropic investments.

In this key role, you will collaborate with senior leaders and internal partners to design and implement personalized stewardship and engagement plans for principal and mega gift donors and prospects. Your work will align with each donor’s unique philanthropic interests, helping to foster deep, lasting, and mutually rewarding relationships with the University.

Reporting to the Manager of Engagement Initiatives & Board Relations—and working closely with the Senior Director of Donor Relations and the Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives—you will play a vital role in advancing the University’s mission and vision through strategic donor engagement.

Join us in honoring generosity and shaping a future of possibility.

The University of Florida recognizes both the value of telecommuting in fostering a flexible work environment; therefore, some consideration may be given to remote or hybrid work.

Individual Engagement Plans (IEPs)

• Develop and coordinate the execution of robust, individualized engagement plans (IEP) for identified principal and mega gift donors and/or prospects in partnership with the Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives (PGSI) and Donor Relations teams.
• Collaborate closely with UF Advancement colleagues and relationship managers to ensure a coordinated approach to IEP efforts and achieve consensus on the execution and implementation of donor journeys for the University’s most important donors.
• Project manage assigned IEPs to monitor activity, update timelines and address roadblocks to ensure effectiveness.
• Update and maintain current, accurate and appropriate information-sharing mechanisms for tracking IEP activity via project management tools.
• Develop criteria for measuring IEP success, track results with established goals and advise PGSI leadership on progress.
• Ensure that principal and mega gift donors and prospects to the University are stewarded and engaged appropriately according to gift level and capacity, donor history and special circumstances, including helping design targeted engagement and cultivation plans for prospects with anticipated close dates within 24 months.

Strategic Donor Stewardship

• Manage existing effective PG stewardship initiatives and ensure systematic implementation of stewardship processes, including the PG Stewardship Checklist and the PG Stewardship Scorecard.
• Lead bi-weekly stewardship meetings with the PG&SI and Donor Relations teams to ensure progress on IEPs and other related projects.
• Play a key role in partnering with advancement colleagues to track PG-level stewardship projects and incorporating follow-up and accountability measures in PG Strategy Sessions.
• Identify innovative ways to recognize top donors and prospects and work alongside relationship managers to execute meaningful donor recognition awards, events and activities.
• Assist the Assistant Vice President of Principal Gifts and Strategic Initiatives in executing custom stewardship initiatives.
• Work with the PGSI team to develop innovative and effective communications strategy for the stewardship of principal and mega gift donors and develop the annual PG engagement communications plan.
• Collaborate with the PGSI team to develop content and conduct editorial proofing as needed for top prospects and donors.
• Assist in executing deliverables to manage the President’s Suite process on behalf of UF Advancement, including vetting prospects, tracking pre-season surveys and handling high-level requests between the President’s Office, PGSI and UF Advancement colleagues.  
• Respond to special needs and requests of donors.

Leadership

• Plan and coordinate complex assignments and special projects/events within and/or across operating units.
• Serve as an expert in PGSI stewardship-related matters for our internal partners and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Vice President of Principal Gifts and Strategic Initiatives to advise all departments and staff on communications and public relations issues.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Donor Engagement in planning and executing the stewardship initiatives of capital campaigns, with a focus on enhancing the experience of principal and mega gift donors.
• Contribute to regular brainstorming on innovative, unique and personalized stewardship, communications and engagement opportunities for principal and mega gift donors and prospects.
• Provide strategic direction of individual and group projects designed to enhance the principal and mega gift donor experience.
• Research and communicate emerging trends and best practices in all areas of principal and mega gift stewardship and engagement.

$70,000-$77,000; commensurate with education and experience. 

Exceptional Benefits We Offer

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Inclusive 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
• PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more. 

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least three years of experience in a comprehensive stewardship/donor relations program or development, alumni or university relations program with proven leadership success.
• Experience in a related field such as journalism, public relations or other related communication field.
• 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. 
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement communication plans and processes in collaboration with internal partners and stakeholders.
• The ability to meet deadlines, be self-motivated, and work independently.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a customer service-oriented attitude.
• Ability to work collaboratively and a team player.
• Competency in problem solving. 
• Effective organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• A commitment to and support for workplace inclusion in all its forms; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; strong project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. 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.* 

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

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.