Assistant Director of Operations & Engagement

Assistant Director of Operations & Engagement

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• Job No:
• Work Type: Full Time
• Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
• Categories: Business/Accounting/Finance, Advancement, Executive/Director/Management
• Department: - LS-COLLEGE DEVELOPMENT
• Classification Title: AST DIR, Strategic Init/Adv

Job Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Strategic Engagement, the Assistant Director of Operations & Engagement will support fundraising initiatives, develop reporting systems, and coordinate strategic priorities. This strategic and relationship-focused role helps drive the college's philanthropic success through data-driven projects and high-level engagement opportunities. A core component of this position involves building and maintaining meaningful relationships with internal stakeholders and external advisory boards, serving as a key partner in coordinating meetings, developing programming, and the governance of councils that guide and support the college's mission.

The Assistant Director will also play a critical role in producing, analyzing, and interpreting fundraising data to inform strategic decisions, track progress toward campaign goals, and align development efforts across multiple units. Ideal candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment and are energized by building connections and driving results and will possess strong judgment, independent problem-solving abilities, as well as a passion for turning data and engagement into impactful advancement outcomes.

Internal and External Relations

• Meet regularly with chairs/directors/administrative representatives regarding unit priorities, fundraising best practices, and advancement goals.
• Assist in the planning and implementing training for college unit leadership and appropriate support staff.
• In partnership with college units, manage various councils and advisory boards' development, engagement, and programming.
• Create board development strategies and support the office's effort to identify, recruit, and support board members.
• Ensure excellence, consistency, and timeliness of council and advisory board processes, communications, meetings, and deliverables.
• Manage special initiatives using established best practices and ensuring effective communication of progress to college and unit leadership.
• Manage the President's Athletics process for the college.
• Provide a broad range of support through coordinating logistics, and communication for internal and external stakeholders to foster efficiency and collaboration within the CLAS Office of Advancement.

Project Management & Reporting

• Collaborate with reporting and analyst teams in producing and examining data reports related to fundraising and engagement strategies and metrics.
• Serve as the liaison between CLAS and Prospect Strategy and Research (PSR) to assist in portfolio management and development.
• Serve as Ascend and AP support for the team and assist with reporting needs as requested by the college leadership.
• Manage special projects and initiatives as assigned in coordination with the college leadership.
• Assist with managing the CLAS development office reporting processes to ensure all deadlines are met.
• Develop, plan, and drive strategies for major and leadership gifts, ensuring that all Top/Next prospects have a documented strategy in place and are being tracked.
• Take an active role in developing systems and processes to support our organization and increase the impact of philanthropy on the college.
• Independently identify performance gaps and develop strategies to sustain fundraising efforts, recognize fundraising success, and drive internal and external constituents on completion of initiative/ project critical assignments.
• Create, implement, direct, and manage initiatives that enhance and support fundraising efforts, with input from college leadership.

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative assistance to members of the Office of Advancement.
• Assist with managing the Human Resources administrative functions for the CLAS Office of Advancement. Serve as the liaison for UF Advancement Talent Management and UF Human Resources.
• Coordinate CLAS hiring procedures, including job postings, management of applicants, arrangement of interviews and completing the hiring process.
• Manage the development of the annual operating budget for the Office of Advancement, but is not limited to evaluation of spending trends, preparation of analysis of spending trends, approval of purchases, and regular reports to development fund administrators regarding year-to-date spending and monitor budget regularly.
• Assist with the gift agreements focusing on tracking the agreement through the submission, review, and signature process.

This position is on-site at our Gainesville, Florida campus. Typical office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 p.m.

Salary & Benefits

Expected Salary: The salary is $55,000 - $65,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Benefits: This is a TEAMS position and is eligible for a suite of excellent benefits including: health insurance, retirement options, and a generous paid leave plan.

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in appropriate area of specialization and two years of appropriate experience or a bachelor's degree in appropriate areas of specialization and four years of experience.
• A Florida Driver's License is required.

Preferred

• One to three years of experience working in development, alumni relations, sales, or related experience.
• Strong project management and leadership skills; the ability to organize and drive projects with multiple stakeholders to timely completion.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• The ability to communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of constituencies, be self-motivated, and work independently.
• Accuracy, attention to detail and a customer service-oriented attitude with competency in problem solving.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and strong interpersonal abilities.
• A commitment to and support for workplace inclusion in all its forms; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
• Proficient in 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 is essential.

Special Instructions To Applicants

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required

Health Assessment Required: No

Applications Close

Applications Close: 22 September 2025

To apply: visit

Our Commitment

The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all requirements under Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352-392- 2477 or the Florida Relay System at (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.