| Job Description: |
The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is seeking a visionary and results-oriented Director of Regional Development to lead major gift fundraising efforts beyond Florida’s borders. This is a unique opportunity to play a key role in advancing UF/IFAS’s world-renowned research, education, and outreach programs by building strong philanthropic partnerships across the country.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the Director will craft and execute strategic development plans that align with UF Advancement’s goals. The ideal candidate is a dynamic relationship-builder with a passion for higher education and a proven track record in securing major gifts.
This position offers flexibility, with hybrid work options available in the Gainesville area and remote opportunities in major metropolitan hubs across North and Central Florida.
Be part of something bigger—help shape the future of agriculture, sustainability, and science at one of the nation’s top public universities.
Portfolio Development
- Will independently perform identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects; focus on individual prospects where gift/grant is assessed at $100,000 and above.
- Serve as the primary fundraiser regions outside the State of Florida.
- Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring major gift solicitations to closure.
- Administer strategic plans for major gift/principal gift prospects.
- Identify potential volunteers to serve on the UF/IFAS Advancement Council or other departmental boards.
- Develop and present major gift proposals and acknowledge gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the unit and UF Advancement.
Strategic Leadership
- Identify key areas for fundraising and alumni recruitment in California, Texas, Washington DC, NYC, and other areas.
- Develop an annual schedule for travel in designated regional areas.
- Coordinate virtual meetings or in-person connections between donors and faculty/staff to further fundraising goals.
- Provide guidance to identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership and counsel on matters related to mid-range and major gift fundraising and accountability including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.
- Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and unit leads, and provide guidance on fundraising initiatives to enhance the strategic fundraising mission.
Engagement & Strategic Initiatives
- Assist with plans, organization and direction of the private support programs for IFAS program areas including Academic Programs, Research and Extension.
- Assist with designing solicitation strategies on a case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and Extension needs and procedures.
- Initiate, plan, and support activities and events for IFAS Advancement Council key volunteer group.
- Maintain a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
- Support the recruitment of experienced and diverse leadership on boards and/or committees in order to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.
- Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents and identified markets about the vision, mission, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.
- Represent IFAS at donor events as assigned.
- Build and nurture effective working relationships with alumni, parents, volunteers, board members, and staff.
Administrative
- Ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping.
- Ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Advance database.
- Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.
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| Expected Salary: |
$85,000-$95,000; 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.
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| Preferred: |
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Three to five years of major gift fundraising experience with proven success soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above strongly preferred.
- 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.
- 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.*
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