| Job Description: |
Could your South Florida connections help impact the future of higher education that lasts for generations? The University of Florida is seeking a purposeful and partnership-minded Director/Senior Director of Development for Regional Development to lead major and principal gift efforts in South Florida. This role is all about building transformative connections - cultivating donors with the capacity for gifts of $100,000 and above and aligning their passions with UF’s bold vision for teaching, research, and innovation.
This role is based in South Florida, and the ideal candidate has established connections and a deep understanding of the region. Reporting to the Interim Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, you will work closely with university leaders, faculty, and volunteers to design tailored engagement strategies that turn vision into impact.
Portfolio Management
- Responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal prospects.
- Focus on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects rated at a capacity of $100,000 or above with particular focus on $1M+ commitments.
- Assess and refine the portfolio by identifying new high-net-worth individuals and families with the capacity and affinity to support institutional priorities.
- Create and execute tailored, multi-year engagement and solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect, leveraging a moves management framework. Each plan should be rooted in the donor's philanthropic interests and aligned with university strategic priorities.
Strategic Initiatives
- Partner with university leaders and academic units to design and execute complex, multi-step donor strategies that lead to significant philanthropic investments.
- Build and manage relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to yield maximum philanthropic support in a timely fashion.
- Work cross-functionally with faculty, academic administrators, and development colleagues to align donor interests with institutional priorities, including those outlined in UF’s strategic plan and campaign goals.
- Develop and present concept papers and gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors.
- Contribute to the success of UF’s current and future comprehensive campaigns by advancing principal gift-level solicitations and supporting campaign leadership.
Donor Engagement
- Organize and facilitate high-level engagement experiences, including campus visits, and personalized briefings and engagement opportunities to deepen prospect relationships.
- Ensure exceptional donor stewardship through customized reporting, naming opportunities, and long-term relationship management.
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.
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| Expected Salary: |
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience and final role classification, aligned with market standards for South Florida.
The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Affordable State Health Plans (National Coverage): 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
Click here to learn more about UF’s complete benefit offerings.
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| Preferred: |
The ideal candidate will possess:
- At least eight 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.
- 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; competency in problem solving; strong project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; and excellent organizational abilities.
- 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.*
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