SR DIR, Development

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.

The Senior Director of Development for Regional Development will play a key role – individually and collectively – in cultivating long-term relationships with donors who have the capacity to make transformative gifts, while leveraging the relationships and vision of the university leaders to secure support for strategic university priorities and initiatives. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, this position is responsible for the implementation of a broad range of support programs for the University primarily focused on acquiring major and principal gifts at the $100,000 level and above. Working closely with fundraising colleagues, academic leaders, faculty and volunteers, the Senior Director of Development develops tailored engagement strategies that align donor passions with the University of Florida. This position requires a sophisticated understanding of principal gift strategy, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to furthering UF’s mission to be a premier institution for teaching, research, innovation, and service.

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.

This is a regional based position located in California, with a strong preference for candidates residing in Northern California. This role requires extensive regional travel to support donor engagement and fundraising efforts.

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.

Commensurate with location, 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
• 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 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. 

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.
• Demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders with the ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Competency in problem solving and excellent organizational abilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities as well as project management skills, 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.
• Experience in a data-driven environment with proficiency in the following programs: 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. All application materials must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position*