Director of Advancement

Direct of Advancement

The Director of Advancement is responsible for implementation of a broad range of advancement activities for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts. Reporting dually to the Assistant Vice President for Development and the Whitney Laboratory Director, the incumbent is responsible for developing and executing the Lab’s fundraising program and engagement opportunities to fulfill the financial needs in alignment with the strategic initiatives of UF Advancement.

Development

• Serve as the primary fundraiser for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience leading and executing the major gift program, effectively building a pipeline of prospects to ensure future success of the fundraising program.
• Design solicitation strategies on case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development office and Laboratory needs and procedures.
• Independently perform prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of lead and major gift prospects; focusing on individual prospects and corporate and foundation prospects where gifts are assessed at $100,000 and above.
• Build and nurture effective working relationships with alumni, parents, friends, volunteers and board members.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift levels ($100,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
• Within 24-36 months of the start date, develop a portfolio that will consistently raise $1.5 - $2 million per year or more in support of the Whitney Lab, averaging 120-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $25,000 or more, with an emphasis on closing gifts at the $100K+ level.
• Work closely with the Director, faculty of the Whitney Laboratory, and AVP regarding campaigns, donor recognition and stewardship, and new prospect identification activities.

Recommend policies for the long-term development of private support for the Whitney Laboratory

External Relations

• Understand and articulate the unique contributions of the Whitney Lab to education, research, and service on local, national, and international levels; serve as a liaison to community leaders supporting the Whitney Lab.
• In partnership with the Whitney Communications Office and the Director, develop and implement a donor communications plan to inform constituents and identified markets about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities. Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness. Develop support for the program by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, staff, and members of the advisory board, in efforts supporting the fundraising program.
• Oversee activities and public support programs and events for the unit; coordinate development and alumni activities with unit’s public relations staff.
• Participate in recruiting experienced and diverse leadership on boards and/or committees in order to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.
• Manage engagement events, calendar planning and coordinate events for the unit.
• Participate in University events and serve on committees as needed.
• Provide leadership and support strategic planning efforts for the campaign as it relates to Whitney Lab.

Administrative

• Effectively manage the Whitney Laboratory development office including: managing the staff using talent management best practices in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision and Values of Service, Excellence and Team.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping; ensures effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Advance database.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
• Evaluate staff, develop a strong sense of teamwork, and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
• Coach the team and bring cohesion to the unit.
• Oversee the extramural grants office for the Whitney Laboratory and ensure best practices for public grant submission and post award activities with University sponsored research office.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

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.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five years of fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting gifts from individual and corporate prospects, as well as in capital and other campaigns experience.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Knowledge and proven success in researching and writing foundation grant proposals
• Experience and/or familiarity with aspects of modern biological research programs.
• Experience 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 verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• Working knowledge in these areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, WWW browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail. Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.
• Proven success working with stakeholders; 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.
• 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.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resumé, and three references. Applications must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.