Director/Senior Director of Advancement, Student LifeJob no: 540157
Work type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Advancement, Executive/Director/Management
Department:04010000 - SL-STUDENT LIFE
Classification Title:
SR DIR, Advancement
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Director of Advancement: 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. One year of supervisory experience.
Senior Director of Advancement: 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 Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the Division of Student Life is responsible for implementation of a broad range of fundraising activities, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts. Reporting to the Executive Director of Advancement (ExD) and the Vice President (VP) for Student Life, the incumbent is the primary fundraiser for the Division of Student Life and will develop and execute the fundraising program to fulfill the financial needs as identified by the ExD and VP. Additionally, this role will serve as a strategic partner with Student Life departments and Advancement ensuring conformity with the central fundraising efforts and alumni programs and goals, and in promoting a culture of philanthropy by broadening constituents' understanding of the value of giving.
Work with the Division of Student Life units to identify prospects and cultivate donors in alignment with University protocols; maintain and enhance relationships with past donors and philanthropic partners.
Portfolio Management- Actively work with the VP of Student Life and Executive Director of Advancement, implement and sustain a multi-year fundraising plan; establish the major gift program for the Division of Student Life by effectively building a pipeline of major-giving prospects to ensure philanthropic goals are met..
- Manage a portfolio of 60-80 major gift prospects.
- Identify, cultivate, solicit and maintain all major gift prospects for the division, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more and oversee the division's participation in the University's annual giving activities.
- Build and manage stewardship relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to include identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects.
- Responsible for articulating and communicating priorities within the context of the overall Division of Student Life mission, goals and objectives.
- Strengthen alumni and donors' awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities within Student Life and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus as appropriate.
Strategic Initiatives- Oversee plans for campaign readiness to ensure all campaign goals are achieved, in alignment with the strategic priorities of the Division of Student Life.
- Work with and advise the Vice President of Student Life and senior leadership in the analysis, formation and implementation of fundraising and alumni activities plans and policies.
- Advise the Vice President of Student Life on strategic and annual fundraising and alumni affairs goals and prioritization of these efforts.
- Initiate, plan and support activities and events involving prospects, donors, volunteers and staff.
- Participate in University events and serve on committees as needed. Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues and throughout the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
- Work in partnership with the Division of Student Life's Marketing and Communications team to implement a comprehensive communications plan as well as create print and digital collateral to be used for fundraising efforts. With the alumni association taking the lead, support their efforts in student philanthropy initiatives, affiliate groups (Cicerones, ABA, AHA, etc) and annual giving efforts.
- Maintain strong partnership and collaborate with the Parent & Family Giving Program within UF Advancement to expose parents and family members to the Division of Student Life and philanthropic opportunities.
- Develop and implement a robust stewardship strategy involving divisional and departmental leadership.
Management of Accounts- Serve as a liaison to the Director of Finance in Student Life to help monitor and manage foundation accounts held in Student Life. Discuss fund usage and future plans with Student Life Directors regularly.
- Partner to appropriately steward endowment donors during the Annual Endowment Reporting period led by Central Advancement Donor Relations team.
- Help ensure scholarship allocation is cultivated and provided in alignment with Division of Student Life priorities and donor intent.
- Serve as a resource to DSL fund administrators.
Leadership- Responsible for managing employees including, but not limited to recruitment and hiring, onboarding, training, certifying time and attendance, goal setting, performance management, and creating action plans.
- Evaluate staff and develop a strong sense of teamwork and establish an environment of mentoring and support.
- Coach the team and bring cohesion to the department.
Student Life General Duties- Serve on University and/or Divisional committees at the request of the Vice President for Student Life.
- Serve as a member of the Vice President's Student Life Leadership Team.
Expected Salary:
Director: $95,000 - 105,000 annually
Senior Director: $115,000 - $125,000 annually
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: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
- PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
Click here to learn more.
Required Qualifications:
Director of Advancement: 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. One year of supervisory experience.
Senior Director of Advancement: 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.
Valid driver's license.
Preferred:
The ideal candidate will possess:
- Master's degree; degree specialization in Student Personnel or a related field.
- Four to six years of philanthropic and strategic planning experience in complex higher education organizations.
- Three to five years of major gift fundraising experience (preference with higher education fundraising, preferably Student Life fundraising efforts) 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 as well as expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
- The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with competency in problem solving.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and work collaboratively with a wide range of individuals (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and external constituents) 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.
- Experience in a data-driven environment; 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.
- The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.*
*Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is essential.
Special Instructions to Applicants:
In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.
Health Assessment Required:No
Advertised: 27 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 23 Sep 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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