Director of Development - College of Medicine

Director, Development

The Director of Development is responsible for leading all aspects of development for the Department of Ophthalmology within the College of Medicine at UF Health. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, this role involves collaborating with advancement colleagues to identify and implement strategies for grateful patient donor acquisition and retention, alumni engagement, and pipeline building for a major gift program. This position will design and execute initiatives to cultivate relationships with grateful patient donors, enhance alumni engagement, and foster a culture of philanthropy within the department. Additionally, the Director will coordinate strategic research, data collection, planning, and cultivation to assist in identifying and soliciting new $100,000 and greater prospects for the College of Medicine. The Director of Development identifies College of Medicine alumni and grateful patient prospects in support of the College of Medicine and UF Health.

More About This Role

Development

• Support the annual giving program efforts to raise philanthropic funds from individuals who give $1 to $24,999 annually via targeted appeals, to increase the number of donors and dollars.
• In collaboration with the Executive Director of Advancement and Foundation colleagues, implement an annual giving cultivation and solicitation strategy, managing the content development and working with the UF Health annual giving team to oversee logistics for campaigns and appeals to active, lapsed, and potential donors through mail, digital channels, and grateful patient acquisition campaigns and alumni giving campaigns. A primary objective of the program is to develop a comprehensive donor pipeline, moving donors towards leadership, major, principal, and planned giving.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects for the College of Medicine and UF Health, including alumni, parents, friends, faculty and grateful patients with a focus on gifts of $100,000 and above in assigned regions in Florida and in the United States and with College of Medicine departments and units.
• Grow and refine an existing portfolio of prospects and donors, strategically advance relationships and bring gifts to closure through face-to-face visits, proposals and solicitations.
• Develop and present concept papers and major gift proposals, and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision and values of and Advancement.
• Develop support for UF Health and the College of Medicine and our key priorities by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, physicians, faculty, and staff, in effort to support fundraising and engagement initiatives.
• Increase knowledge of and grow support for COM campaign priorities, including scholarships and faculty endowments, as well as department-specific priorities and initiatives.

Strategic Initiatives

• Support physicians, researchers, administrators and medical staff in identifying and referring prospects, and in presenting needs and possibilities effectively.
• Collaborate with clinical assigned development officers to identify and develop strategies to increase house staff engagement opportunities and solicitations.
• Prepare research and reports for the attention of appropriate College staff, volunteers and stakeholders in support of targeted relationship and partnership building initiatives.
• Initiate, plan and support activities and events involving volunteers, donors, grateful patients and prospects, both on campus and regionally.

Administrative

• Effectively perform prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, file maintenance, and reporting using the Advance database.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping.
• Participate in College of Medicine events, including those focused on cultivating prospects and donors for scholarship, faculty support and research initiatives.
• Provide research, market, and prospect information for inclusion into the Foundation’s integrated database, and handle confidential prospect information in a sensitive, ethical manner.

About College of Medicine Advancement

The College of Medicine Advancement at the University of Florida focuses on fostering strong relationships with alumni and friends to support the College's mission of advancing medical education, research, and patient care. The team engages in fundraising efforts, cultivates donor relationships, and promotes strategic initiatives that enhance the college's programs and resources. By leveraging the generosity of its supporters, the College of Medicine Advancement aims to improve healthcare outcomes and contribute to the betterment of society.

For more information, visit UF College of Medicine Advancement.

We Offer Exceptional Benefits

• Low-cost State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Life and Disability Insurance
• Florida Retirement System Retirement Plans
• Paid Time Off (11 paid holidays, in addition to paid family, sick and vacation leave)
• Personal and Professional Development Opportunities (UF Training & Organizational Development, LinkedIn Learning)
• Tuition Assistance (UF Employee Education Program)
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

The City of Gainesville

Discover Gainesville, Florida, home to the University of Florida College of Medicine, where modern attractions and natural beauty harmonize to create an exceptional living environment. Enjoy a low cost of living, no state income tax, outstanding public and private schools, and pleasant winters in a community that passionately supports Division I NCAA sports (Go Gators!). Explore scenic bike trails, lively farmer's markers, and a thriving local brewery scene. Immerse yourself in over 30 miles of biking and hiking trails, encounter diverse wildlife in Florida State Parks, and experience thrilling adventures in freshwater springs. Gainesville's central location offers easy access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing stunning beaches, nature preserves, and world-renowned theme parks within a day's drive. Become part of our vibrant community, where the perfect blend of opportunities awaits.

$85,000 - $100,000

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.

Valid driver's license as this role will involve extensive travel.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Three to five years successful prior fund-raising experience in a medical center, college or university setting is strongly preferred. Prior work with volunteers and soliciting gifts in the $100,000+ range would be beneficial.
• 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 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.

To be considered, please submit an application with the following documents attached:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Contact information for three professional references

UF Advancement offers Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) Training to positions where traveling, events, alumni, and/or facilities are an essential function. CPR/AED training for this position will need to be completed within the first year of employment and maintained thereafter.

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