ASO VP, Development

The Associate Vice President/Chief Development Officer (AVP/CDO) will serve as an integral member of the senior leadership team who will establish, pursue, and monitor specific goals for programs and services that benefit the university, development, alumni, and its students by overseeing efforts to promote a culture of philanthropy and enhance alumni participation in the University’s comprehensive fundraising campaign. As a leader, the incumbent will broadly and effectively represent the university, create a culture of high-performance and support among a diverse staff, manage operations in a data-driven and results-oriented manner, and be accountable for the wise use of resources and significant return on investment. Reporting to the Vice President of UF Advancement, the incumbent will be responsible for monitoring and reporting fundraising activity, as it relates to campaign goals, total commitments and VSE, guide a high-performance team, build robust campus partnerships to create opportunities for meaningful alumni involvement, and implement programs that strengthen alumni engagement across the university.  In addition, the AVP/CDO will manage a portfolio of select major gift and principal gift prospects, the central Assistant Vice Presidents as well as some leaders of high performing college/unit teams.

College/Unit Management & Strategic Initiatives Strategy

• Manage the central Assistant Vice Presidents and some leaders of high performing college/unit teams.
• Work with unit/academic leaders and development staff to identify funding opportunities, advise on effective development organization, strategies and techniques, and carry out cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies utilizing a moves management approach.  The development programs within the units are managed collaboratively and have a dual reporting structure with the academic leaders of the units.  Incumbent will have a key strategic role in retention, development, and recruiting staff for each respective unit.
• Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership, counsel and assistance to heads of the assigned units on matters relating to fundraising, accountability and staffing including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program.  
• When necessary, assist in introducing key prospects to President and Mrs. Fuchs on day of football games.
• Facilitate strategy sessions with key university leaders in support of campaign goals.

Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of prospect/donors focusing on major, leadership, and principal gifts in addition to corporate and foundation prospects with a target of $10M.
• Strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Build and manage stewardship relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to include the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects.
• Build and nurture effective working relationships with alumni, friends, volunteers and staff.
• Responsible for articulating and communicating and priorities within the context of the overall Advancement mission, goals and objectives.

 Development Leadership and Campaign Initiatives

• Serve as team leader for monitoring and reporting fundraising activity, as it relates to campaign goals, total commitments and VSE; would work closely with others on a regular basis to take a deep dive into each of the components that comprise annual fundraising activities.
• Lead and take ownership of strategies and deliverables to finish the campaign strong.
• Provide leadership for all Development Staff Meetings, which would primarily focus on annual fundraising goals, progress toward goals, celebration of great work, identification of problematic areas, etc.
• Conceptualize and implement priority campaign initiatives; establishing, actionable plans and strategic performance metrics consistent with advancing campaign priorities and ensuring an integrated, coordinated, thorough and effective approach to campaign planning.
• Lead the Senior Development Team, KPI strategies, and the Development Staff meetings.
• Provide leadership to the Program Management team on affecting naming opportunities for University of Florida buildings, facilities, outdoor and interior spaces, colleges, schools, centers, institutes, and other academic units and programs.
• Serve as a member of the Senior Leaders Committee, collaborating with the senior leadership team to develop and implement plans for the operational infrastructure of systems, processes, and personnel designed to accommodate the objectives of the organization.
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices. Implements changes accordingly to maintain competitiveness among peers and to meet agreed upon goals and objectives as determined by strategic plan and goals.
• Oversee the development budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
• Oversee programs and resources to ensure they are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision and Values of Excellence, Discovery & Innovation, Inclusion, Freedom & Civility, Community and Stewardship; ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources.

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. 

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and ten years of appropriate experience with demonstrated success soliciting gifts at $1 million and above in an institution of higher education.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Seven to ten 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 are strongly desired. 
• Strong leadership, strategic planning and management skills are necessary.
• The ability to motivate others in a team-oriented organization, act in a leadership role, handle multiple priorities and work pressure, and understand the needs of staff and coworkers needed.  
• The ability to work strategically, implement and build constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers is highly desired. 
• Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with stakeholders; excellent strategic planning and project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Working knowledge in these areas:  Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system is highly preferred.
• The ability and willingness to travel are required. A valid driver license and good driving record are 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.