Director of Development

DIR, Development

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact at one of the nation’s top universities? As the Director of Development for CFR at the University of Florida, you will lead innovative efforts to secure transformational corporate and foundation support. Your work will drive critical funding for student scholarships, groundbreaking faculty research, and cutting-edge university programs that shape the future.

In this high-impact role, you will collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Advancement and other campus leaders, forging connections that unlock shared opportunities. By building and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders, you will align university initiatives with the passions and priorities of corporate and foundation partners.

With support from the Development Coordinator, you will oversee stewardship and reporting, ensuring funders see the profound difference their investments make. This is your chance to champion UF’s mission while advancing your career in a dynamic and rewarding environment.

This position is open to candidates located in major metropolitan areas across the United States.

Portfolio Management

• Solicit foundations, and to a lesser degree, corporations and individuals on behalf of the university, with a focus on gifts of $100,000 and more for high-priority university initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward corporate and foundation prospects that align with the needs and priorities of the university and its various colleges/units.
• Train and guide Development Coordinator to solicit small gifts and provide required materials for solicitations, as needed.
• Direct Development Coordinator to distribute funding alerts to appropriate faculty and Advancement staff.
• Provide advice to university personnel regarding funding sources, prospect research, proposal preparation, and solicitation, when appropriate.
• Coordinate internal conference calls with Sponsored Research staff and other interested parties to discuss and develop strategies for major foundation-issued RFPs (Request for Proposals).

Program Management

• Research and make independent judgments about which regional/national foundations are to be the primary targets for potential cultivation and solicitation, and devise strategies for each foundation prospect.
• Actively monitor proposal progression, including, but not limited to, processing letters of agreement, tracking proposals from submission to decision, meeting post-funding reporting deadlines, and responding to funding institution requests for additional information as necessary.
• Coordinate and oversee campus visits for corporate and foundation representatives, including, but not limited to, engaging key stakeholders to secure participation, build itineraries, and design customized experiences for visitors that enhance their relationship with the university community.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for funding institutions and provide reports as requested.
  • Act as an intermediary between faculty and funding institutions as necessary, working to alert and engage appropriate stakeholders in the proposal process.
  • Proactively communicate with faculty regarding deadlines, submissions, reporting, and other needs, and engage the Development Assistant in these processes wherever possible.
• Attend events as a representative for the university and UF Advancement.
• Provide backup for review of gifts received through the Division of Sponsored Programs.

Partnership Development

• Serve as a CFR liaison with key colleges/units and meet with key college/unit leaders on a regular cadence, preferably monthly but at least quarterly.
• Work closely with development officers to understand their college/unit needs and derive strategies for increasing foundation support, determining size and appropriateness of gift requests
• Work directly with various faculty whose work is a fit for CFR opportunities, keeping their college development officers in the loop.
• Meet regularly with Corporate & Foundation Relations colleagues across UF Advancement community in order to foster collaboration, develop and promote best practices, and contribute to and ensure alignment with the corporate and foundation strategy for the university.
• Develop and communicate best practices and offer targeted training to support growing corporate and foundation relationships with colleagues and faculty.

The salary range for this position is $85,000–$97,000, commensurate on experience. Compensation may be adjusted based on the candidate's location, considering regional market rates and cost of living.

Exceptional Benefits We Offer

• Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
• Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
• Comprehensive 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
• Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
• 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.

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.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five years of fundraising experience, preferably in foundation and/or corporate relations.
• Experience working in a complex environment serving many internal constituents and external prospects/donors.
• Proven ability to initiate relationships and interact effectively with the business and foundation community.
• Must have (or be willing to acquire) a working knowledge of foundations whose philanthropic goals are similar to the University’s needs, and of their structure, finances and procedures.
• A deep appreciation for the academic goals and ambitions of the University of Florida, especially with respect to the case for philanthropic support.
• Demonstrated ability to research, analyze and solve problems, plus be able to serve as an effective nexus of information for internal clients.
• Be a self-starter who is assertive, confidence inspiring, and detail oriented, while still able to work collaboratively as a team player.
• 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 broad constituency.
• Proven success working with stakeholders; project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and internet browsers (preferably Internet Explorer), as well as email platforms. Experienced in using donor databases and contact management and tracking systems.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.*

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date. Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.