Director/Senior Director of Advancement

The College of the Arts seeks a Director or Senior Director of Advancement to serve as the chief fundraiser for the College responsible for developing and executing the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the Assistant Vice President of Development and the Dean of the College and in alignment with the strategic initiatives of University of Florida Advancement (UFA). Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic partner with the College and Advancement ensuring conformity with the central fundraising efforts and the overall university development and alumni programs and goals and in promoting a culture of philanthropy.

The successful candidate will possess a Master’s degree and six years of appropriate experience or a Bachelor’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience. The ideal candidate will also bring eight years or more 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.

The University of Florida College of the Arts intends to be a transformative community, responding to and generating foundational shifts in the arts and beyond. As business and academic professionals, artists, scholars, advisors, and teachers, we, the staff of the College, embrace the complexity of our evolving human experience and seek to empower our colleagues, students, and faculty to respond to and shape that experience fearlessly through critical thinking, creativity, constructive questioning, and respectful dialogue. We seek a colleague who engages with openness and enthusiasm for the work and the mission of the college. We seek a colleague who possesses skills in designing and facilitating work that advances curiosity, inclusion, open intellectual discourse, and the well-being of all in an environment of complex diversity. We seek a colleague who identifies as a trusted steward of resources, balancing institutional requirements and the demand for innovative solutions.

The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty, staff and student body.

Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management

• The primary responsibility of this position is to serve as the chief fundraiser for the College of the Arts, identifying, cultivating, soliciting and maintaining all major gift prospects for the College, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000, and overseeing the College’s participation in the University’s annual fund activities.
• Develop and present major gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the unit and UFA.
• Develop support for the program by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and members of the advisory board.
• Responsible for articulating and communicating priorities within the context of the overall UF mission, goals and objectives.
• Strengthen alumni and donors’ awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus.

Strategic Initiatives

• Work and advise the Dean, unit directors, Associate Deans and faculty in the analysis, formation and implementation of fund raising and alumni activities plans and policies, and identifying new prospects and establishing fundraising priorities for the College.
• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents and identified markets about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.
• Advise the Dean on strategic and annual fundraising and alumni affairs goals and prioritization of these efforts.
• Participate in recruiting experienced and diverse leadership on college volunteer boards and/or committees in order to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.

Strategic Leadership

• Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
• Build, manage and lead a strong team of development professionals. Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership, counsel on matters relating to fundraising, and accountability including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.
• Plan and monitor the budget using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration. Coordinate daily office routing, such as solicitation letters and responses to letters received from various constituents of the College.

Normal working hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm; considerable after hours and weekend activities are essential to satisfactory performance. Extensive travel is required.

THE COLLEGE OF THE ARTS: The mission of the College of the Arts is to be a transformative community, responding to and generating paradigmatic shifts in the arts and beyond. We achieve the university’s mission by training professionals and educating students as artists and scholars, while developing their capacities for critical study, creative practice, and provocation. The College offers baccalaureate, masters, and doctoral degrees. Approximately 1,700 students are pursuing majors in degrees offered by the College of the Arts under the direction of 135 faculty members in its three accredited schools— the School of Art + Art History, the School of Music, and the School of Theatre + Dance, and in the Center for Arts in Medicine, the Digital Worlds Institute, and the Center for Arts, Migration, and Entrepreneurship. In addition, the college comprises the University Galleries, and the University level of the New World School of the Arts in Miami.

The University of Florida: The University of Florida is a comprehensive learning institution built on a land grant foundation, ranked one of the top five best public universities in the nation in U.S. News & World Report. We are The Gator Nation, a diverse community dedicated to excellence in education and research and shaping a better future for Florida, the nation and the world. Our mission is to enable our students to lead and influence the next generation and beyond for economic, cultural and societal benefit. UF is a graduate research institution with more than 50,000 students and membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. Gainesville, which is consistently ranked as one of the nation’s most livable cities, is located midway between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Together, the University and the community comprise the educational, medical and cultural center of North Central Florida, with outstanding resources such as the University of Florida Performing Arts (Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, the Squitieri Studio Theatre, the Baughman Center, University Auditorium), the Harn Museum of Art, the Florida Museum of Natural History and in the community, the Hippodrome State Theatre and Dance Alive National Ballet.

In addition to salary, the University of Florida (UF) offers low cost State Health plans, a number of Dental plans to fit you and your family’s needs, and Vision. Domestic partner coverage through GatorCare is also available. Optional plans such as life, disability, legal and accident insurance are also available.

UF provides a variety of leave programs including vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays, personal leave days, and family medical leave. TEAMS (staff) employees accrue approximately 22 vacation days annually, 13 sick days annually, and 4 personal leave days, typically used during the holiday closing period (accruals based on full-time employment). UF also provides you the flexibility to deal with life’s challenges by offering paid family leave, eight full weeks of leave over a 24-month period.

Build a retirement roadmap with competitive pension plans, investment accounts and a host of voluntary add-ons, such as 457 deferred compensation and 403(b) plans.

UF Employees are also eligible for the GatorPerks discount program, which provides big savings at various business and retailers!

Explore UF’s plethora of benefit options here: TEAMS Benefits

$100,000 - $130,000 based on title and qualifications, with a comprehensive and highly competitive leave and benefits package

Director Level Title: 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.

Senior Director Level Title: 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 successful candidate will meet some of the following:

• 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.
• At least one year of supervisory 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.
• 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.
• Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Proven success working with volunteers; excellent strategic planning and project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Working knowledge in these areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.
• Evidence of skill in designing and facilitating work that advances curiosity, inclusion, open intellectual discourse, and the well-being of all in an environment of complex diversities.
• 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.

Application Deadline: All application documents must be submitted by January 12, 2024.

Application Process: Applications must be submitted via the University of Florida’s online application system. Online applications must include the following: (1) a detailed letter of application that explains how you match the particular qualifications of this position and how your work and perspective will contribute to and enhance our transformative community; (2) a resume; (3) names and contact information of three professional references. The Search Committee may request additional materials at a later time, including obtaining UF engaged and/or other personnel files from UFHR for current or previous UF employees.

Inquiries may be sent to:
Sonya Allen
Senior Director, Talent Management
UF Advancement
Email: [email protected]

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call +1 (352) 392- 2477or the Florida Relay System at +1 (800) 955-8771 (TDD). Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the US. Searches are conducted in accordance with Florida's Sunshine Law.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.