Director of Advancement

$25,000 - $100,000/Yr

University of Florida - Saint Johns, FL

Full-time - Director

Saint Johns, FL

Educational Services

About the position

The Director of Advancement is responsible for leading and executing the fundraising program for the Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, focusing on acquiring major gifts and developing engagement opportunities. This role involves building relationships with prospects, managing a portfolio of major gift donors, and collaborating with various stakeholders 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 the major gift program.
• Design solicitation strategies tailored to individual prospects and organizational needs.
• Independently perform prospect identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gift prospects.
• Build and nurture effective relationships with alumni, parents, friends, volunteers, and board members.
• Develop a portfolio that consistently raises $1.5 - $2 million per year within 24-36 months of the start date.
• Conduct 120-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $25,000 or more, focusing on gifts at the $100K+ level.
• Collaborate with the Director, faculty, and AVP on campaigns, donor recognition, and new prospect identification.
• Articulate the contributions of the Whitney Lab to various stakeholders and serve as a liaison to community leaders.
• Develop and implement a donor communications plan in partnership with the Whitney Communications Office.
• Create a structured process for volunteer recruitment and management to enhance fundraising effectiveness.
• Oversee public support programs and events, coordinating with public relations staff.
• Participate in recruiting diverse leadership for boards and committees.
• Manage engagement events and coordinate the unit's calendar planning.
• Provide leadership and support for strategic planning efforts related to the campaign.
• Effectively manage the Whitney Laboratory development office and staff, ensuring best practices in operations and record keeping.
• Plan and monitor the budget for fundraising and planning activities.
• Evaluate staff performance and foster a supportive team environment.
• Oversee the extramural grants office and ensure best practices for grant submissions.

Requirements

• Master's degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of relevant experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor's degree and five years of experience.
• One year of supervisory experience.

Nice-to-haves

• Three to five years of fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting gifts.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Experience in researching and writing foundation grant proposals.
• Familiarity with modern biological research programs.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively and motivate volunteers.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with education and experience.