Senior Director of Development/Director of Development

Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field.

The Senior/Director of Development is responsible for implementing a broad range of fundraising activities for the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, focusing cultivating and securing major gifts for the assigned engineering units.  Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement this position is responsible for developing and executing the college’s fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs in alignment with the strategic initiatives of University of Florida Advancement.

Portfolio Management

• Responsible for the design and implementation of the development and alumni programs in assigned units.

• Independently perform identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects, with a focus on individual prospects.

• Work with leadership to engage and cultivate corporate and foundation prospects where the gift or grant is assessed at $100,000 and above.

• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring major gift solicitations to closure.

• Responsible for articulating, communicating, and prioritizing within the context of the overall Advancement mission, goals and objectives.

• Strengthen alumni and donors’ awareness of, and interest in giving opportunities and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus.

Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

• In partnership with the Executive Director of Advancement, assist with the formation and implementation of fundraising and alumni relations plans and policies related to the College, interprets policy to faculty and other staff, as necessary.

• Assist with planning and implementing short- and long-term development and alumni programs and strategies.

• Design solicitation and stewardship strategies on a case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and college office needs and procedures.

• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents and identified markets about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.

• Develop and present major gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors, and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the unit and UF Advancement.

• Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.

• Participate in recruiting experienced and varied leadership on boards and/or committees to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.

This position offers flexibility, with work options available in the Gainesville area and in major metropolitan hubs across the southeast region.

Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida is the second largest college and one of the top three research units at UF.

Established in 1910, the college was named after Distinguished Alumnus Dr. Herbert Wertheim in 2015. Housing one of the largest and most dynamic engineering programs in the nation, its curriculum is offered across ten departments, 14 undergraduate degree programs, 17 graduate programs, and more than 20 centers and institutes that produce leaders and problem-solvers who take a multidisciplinary approach to innovative and human-centered solutions. Learn more at: https://www.eng.ufl.edu/

University of Florida
At the University of Florida, we are feeding communities, healing coastlines, exploring space, curing diseases, powering cities, building industries, and imagining wonders.  As the state’s most comprehensive university, UF is a land, sea, and space grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center, and much more.  The ideas born here gather steam and make tangible impacts. Florida is among the nation’s leaders in technology transfer, turning discoveries into companies, products, and jobs. Come join us—let’s see where we can go together.

Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone.

Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities—making it a great place to live, work, and thrive.  Visit the city’s website for community information.  

Senior Director starting at $120K, Director starting at $95K 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
• 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.

Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• At least six years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects with campaign experience.

• 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 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’s license and good driving record are essential.*

In order to be considered for this position, you must upload a cover letter and resume with application. 

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