Director of Advancement

$25,000 - $100,000/Yr

University of Florida - Saint Johns, MI

Full-time - Director

Saint Johns, MI

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Advancement is responsible for leading the fundraising efforts for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, focusing on acquiring major gifts and developing engagement opportunities. This role involves strategic planning, relationship building, and managing the development office to fulfill the financial needs of the laboratory in alignment with the strategic initiatives of UF Advancement.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary fundraiser for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, leading and executing the major gift program.
• Design solicitation strategies on a case-by-case basis, considering development office and Laboratory needs.
• Perform prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of lead and major gift prospects, focusing on gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Build and nurture effective working relationships with alumni, parents, friends, volunteers, and board members.
• Develop a portfolio that will consistently raise $1.5 - $2 million per year or more, averaging 120-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $25,000 or more.
• Work closely with the Director, faculty, and AVP regarding campaigns, donor recognition, and new prospect identification activities.
• Recommend policies for the long-term development of private support for the Whitney Laboratory.
• Articulate the unique contributions of the Whitney Lab to education, research, and service on various levels.
• Develop and implement a donor communications plan in partnership with the Whitney Communications Office.
• Oversee activities and public support programs and events for the unit.
• Manage engagement events, calendar planning, and coordinate events for the unit.
• Provide leadership and support for strategic planning efforts related to the Whitney Lab.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree and five years of experience in Development or a related field.
• One year of supervisory experience.
• Three to five years of fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting gifts from individual and corporate prospects.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Experience in researching and writing foundation grant proposals.
• Ability to work strategically and develop constituency programs and activities.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience and/or familiarity with aspects of modern biological research programs.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Competency in problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively and be a team player.
• Proven success working with stakeholders and excellent strategic planning skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.