Executive Director, Advancement

Summary

The Executive Director of Advancement is a key strategic member of the Development Leadership team responsible for leading the university’s overall fundraising and donor engagement strategy, overseeing major gifts, corporate partnerships, alumni relations, and campaign initiatives. This role provides visionary leadership to the advancement team and works closely with university leadership, trustees, and philanthropic partners to secure transformational gifts and long-term institutional support.

Examples of Work

Job functions are specific duties that would be included in the essential functions of the job description. These functions are not all-inclusive nor do they cover the full extent of the duties performed.

• Typically maintain a portfolio of major ($100,000 – $999,999), leadership ($1,000,000 – $4.99M), and principal gift ($5M+) donors.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift prospects.
• Primary fundraiser and development manager for assigned programs.
• Manage portfolios of fundraising prospects and manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring major gift solicitations to closure.
• Responsible for coordinating solicitation with development and alumni officers/directors.
• Assist the Assistant Vice President for Development in formulating development policies and procedures as they pertain to the university’s development program.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining partnerships throughout the University.
• Oversee communications, promotions, and public relations as assigned.
• Oversee the operations of the development functions of assigned programs/colleges.
• Plan and monitor the budget.
• Manage and mentor a high-performing team, providing guidance, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluations, recognition, and replacement of volunteers.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of all fundraising and alumni activities for assigned programs and divisions.
• Direct the efforts of and supervise departmental staff, set performance standards and accountability.

Education and Experience

Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience.

Licensure and Certification

N/A

Supervision

This position does include supervisory responsibility.

Competencies

• Relationship Mastery**
• Donor Focus**
• Tenacity**
• Credibility **
• Entrepreneurial Spirit**
• Engaging Communication**
• Strategic Thinking**
• Mission Driven**

To see common career pathways for each position at the University of Florida please visit the Career Paths section of the UFHR website.