AST DIR, Development

Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of relevant experience.

Launch a rewarding career in fundraising with the University of Florida, where you will build meaningful relationships, connect donor passions with impactful opportunities, and help shape the future of a world-class institution. As an Assistant Director of Development, Leadership Annual Giving, you will cultivate, solicit, and steward leadership annual giving prospects, manage a dynamic donor portfolio, and collaborate with partners across campus to grow philanthropic support and strengthen the pipeline for future major gifts. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated, relationship-driven professional to gain valuable experience in donor engagement and philanthropy while making a lasting difference in the lives of students and the success of the University of Florida.

Solicitation & Qualification  

• Work a portfolio of annual giving prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits and bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Conduct a high volume of solicitation/qualification visits.
• Actively solicit, cultivate, qualify and hand-off prospects in accordance with their interests, capacity, and propensity.
• Work proactively with unit partners to ensure successful prospect and pipeline management.
• Identify new sources of support for individual giving; work with all Advancement fundraising staff to coordinate the solicitation of new prospects and the upgrade of current donors who have the potential to increase their annual giving.
• Responsible for effective prospect tracking, record keeping, reporting and administration aligned with the metrics and reporting from UFA/UFF. 

Liaison to Colleges/Units

• Work with unit partners as assigned to identify, qualify, and solicit prospects in special project areas as assigned.
• Research industry standards, trends, breakthroughs and best practices.

Stewardship

• Responsible for coordinating/assisting donor stewardship programs for leadership annual giving prospects.
• Maintain and create records of donations to ensure that donors receive proper recognition and documentation for their gifts including thank you and stewardship. 
• Draft correspondence to donors, and prospects.

$54,000 annually, 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
• 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; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of relevant experience.

A valid Florida driver's license is required.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Prior experience in a university or nonprofit environment or within PR, advertising, sales, or marketing-related field.
• General knowledge and comprehension of business/economic environment, and understanding of fundraising principles, methods, and standards. 
• Demonstrated successful experience in prospect identification, relationship building, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Ability to work both independently within a broad strategic framework and institutional priorities as well as cohesively and collaboratively as a team with numerous individuals and groups.
• Positive and creative manner of approaching issues; problem-solving; strong analytical skills and professional judgment; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment.
• 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.
• Evening/weekend work is required.
• The ability and willingness to travel.  A valid driver’s 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. Work sponsorship is not available for this position.