| Job Description: |
The Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the Division of Student Life is responsible for implementation of a broad range of fundraising activities, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President (SRAVP) of Development and the Vice President (VP) for Student Life, the incumbent is the primary fundraiser for the Division of Student Life and will develop and execute the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the SRAVP and VP. Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic partner with Student Life departments and Advancement ensuring conformity with the central fundraising efforts and alumni programs and goals, and in promoting a culture of philanthropy by broadening constituents’ understanding of the value of giving.
Work with the Division of Student Life units to identify prospects and cultivate donors in alignment with University protocols; maintain and enhance relationships with past donors and philanthropic partners.
Portfolio Management
- Actively work with the VP of Student Life and Senior Assistant VP of Development to develop, implement and sustain a multi-year fundraising plan; establish the major gift program for the Division of Student Life by effectively building a pipeline of major-giving prospects to ensure philanthropic goals are met..
- Manage a portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and maintain all major gift prospects for the division, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more and oversee the division’s participation in the University’s annual giving activities.
- Build and manage stewardship relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to include identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects.
- Responsible for articulating and communicating priorities within the context of the overall Division of Student Life mission, goals and objectives.
- Strengthen alumni and donors’ awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities within Student Life and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus as appropriate.
Strategic Initiatives
- Oversee plans for campaign readiness to ensure all campaign goals are achieved, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Division of Student Life.
- Work with and advise the Vice President of Student Life and senior leadership in the analysis, formation and implementation of fundraising and alumni activities plans and policies.
- Advise the Vice President of Student Life on strategic and annual fundraising and alumni affairs goals and prioritization of these efforts.
- Initiate, plan and support activities and events involving prospects, donors, volunteers and staff.
- Participate in University events and serve on committees as needed. Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues and throughout the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
- Collaborate with the Vice President of Student Life, and the VP of Enrollment Management to ensure fundraising and stewardship goals and objectives for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship (MFOS) are achieved.
- Coordinate efforts between the Division of Student Life Advancement office and MFOS Director to program the biannual MFOS Leadership Council meetings. Ensure that Council leadership and members are appropriately engaged, stewarded and developed as prospects for the program.
- Work in partnership with the Division of Student Life’s Marketing and Communications team to implement a comprehensive communications plan as well as create print and digital collateral to be used for fundraising efforts. With the alumni association taking the lead, support their efforts in student philanthropy initiatives, affiliate groups (Cicerones, ABA, AHA, etc) and annual giving efforts.
- Maintain strong partnership and collaborate with the Parent & Family Giving Program within UF Advancement to expose parents and family members to the Division of Student Life and philanthropic opportunities.
- Develop and implement a robust stewardship strategy involving divisional and departmental leadership.
Management of Accounts
- Serve as a liaison to the Director of Finance in Student Life to help monitor and manage foundation accounts held in Student Life. Discuss fund usage and future plans with Student Life Directors regularly.
- Partner to appropriately steward endowment donors during the Annual Endowment Reporting period led by Central Advancement Donor Relations team.
- Help ensure scholarship allocation is cultivated and provided in alignment with Division of Student Life priorities and donor intent.
- Serve as a resource to DSL fund administrators.
Leadership
- Responsible for managing employees including, but not limited to recruitment and hiring, onboarding, training, certifying time and attendance, goal setting, performance management, and creating action plans.
- Evaluate staff and develop a strong sense of teamwork and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
- Coach the team and bring cohesion to the department.
Student Life General Duties
- Serve on University and/or Divisional committees at the request of the Vice President for Student Life.
- Serve as a member of the Vice President's Student Life Leadership Team.
Student Life
The University of Florida Division of Student Life serves as the cornerstone of the student experience, dedicated to supporting, engaging and empowering every Gator throughout their academic and personal journey during their time at UF and beyond. Through more than 25 areas and units, Student Life champions meaningful experiences that foster community connection, career design and lifelong wellbeing. Our dedicated team members believe every Gator should have an individualized, excellent student experience that prepares them for lifelong success.
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.
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone.
Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities—making it a great place to live, work, and thrive. Visit the city’s website for community information.
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| Expected Salary: |
Director: $95,000 – 105,000 annually
Senior Director: $115,000 - $125,000 annually
Commensurate with 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.
- 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.
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| Preferred: |
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Master’s degree; degree specialization in Student Personnel or a related field.
- Four to six years of philanthropic and strategic planning experience in complex higher education organizations.
- Three to five years of major gift fundraising experience (preference with higher education fundraising, preferably Student Life fundraising efforts) 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 as well as expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
- The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with competency in problem solving.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents) 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; 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.
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