Director of Advancement

Job no: 541523 Work type: Staff Full-Time Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories: Libraries/Museums, Advancement, Executive/Director/Management, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support Department: 55010600 - LB-LIB DEVELOPMENT-OB TRAVEL Classification Title: Director of Advancement Classification Minimum Requirements: Masters degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelors degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field. One year of supervisory experience. Job Description: JOB SUMMARY Few areas of a university have the ability to impact students, faculty, researchers, and communities as broadly as their libraries. The George A. Smathers Libraries are seeking a Director of Advancement to lead the vision and strategy for a comprehensive philanthropy and external relations program. In partnership with the Interim Dean of University Libraries and UF Advancement leadership, the Director will drive major gift fundraising, cultivate meaningful donor relationships, oversee stewardship and volunteer engagement, and build a strong philanthropic pipeline in support of the Libraries strategic priorities. This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished advancement professional to shape a growing fundraising program and inspire philanthropic investment in the resources, collections, and initiatives that fuel discovery and learning across the university and beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Development - Work closely with the Dean of Libraries and the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development to define, prioritize and develop plans to meet funding needs. - Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the major gift levels ($100,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure. - Within 18-24 months of the start date, develop a portfolio that will consistently raise $1.5 - $2 million per year or more in support of the George A. Smathers Libraries, averaging 120-160 personal visits annually and 10-15 gift solicitations per year of $25,000 or more, with emphasis on gifts of $100,000 or more. - Build and manage a portfolio of major gift donors as well as manage a qualification pipeline. - Serve as the primary fundraising strategist for Libraries, identifying, qualifying, and stewarding donor prospects up to the major gift level. - Strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits with Special Collections donors, prospects, and friends. - Actively identify and research alumni and friends in targeted areas; work with the SAVP to develop and implement strategy for securing gifts in these areas, including advancement plans to inform constituents in identified markets about the funding needs and gift opportunities. - Actively build donor pipeline through in-person visits, volunteer engagement, and other strategies. - Work closely with the Dean, SAVP and the Office of Estate and Gift Planning in identifying and qualifying prospects who have the potential of making a planned gift to Libraries. - Actively qualify and manage major gift prospects in accordance with their interests, capacity, and propensity, consulting with the SAVP on philanthropic engagement strategy and key campus partnerships for collaboration. - Work with University Initiatives to increase parent and family giving to Libraries. - In collaboration with the Dean of University Libraries, develop solicitation strategies on case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development office and Library needs and procedures. - Oversee all stewardship efforts for the Libraries. - Coordinate stewardship efforts with colleges and support units as well as other colleagues within UF Advancement and University of Florida, as appropriat . - Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the vision, mission, and values of the Smathers Libraries and UF Advancement, ensuring the advancement team is providing timely recognition, appropriate and meaningful recognition. L eadership and Management Recruit, hire, retain and develop the Smathers Libraries Advancement team including a Development Coordinator and Assistant Director of Development. Provide leadership, counsel, and accountability on matters relating to fundraising, including establishing goals in alignment with library objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning. Provide ongoing leadership and direction to team members in building the Libraries donor pipeline through the qualification and solicitation of leadership annual giving donors to the Libraries. L