| Job Description: |
What if your next fundraising career move was not just a job—but a chance to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come? The University of Florida’s College of Design, Construction & Planning is seeking a bold and relationship-driven Associate Director of Development to lead mid-level fundraising and alumni engagement with purpose and creativity. In this outward-facing role, you will manage a diverse portfolio of donors and prospects (gifts up to $50K), cultivate corporate and foundation partnerships, and design alumni experiences that spark pride, deepen loyalty, and drive philanthropic support. You will serve as a key ambassador for the college—building powerful connections and advancing a vision that shapes the future of design, construction, and planning at UF. You will thrive in an extremely team-oriented and collaborative environment, working alongside colleagues who value shared success and innovative thinking. If you are energized to turn vision into impact and relationships into results, we invite you to apply.
Portfolio Management
- Responsible for identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of mid-range gift prospects.
- Focus on individual, corporate and foundation prospects where gifts are assessed at $50K and below.
- Manage foundation giving activities for the College of Design, Construction & Planning, focusing on identifying, cultivating and soliciting and stewarding a pool of foundation donors and prospects.
- Work closely with Corporate & Foundation Relations team within UF Advancement.
- Drive meaningful donor engagement by cultivating and deepening relationships through frequent face-to-face interactions, inspiring philanthropic investment in support of UF Advancement’s mission.
- This role is highly external-facing, requiring frequent travel to meet with donors and prospects, build lasting relationships, and secure philanthropic support through in-person engagement.
- In coordination with the Executive Director of Advancement, attend college and foundation functions primarily to identify new prospects. These events include but are not limited to: silver society, orange and blue weekend, Outstanding Young Alumni Awards, Research Showcase, Career Fairs, advisory board meetings, college award ceremonies, commencement, college reunions and alumni receptions, Dean’s receptions, UFF Board weekend activities, special lecture series events, state association receptions and professional organization events.
Alumni Affairs & Annual Giving Strategy
- Responsible for implementation of a broad range of alumni affairs activities including alumni events and special fundraising projects that target individuals, corporations and foundations to support the annual fund of the College of Design, Construction & Planning.
- Oversee events for the College of DCP Faculty and Staff. Budget, event planning, communication planning, and volunteer coordination are included in this process.
- Serve as liaison between college and UF Alumni Association, attends UFAA college representative meetings, coordinates all UFAA events and programs for College of DCP.
- Identify and solicit sponsorships for college functions such as Research Showcase, Career Fair, symposiums, association meetings, outreach events, and reunions while maintaining corporate relationships.
- Coordinate all annual fund strategy and solicitations via Annual Giving, and internally, with direct mail.
- Assist the Executive Director of Advancement in managing and executing plans and policies for the administration of the College of DCP’s overall development and alumni affairs program.
Communications/Grant Writing
- Assist with writing the content for proposals, development brochures, case statements, alumni magazine articles and other development materials as needed.
- Provide writing support for major donor and individual contribution letters and acknowledgements by composing a compelling case for support through strategic storytelling.
- Develop grant proposals to federal, state, private organizations and foundations and other institutions, persuasively communicating the vision, mission and programs to potential funders.
- Conduct research on local, regional and national foundations giving programs, and identify available funding sources that will advance the mission and strategic direction of the University of Florida.
Leadership & Strategic initiatives
- Participate in recruiting experienced leadership for boards and/or committees to ensure these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities they serve.
- Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.
- Develop a strong sense of teamwork and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
- Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
- Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs, and best practices.
- Implement changes accordingly to maintain competitiveness among peers and to meet goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan and goals.
Stewardship
- Responsible for coordinating/assisting alumni and donor stewardship programs for the college.
- Assist Executive Director of Advancement in oversight of scholarship recipient communications, donor communications including thank you, bereavement and stewardship.
- Work with UF Advancement to ensure that all donors are properly recognized for contributions.
- Draft correspondence to donors, prospects, alumni and corporations for the development office and Dean.
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| Expected Salary: |
$70,000-$75,000; 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:
- One to three years of fundraising, development, sales or related experience.
- Prior experience in a university or nonprofit environment, 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.
- Demonstrated successful experience in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation and stewardship.
- Experience organizing, planning, and executing events
- The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
- Ability to work collaboratively and a team player
- Competency in problem solving.
- 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.
- Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions; 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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