Director of Advancement

Job No: 539498

Work Type: Full Time

Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories: Advancement, Executive/Director/Management

Department: 50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT

Job Description

Classification Title:

DIR, Advancement

Classification Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field. One year of supervisory experience.

Job Description:

The Director of Advancement for the Division of Enrollment Management serves as the lead fundraising professional supporting Enrollment Management priorities, including scholarships, access and affordability initiatives, student success programs, and strategic enrollment goals. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President (SAVP) of Development and partnering directly with the Vice President (VP) for Enrollment Management, the incumbent is the primary fundraiser for the Division and will develop and execute the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the SAVP and VP. Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic partner with Enrollment Management leadership and Advancement colleagues to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal gift prospects in alignment with the institution's mission and enrollment strategy.

Portfolio Management

• Serve as the primary fundraiser for Enrollment Management with an emphasis on scholarships, student access, recruitment, retention, and enrollment-related initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward 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 $50,000 or more and oversee the division's participation in the University's annual giving activities.
• Develop and execute individualized solicitation strategies in collaboration with Enrollment Management and Advancement leadership.
• Focus on individual prospects and work with leadership, corporate and foundation prospects where gift is assessed at a major gift level.
• 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 Enrollment Management mission, goals and objectives.
• Strengthen alumni and donors' awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities within Enrollment Management 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 Enrollment Management.
• Work with and advise the Vice President of Enrollment Management and senior leadership in the analysis, formation and implementation of fundraising and alumni activities plans and policies.
• Advise the Vice President of Enrollment Management 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.
• Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues and throughout the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
• Collaborate with the VP of Enrollment Management, Dean of the International Center and Director of the Honors Program to ensure shared fundraising and stewardship goals and objectives are achieved.
• Collaborate with the VP of Enrollment Management and VP of Student Life to ensure fundraising and stewardship goals for the Machen Florida Opportunity Scholarship (MFOS) and other first-generation student programs are met.
• Work in partnership with the Division of Enrollment Management'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, supporting 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 Enrollment Management and philanthropic opportunities.
• Develop and implement a robust stewardship strategy involving divisional and departmental leadership.
  
  

Management of Accounts

• Serve as a liaison to the Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management to help monitor and manage foundation accounts held in Enrollment Management.
• Discuss fund usage and future plans with Enrollment Management Directors regularly.
• Partner to appropriately steward endowment donors during the Annual Endowment Reporting period led by UF Advancement's Donor Relations team.
• Help ensure scholarship allocation is cultivated and provided in alignment with Division of Enrollment Management priorities and donor intent.
• Serve as a resource to DSL fund administrators.
  
  

Leadership & Institutional Engagement

• Represent Enrollment Management fundraising priorities in Advancement planning and strategy discussions.
• Support leadership gift strategies related to access, affordability, and student success.
• Participate in university events, donor visits, and campus activities as appropriate.
• Serve on University and/or Divisional committees at the request of the Vice President for Enrollment Management.
• Serve as a member of the Vice President's Enrollment Leadership Team.
  
  

To help foster deeper collaboration efforts and meaningful engagement with donors, leadership, and Enrollment Management staff as well as members of our advancement community, this will be an onsite position based in Gainesville, Florida.

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.

Expected Salary:

$95,000 - 105,000 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.

Required Qualifications:

Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field. One year of supervisory experience.

Preferred:

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Master's degree.
• Experience fundraising in higher education or within Enrollment Management-related areas (scholarships, student success, access initiatives).
• Degree in Student Personnel or a related field with 4-6 years of philanthropic and strategic planning experience in complex higher education organizations.
• 3-5 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.
• Philanthropic and strategic planning experience in complex higher education organizations.
• Evidence of effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and a team player.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong project management skills and interpersonal abilities, excellent organizational 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.
• Experience in a data-driven environment with proficiency 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.*
  
  

Special Instructions To Applicants:

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*

Health Assessment Required:

No

Applications Close: 10 May 2026

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/539498

Our Commitment:

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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