Executive Director of Advancement

The Executive Director of Advancement will be responsible for implementing programs and a broad range of fundraising activities, focused primarily on acquiring major/principal gifts for Palm Beach County. Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer of Palm Beach County, this position will be responsible for developing and executing the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by UF and UF Advancement (UFA). Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a strategic partner with the unit and Advancement, ensuring conformity with central fundraising efforts and the overall development of alumni programs and goals to promote a culture of philanthropy by broadening constituents’ understanding of the value of giving.

Role and Responsibilities:

Portfolio Management

• Manage a portfolio of major and principal level fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure. 
• Engage with prospective donors and strategically move prospects through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship gift cycle, with a focus on gifts $100,000 and above.
• Work closely with faculty, staff and volunteers in the identification and cultivation of prospective donors.
• Develop effective communication strategies to articulate needs and priorities via multimodal communication platforms.
• Build and manage relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to yield maximum philanthropic support in a timely fashion.
• Develop and present concept papers and gift proposals, and steward gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of UF Advancement and Palm Beach County.

Engagement & Strategic Initiatives

• Establish regular communication with key individuals from Palm Beach County and collaborating departments/divisions to identify specific areas of priority for private support.
• Design and implement strategic initiatives to support Palm Beach County, UF and UF Advancement priorities and objectives in partnership with the CAO of Palm Beach County.
• Partner with key stakeholders within Palm Beach County communities locally and regionally to design and implement initiatives intended to advance the case for private support.
• Engage prospects and donors through meaningful events and cultivation of individualized stewardship that prioritize and align with donor/prospect passions.
• Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
• Provide leadership, counsel on matters relating to fundraising, and accountability by establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics, and strategic planning.
• Responsible for effective prospect tracking, record keeping, reporting and administration aligned with the metrics and strategic plan.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with leadership for all aspects of the development program. Work closely with designated stakeholders to determine appropriate fundraising needs and priorities.
• Partner with leadership to identify new and/or innovative research breakthroughs that will stimulate donor interest to advance philanthropy for campaign and Palm Beach County priority areas.
• Coordinate and lead faculty and volunteers in the cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors.
• Work with, and develop strong relationships with community stakeholders (e.g. ACS), identify community-based events for targeted donor engagement solicitation opportunities.
• Participate in alumni and development activities, including but not limited to Alumni Weekend, volunteer meetings, Commencement, and donor recognition events.
• Intentionally build and invest in developing strong relationships with faculty, volunteers, and peers to promote a culture of philanthropy in support of Palm Beach County and associated departments and divisions serving the community.

Minimum Requirements

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

Special Instructions to Applicants: Application must be submitted by September 25, 2022 11:55 p.m. (ET).