Director/Senior Director of Development, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences

Classification Title:	SR DIR, Dev
Classification Minimum Requirements:	Director: 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. Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.
Job Description:	The Senior Director of Development or Director of Development is responsible for a broad range of fundraising activities, but is primarily responsible for planning, organizing, and directing programs to identify, cultivate, and secure major gifts for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement, this position will assist in developing and executing plans and policies for the general administration of the College’s development program. Additionally, the incumbent will develop and execute the unit’s fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the Executive Director and in alignment with the strategic initiatives of UF Advancement (UFA). Candidates located in metropolitan cities across Florida may be considered.

• Will independently perform identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of major gift prospects; focuses on individual prospects where gift/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.
• Administer strategic plans for major gift/leadership/principal gift prospects.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward prospects that align with the needs, priorities, and research of CLAS.
• Proactively engage CLAS deans, directors, faculty, and development officers to identify needs and priorities.
• Research and make independent judgments about which prospects are to be the primary targets for potential cultivation and solicitation, and devise strategies for each foundation prospect.
• Provide leadership and support to CLAS development officers to derive strategies for increasing support, determining the size and appropriateness of gift requests.
• Work with the faculty and department leadership and lead the solicitation effort when appropriate.
• Proactively engage CLAS deans, directors, faculty, and development officers to identify needs and priorities.

• In partnership with Executive Director, track and report campaign progress in team meetings and as needed for College and UFA leadership.
• Participate in recruiting experienced leadership for various boards and/or committees to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.
• Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty, and administration.
• Work with Executive Director to build, manage and lead a strong team of development professionals.
• Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership, counsel on matters relating to fundraising, and accountability including establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning. In addition, incumbent will attend senior development meetings.

• Provide support for several departmental developmental development/advisory committees.
• Develop annual and individual strategic plan including goals and objectives. 
• Work with individual departments Chairs or Center Directors on alumni activities and raise the level of support directed to the different units of the college.
• Work closely with Executive Director and CLAS Leadership to develop strategy for the college’s next fundraising campaign.
• Provide support to the Executive Director of Advancement for staffing the Dean’s Leadership Council.

• Responsible for fundraising for special projects.
• Effectively assist with maintaining files and records, planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, and administration.

Expected Salary:

Annual salary commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including:
     -Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
     -Comprehensive Coverage: Life and Disability Insurance
     -Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future
     -Paid Time Off: Including 11 paid holidays, as well as family, sick, and vacation leave
     -Professional and Personal Growth
     -Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
     -PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer

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Required Qualifications:

Director: 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.

Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

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Preferred:

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 fundraising experience within a liberal arts 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 as a team player, competency in problem-solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals are essential.
• Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
• Proficient in the following areas: Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as internet browsers and email platforms. Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

In order to be considered for this opening, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references.

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

Work sponsorship is not available for this position. This position is open to current UF employees only.

Health Assessment Required: No

 

Advertised: 14 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 21 Oct 2026 Eastern Daylight Time

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