Director of Development

Job Description

The USF Foundation connects the University with donors who want to make a difference by providing private, philanthropic support to promote student success, academic initiatives, research and other strategic priorities of the University of South Florida. With an endowment that now exceeds $700 million in value, our dedicated team of approximately 210 professionals, including 60 fundraisers, encompasses alumni, development and foundation operations. The team is responsible for raising more than $165 million annually and has broken records year after year with more than $184 million raised in fiscal year 2025.

Reporting to the Vice President for Central Development, the Director of Development leads annual giving efforts and USF’s Digital Engagement Center. The Annual Giving team at the USF Foundation is responsible for direct marketing and strategic initiatives that advance the Foundation’s efforts to acquire and retain annual donors. Annual Giving at USF leverages dynamic and emerging technologies to amplify donor count and engagement.

Employees of USF Advancement live out the values of responsibility, innovation, service, and excellence in each of its highly collaborative departments.

Responsibilities

· Develop and execute a comprehensive direct marketing strategy to drive annual donor acquisition, retention, and pipeline growth for future major gift cultivation.

· Leverage AI-driven tools and data analytics to optimize donor segmentation, personalize outreach, and enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of direct marketing and annual giving campaigns.

· Manage and optimize multi-channel mass solicitation programs (email, direct mail, digital ads, phone, and SMS) to drive donor acquisition, retention, and upgrades across key audience segments.

· Partner with academic units to identify funding needs and align targeted mass marketing efforts with institutional priorities.

· Collaborate with Foundation partners (development, donor relations, alumni relations, and communications) to align messaging and maximize fundraising outcomes.

· Lead, coach, and develop staff responsible for direct marketing initiatives, supporting performance excellence and professional growth.

· Track key metrics and deliver clear, actionable reports to leadership.

· Manage external agencies, printers, and digital partners, ensuring quality execution while managing budgets effectively.

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of experience related to development. Regular travel and occasional night and weekend work is required. Master’s or other advanced degree preferred and 5 years of work experience directly related to development/ fundraising in an institution of higher education.