Associate Director of Development

ASO DIR, Development

The Associate Director of Development will play a pivotal role in advancing fundraising efforts for the J. Clayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Engineering Education. This dynamic position involves building meaningful relationships with donors and facilitating events that inspire philanthropic support. Through personal engagement and strategic outreach, the Associate Director will cultivate a portfolio of prospects, manage relationships, and secure mid-level gifts to fuel innovation and excellence.

Reporting to the Interim Executive Director of Advancement, this role serves as a strategic partner to the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering and UF Advancement. The Associate Director will collaborate closely to align with central fundraising initiatives, support the university’s development and alumni engagement goals, and champion a culture of philanthropy by demonstrating the transformative impact of giving. If you are passionate about connecting people with opportunities to make a difference, this is your chance to join a team committed to driving meaningful change.

Portfolio Management

• Responsible for the development and implementation of the development and alumni programs and will independently perform identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of mid-level gift prospects.
• Will focus on individual prospects and work with leadership corporate and foundation prospects where gift/grant is assessed at $50,000 and above.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits.
• Develop and present mid-level gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors, and appropriate to the mission, vision, and values of the HWCOE units and UF Advancement/UFF.
• Attend HWCOE and UF Advancement functions to identify new individuals and move prospects through the donor continuum in coordination with the Interim Executive Director of Development (HWCOE).

Strategic Initiatives

• Responsible for implementation of a broad range of development and alumni affairs activities including alumni events and special fundraising projects that target individuals, corporations, and foundations for the J. Clayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering and the Department of Engineering Education.
• Assist the department heads in developing, managing, and executing plans, communications, and meetings for the BME and EED Advisory Boards (e.g., External Advisory and Alumni Advisory boards).
• Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
• 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.
• Responsible for coordinating alumni and donor stewardship programs for the departments.
• Assist with planning and implementing short- and long-term development and alumni programs and strategies.
• Assist with designing solicitation strategies on a case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and HWCOE office needs and procedures.
• 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.

Administrative

• Review documentation of donations for accuracy and ensure that donors receive proper gift credit, including gift acknowledgements and related stewardship.
• Work with HWCOE development team to ensure all donors are properly recognized for their contributions.
• Draft correspondence to donors, prospects, alumni, and corporations for the department head.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files, and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources, such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the donor database.

Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with education and experience.

Master's degree in an appropriate area and one year of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and three years of relevant experience.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five years of mid-level and/or major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting gifts of $50,000 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.
• 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 verbal communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse 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.
• 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.
• The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are essential.

*Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.

In order to be considered for this position, applicants must upload a cover letter, resume and three references with application.

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