Senior Director, Advancement College of Nursing

Classification Title:

Sr Dir, Advancement

Classification Minimum Requirements:

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:

Join a top-ranked university and one of Florida’s most prestigious Colleges of Nursing as the Senior Director of Advancement. This leadership role is responsible for guiding and executing the college’s development and alumni affairs strategy. Serving as the Chief Fundraiser and subject matter expert, the Senior Director will cultivate principal, leadership, and major gift donors while fostering a culture of philanthropy across internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting jointly to the Dean of the College of Nursing and the Assistant Vice President of Advancement, UF Health, this position plays a pivotal role in aligning college priorities with UF Advancement’s broader fundraising initiatives. The Senior Director will also lead a dedicated advancement team, oversee alumni engagement, and ensure the success of all development-related programs.

As a strategic partner between the College of Nursing and UF Advancement, the incumbent will collaborate across central and college-based efforts to drive fundraising success and strengthen alumni relationships.

The Gold Standard Culture at UF Advancement

At UF Advancement, we are committed to living our Gold Standard Culture through:

• Vision: To be ranked among the best, as measured by Voluntary Support of Education
• Mission: To be a catalyst in securing and managing private support for university priorities
• Values:
• Excellence – Striving for greatness and bringing out the best in each individual
• Discovery & Innovation – Collaborating on the frontiers of knowledge to make the world better
• Inclusion – Building a respectful, equitable, and caring community for all
• Freedom & Civility – Encouraging open inquiry and respectful expression
• Community – Fostering belonging and shared purpose
• Stewardship – Honoring the past, serving the present, and shaping a just future

Portfolio Management
• Serve as the chief fundraiser for UF College of Nursing. 
• Serve as the primary College of Nursing strategist for the University’s next comprehensive campaign, working closely with the Dean and AVP to identify and articulate fundraising priorities and build a campaign plan to accomplish an ambitious set of goals.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and maintain all principal, leadership and major gift prospects for the unit, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on major gifts of $100,000 or more.
•  Focus on individual prospects, as well as new opportunities with corporate, foundation, parents, and non-traditional prospects assessed at the university’s major gift level.
•  Build upon an existing portfolio of prospects and donors. Strategically managing new relationships through face-to-face visits, bringing gift solicitations to closure, and stewarding existing relationships.
•  Attend college and University of Florida functions primarily to identify new prospects, cultivate and steward donors of the college. 
•  Assist the Dean and AVP of Advancement and/or constituent development managers in the analysis, formulation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making techniques.
• Creatively implement new programs that build upon an existing donor base to grow the program and increase fundraised dollars.
• Work closely with the Dean to envision, implement and lead a volunteer structure that aligns with the Dean’s vision and priorities.
• Both internally and externally articulate and communicate fundraising priorities within the context of the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the college and UF Advancement.
•  Prioritize the dean’s development efforts and optimize travel schedule. 

Strategic Leadership
• Serve as advisor to the Dean and faculty on fundraising and coordinate development activities between the College of Nursing and UF Advancement
• Manage the operations of the Development and Alumni Relations functions of the College of Nursing; hires, supervises and evaluates staff; oversees maintenance of files, contact reports and records associated with these activities.
• Build, manage and lead a strong team of development professionals. As needed, identify and recruit top talent.
• Provide strategic leadership, counsel on matters relating to advancement and fundraising, and accountability in establishing goals aligned with Nursing priorities. In addition, incumbent will attend senior development meetings with the UF Foundation.
• Oversee staff and ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision and Values of Excellence, Discovery & Innovation, Inclusion, Freedom & Civility, Community and Stewardship.; uses best talent management practices; ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping; ensures effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the donor database.
• Build visible, collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs, and other UF units as well as the community at large. Provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
• Foster productive and collaborative professional relationships with Advancement colleagues through the University, demonstrating a commitment to the One UF philosophy.
• Responsible for the leadership, progression, and communication of the advancement and development strategic goals of the College of Nursing

• Strategic Initiatives
• • Oversee an annual budget that resources fundraising activities, events, travel, special projects, staffing, materials and miscellaneous items. 
• • Effectively oversee the success of any development-related events and associated marketing and communication. 
• • Evaluate current programs and projects for donor relations, stewardship and prospecting and identify new ideas to build upon the existing program.
• • Develop and present concept papers and gift proposals aligned with the University’s branding and caliber.
• • Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the College of Nursing.

The University of Florida College of Nursing is a nationally recognized leader in nursing education, research, and practice. As part of a Top 5 public university, the college is committed to advancing health care through innovation, excellence, and compassion. Faculty and staff work collaboratively across disciplines and with UF Health—one of the Southeast’s most comprehensive academic health centers—to shape the future of nursing and improve patient outcomes.

Located in Gainesville, Florida, UF offers the charm of a vibrant college town with the resources of a major research institution. Gainesville is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, thriving arts and culture scene, and high quality of life. With access to springs, parks, and trails, plus a short drive to both coasts, it’s an ideal place to live, work, and grow professionally.

Expected Salary:

$120,000 - $135,000 commensurate with education and experience

Exceptional Benefits We Offer

At the University of Florida, we’re proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth:

• Affordable State Health Plans – Including medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Comprehensive Protection – Life and disability insurance options
• Secure Retirement Plans – Generous retirement programs to help safeguard your future
• Inclusive Paid Time Off – Enjoy 11 paid holidays, plus vacation, sick, and family leave
• Professional & Personal Development – Access to UF Training & Organizational Development, leadership programs, LinkedIn Learning, and more
• Tuition Assistance – Take advantage of the UF Employee Education Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) – UF is a qualifying employer under the PSLF program

The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn more.

Required Qualifications:

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.

Preferred:

• Five to seven years of major gift 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, 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.
• Experience in developing solicitation strategies.
• Experience in development and alumni relations and/or external affairs with demonstrated accomplishment in fostering productive relationships with volunteers and developing volunteer leadership.
• Ability to work strategically, implement and build constituency programs and activities is highly desired.
• A strong understanding of budgeting practices and financial accountability and the ability to manage resources with prudence and efficiency.
• Proven skills handling multiple priorities and work pressure.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and the capacity to engage effectively and collaboratively with a diverse range of individuals are essential.
• A commitment to and support for workplace inclusion in all its forms; demonstrated success collaborating with stakeholders; strong project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; excellent organizational abilities; and the capacity to lead, influence, and inspire others are essential.
• Effective time management and organizational skills are essential for success in this position.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team player who will productively engage with others at varying levels of seniority within and outside College of Nursing.
• 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

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