Director of Development, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering

The Director of Development is responsible for implementing a broad range of fundraising activities for the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts for the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) and the Department of Chemical Engineering (CHE). Reporting to the Senior Director of Development, ECE/CISE, this position is responsible for developing and executing the college’s fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs in alignment with the strategic initiatives of University of Florida Advancement.

Portfolio Management:

• Responsible for the design and implementation of the development and alumni programs.
• Independently perform identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects, with a focus on individual prospects.
• Work with leadership to engage and cultivate corporate and foundation prospects where the gift or grant is assessed at $100,000 and above.
• Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring major gift solicitations to closure.

Engagement & Strategic Initiatives:

• 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 college 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.
• Develop and present major gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors, and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the unit and UF Advancement.
• 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 to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.

Other

• Ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping.
• Ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the Advance database.
• Contribute to the planning and monitoring of the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.

Minimum Qualifications:
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 major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 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.
• An appreciation for and support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; 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.*

Please note this position closes on the UF jobs page on September 19, 2023. All application materials must be submitted on the online system before 11:55 pm EST.

Please contact Jen Oates-Blair at joatesblair@ufl.edu for questions or more details.