The Assistant Director of Annual Giving & Engagement for the Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) will execute the strategies and tactics within the annual giving operating plan to create meaningful experiences for alumni and friends, with the goal of driving engagement.  Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, this position will oversee the IFAS annual giving program, annual appeals and administer the stewardship processes. Additionally, the Assistant Director will also support a variety targeted programs and events that build and engage alumni communities, which requires a leader with a unique blend of communications and research expertise, abilities to manage projects and relationships with UF/IFAS stakeholders, and a passion for alumni engagement.

Annual Giving Program

•Plan, track and steward IFAS (Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences) and CALS (College of Agricultural and Life Sciences) Annual Giving programs, e.g. CALS Dean’s Circle/Corp Partner Program, Extension, Master Gardener Legacy Fund, etc. and coordinate calendar year-end mailing appeals.
•Manage and facilitate IFAS’ efforts for UF Giving Day. Serve as IFAS’ lead project manager for Stand Up & Holler: Gator Nation Giving Day which includes, but is not limited to, coordinating the committees and ensuring all tasks are completed in a timely manner, managing central direct marketing appeals and working closely with internal and external partners.
•Create academic year mailing schedule for alumni and friends of CALS/IFAS with the UF Annual Giving Program.
•Coordinate IFAS unit/department fundraising efforts to include mailings and campaigns, to provide support in areas of design, tracking (appeal codes), reporting, stewardship, etc.
•Manage scheduling strategy meetings, preparing calling scripts and preparing reports for IFAS leadership and constituents.
•Utilize online presence to increase annual giving with input from UF Advancement’s Annual Giving team.
•Interpret and communicate policy for program operations and advise the Executive Director regarding interpretations, applications, and implementation of new or revised rules, policies and procedures. 
•Collaborate with directors in University Initiatives to request student data for Advance.
•Conduct detailed biographical and financial research for identification of prospects and compile data using various research tools to determine philanthropic capacity.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

•Work collaboratively with Assistant Director of Special Events & Donor Engagement and Executive Director of Advancement, creating consistent standards for annual giving communication pieces, both internal and external to IFAS Advancement Office.
•Work collaboratively with colleagues to create internal and external communication pieces that are consistent with standards established by the University of Florida; IFAS Communications; and UF Advancement Strategic Communications, Marketing & Engagement.
•Serve as a liaison with Donor Relations and attend quarterly meetings to coordinate stewardship to recognize donors in a meaningful way.
•Draft personalized correspondence to donors on behalf of IFAS Leadership and colleagues, which may include gift acknowledgements, donor birthdays and milestones, and other methods of stewardship as directed.
•Participate in weekly, monthly and annual stewardship efforts (excluding annual endowment reports).
•Engage and communicate directly with council members, donors, volunteers and prospects in support of activities and events.
•Assist Assistant Director of Special Events & Donor Engagement with IFAS advisory/development boards, including the UF/IFAS Advancement Council.
•Driving to different events will be required.

Strategic Initiatives

• Develop and analyze annual work plans and schedules with milestones and report the progress of initiatives.
• Improve process and procedures by providing feedback, recommendations, and participation in focus groups.
• Plan and execute annual giving strategies to work independently and under limited timeframes to meet deadlines.
• Ensure project deliverables are met.
• Propose or determine prioritization for projects and tasks in collaboration with the Assistant Director and Executive Director.
• Provide guidance in developing a systems approach to fundraising in IFAS and help to identify areas which could be streamlined for better efficiency.

Department Communications

•Prepare and proof correspondence, emails, acknowledgement letters, agendas, and other documents, some of which may be confidential; make necessary edits for accuracy of content.
•Handle transmission of correspondence – including communications of a confidential nature – by mail, fax, e-mail, or other methods as directed; initiate correspondence as necessary to ensure the efficient and timely flow of information within the office. 
•Forward communications with appropriate background material and analysis.  Must use judgment in sorting into action verses general communications.
•Create and send correspondence/communications to affiliated stakeholders, volunteers, and donors as needed.

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

Commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including health, retirement, paid time off, discount programs, professional development and work life support. Learn more.

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

The ideal candidate will possess:

•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 as 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 broad constituency.

•An appreciation for and support of a respectful and caring community for all; 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.

•Working knowledge in these areas:  Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Google Chrome, E-mail.  Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.

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

Working schedule Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M.

Schedule may vary due to project deadlines and weekend and evening events and activities.

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