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University of Florida

Director/Senior Director of Regional Development, South Florida

University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, us, 32635

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Director/Senior Director of Regional Development, South Florida Job No:> 538175 |

Work Type:

Full Time |

Location:

Alternate Work Locations: Off-Campus Work Location |

Categories:

Advancement, Executive/Director/Management |

Department:

50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT

Classification Title:

SR DIR, Development

Minimum Requirements:

Senior Director: Master’s degree in a relevant field and six years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and eight years of experience.

Director: Master’s degree in a relevant field and three years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience.

Job Overview Could your South Florida connections help impact the future of higher education that lasts for generations? The University of Florida is seeking a purposeful and partnership-minded Director/Senior Director of Development for Regional Development to lead major and principal gift efforts in South Florida. This role is all about building transformative connections – cultivating donors with the capacity for gifts of $100,000 and above and aligning their passions with UF’s bold vision for teaching, research, and innovation.

This role is based in South Florida, and the ideal candidate has established connections and a deep understanding of the region. Reporting to the Interim Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, you will work closely with university leaders, faculty, and volunteers to design tailored engagement strategies that turn vision into impact.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management:

Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major and principal prospects. Focus on individual, corporate, and foundation prospects rated at a capacity of $100,000 or above with particular focus on $1M+ commitments. Assess and refine the portfolio by identifying new high-net-worth individuals and families with the capacity and affinity to support institutional priorities. Create and execute tailored, multi‑year engagement and solicitation strategies for each assigned prospect, leveraging a moves management framework rooted in the donor’s philanthropic interests and aligned with university strategic priorities.

Strategic Initiatives:

Partner with university leaders and academic units to design and execute complex, multi‑step donor strategies that lead to significant philanthropic investments. Build and manage relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to yield maximum philanthropic support in a timely fashion. Work cross‑functionally with faculty, academic administrators, and development colleagues to align donor interests with institutional priorities, including those outlined in UF’s strategic plan and campaign goals. Develop and present concept papers and gift proposals and acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors. Contribute to the success of UF’s current and future comprehensive campaigns by advancing principal gift‑level solicitations and supporting campaign leadership.

Donor Engagement:

Organize and facilitate high‑level engagement experiences, including campus visits, and personalized briefings and engagement opportunities to deepen prospect relationships. Ensure exceptional donor stewardship through customized reporting, naming opportunities, and long‑term relationship management.

Benefits

Affordable State Health Plans (National Coverage): Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Comprehensive Coverage: Life and disability insurance

Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future

Inclusive Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, family, sick, and vacation leave

Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn Learning, and more

Tuition Assistance: UF Employee Education Program

PSLF Eligibility: Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligible employer

Qualifications Required:

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

Director: Master’s degree in a relevant area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience in development or a related field.

Valid driver’s license required.

Preferred:

At least eight 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 experience in a college or university setting, for 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.

Ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, and a talent for motivating volunteers.

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a wide range of individuals.

Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; competency in problem solving; strong project management skills; experience in a data‑driven environment; and excellent organizational abilities.

Proficient in Windows operating systems, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, and internet browsers and email platforms. Familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.

Ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver’s license and good driving record are essential.

Application Details Applications close: 11 January 2026. To apply, visit

https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/538175 . Work visa sponsorship is not available.

Special Instructions: Upload cover letter, resume, and three references.

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 800-955-8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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