Senior Director of Development Administration

SR DIR, Dev Administration

Are you a dynamic fundraising professional ready to make a transformative impact? The University of Florida is seeking a Senior Director of Development to champion philanthropic growth for two powerhouse departments—Computer & Information Science & Engineering (CISE) and Biomedical Engineering (BME)—within the prestigious Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. In this high-impact role, you’ll be at the forefront of advancing cutting-edge research, student success, and global innovation. You’ll collaborate with visionary leaders, to craft and execute strategic fundraising initiatives that fuel discovery and elevate UF’s national and global reputation. If you’re passionate about building meaningful relationships, inspiring generosity, and driving real-world change through engineering and biomedical breakthroughs, this is your opportunity.

Portfolio Management

• Responsible for implementing fundraising initiatives, identifying and cultivating prospects.
• Focus on individual prospects and will work with leadership, corporate and foundation prospects where gifts are assessed at $100,000 and above with a focus on leadership level gifts.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring major gift solicitations to closure.
• Develop and present major gift proposals by acknowledging and recognizing gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision and values of the unit and UFA.
• 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.

Strategic Initiatives & Leadership

• Develop support for the program by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and members of the advisory board, in efforts supporting the fundraising program.
• 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.
• Initiate, plan and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.
• Participate in recruiting experienced and varied leadership serving on boards and/or committees in order to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
• Manage staff using talent management best practices; 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.
• Build, manage and lead a strong team of development professionals. Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership, counsel on matters relating to fundraising, and accountability including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.

Program Coordination

• In partnership with the Executive Director of Advancement in the HWCOE, assist with the formation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies related to the College, interpret policy to faculty and other staff, as necessary.
• Work closely with the Executive Director of Advancement in the HWCOE and members of the Dean’s Advisory Board to identify new prospects and establish fundraising priorities for the HWCOE.
• Assist with the administration of the development programs for the HWCOE promoting potential donor priorities as they relate to the overall priorities.
• Assist with planning and implementing short- and long-term development and alumni programs and strategies.
• Assist with designing solicitation strategies on a case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and college office needs and procedures.

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

Salary is 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. Clickhereto learn more.

Valid driver's license required.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five 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.
• Experience 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.
• 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.*

*Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

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

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

Position is being re-posted, current applicants need not reapply.