Director of Advancement

Classification Title:

Director, Advancement

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Advancement leads the planning and execution of a comprehensive philanthropy and external relations program for the George A. Smathers Libraries in coordination with the Dean of University Libraries. This position reports dually to the Dean of University Libraries and the Assistant Vice President (AVP) of Development.

The Director leads a team of development professionals that work collaboratively with library deans, chairs, and librarians, as well as colleagues outside of the Libraries to identify, cultivate, solicit and steward philanthropic support for the Smathers Libraries initiatives and strategic priorities. The incumbent is responsible for overseeing and providing direction to the work of the advancement team in securing all private support, executing donor stewardship, development of public support groups, fundraising event coordination, and relations between the Libraries, its Library Leadership Board, and other groups of library donors, the University of Florida and the UF Advancement. The Director is responsible for implementing a broad range of fundraising activities but will focus primarily on major gifts and leadership of the overall advancement program.  Additionally, the Director will attend strategic engagement events in support of Smathers Libraries fundraising goals.

THE GOLD STANDARD CULTURE

At UF Advancement we are committed to “The Gold Standard Culture” and live it through:

Our Vision: To be ranked among the best, as measured by Voluntary Support of Education

Our Mission: To be a catalyst in securing and managing private support for university priorities

Our Values:

• Excellence – Strive for greatness as an institution that brings out the best in each individual.
• Discovery & Innovation – Collaborate on the uncharted frontiers of knowledge to seek truth and make the world a better place.
• Inclusion – Demonstrate commitment to contributing to a respectful and caring community for all and seek to provide equitable access to opportunity.
• Freedom & Civility – Embrace the freedom to inquire and express ideas without condemnation, and to show respect for the right of others to do the same.
• Community – Create a safe, welcoming community and a shared purpose that builds a sense of belonging and togetherness.
• Stewardship – Show respect for those who came before us, responsibility for those now with us, and the commitment to leave a just and habitable world for those who come after us.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Development

• Work closely with the Dean of Libraries and the 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 24-36 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.
• 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 AVP 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, AVP and the Office of Estate & 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 AVP 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