Much of the work of the College of Education is made possible through philanthropy. Under the guidance of the Executive Director of Advancement, the Associate Director of Annual Giving & Donor Relations plays a key role in managing the donor pipeline and lead-generation efforts through the College’s annual giving program. This position supports the College’s annual fundraising initiatives by developing and executing annual giving solicitations across multiple channels, including direct mail, email, and digital campaigns. The Associate Director also partners with departments and programs throughout the College to advance annual giving efforts, supports Giving Day fundraising initiatives, and develops targeted strategies to engage young alumni and other key donor segments are engaged. Through timely correspondence, stewardship reporting, and recognition efforts, this individual will foster strong relationships with the College’s most generous and loyal alumni and friends. A particularly important responsibility is the oversight and stewardship of philanthropically funded scholarships, ensuring that donors understand the impact of their support to make student educational experiences possible.
Classification Title:
ASO DIR, Donor Relations
Classification Minimum Requirements:
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field.
Job Description:
Annual Giving
Manage and execute annual giving initiatives while developing and implementing long-term strategies to grow donor participation and annual fund revenue. This includes overseeing direct mail, digital, and web-based fundraising campaigns that inspire philanthropic support for the College, department, and program priorities, while building a sustainable pipeline of future major gift donors.
Effectively move annual donors through the solicitation pipeline, working with the central annual giving team, digital fundraising, and major gift team in the College of Education.
Serve as the COE liaison to central’s Annual Giving team as well as work with the Leadership Annual Giving Liaison where appropriate.
Participate in goal setting with central advancement annual giving and fundraising teams, both for the year and upcoming campaign.
Draft communications for direct mail appeals, personalized letters to donors and potential donors, fundraising brochures, proposals, tailored pledge forms.
Research and stay current on trends in the field of higher education advancement, annual giving, and philanthropy. Suggest new initiatives and/or improvements in annual giving outcomes.
Serve as the COE liaison to all UF Giving Day activities and serve as the team lead on execution of COE giving day strategies.
Manage the Dean’s Leadership Circle campaign to maintain and secure additional leadership circle members.
Prepare reports and presentations on annual giving trends.
Donor Relations
Manage and execute a comprehensive and integrated donor relations program and stewardship plan for major donors and alumni. Assist Executive Director and Associate Director of Development with individual stewardship plans.
Administer a comprehensive recognition program, including the Dean’s Leadership Circle donors, that creatively and strategically engages prospects and donors, as well as recognizes them for their contributions and informs them about the use of their gifts to the university.
Evaluate weekly giving reports to determine the need for gift acknowledgements, custom acknowledgements.
Review the weekly giving report to uncover unmanaged prospects with $1000 (or more) in unsolicited giving for possible gift officer outreach and referral.
Serve as the liaison between COE and the central Donor Relations team.
Manage the Annual Endowment Reporting process from preparing the needed content to central Donor Relations team.
Regularly review the COE prospects that are in a permanent stewardship portfolio and share timely college news with those prospects. Liaison with central Donor Relations for this effort.
Leverage recognition tools like Thankview as well as project management tools effectively.
Serve as the team lead on Grateful Gator Day events with the central Donor Relations team and create ways to steward COE donors on that day.
Coordinate VIP donor visits/tours to the college.
Work collaboratively with the Development Coordinator to review and produce personalized milestone birthday and anniversary recognition pieces.
Scholarship Coordination & Tracking
Maintain the list of philanthropy-funded scholarships and donors.
Work with the EduGator Team and COE Business Office to ensure all scholarships are awarded and follow donor criteria.
Ensure scholarship donors are invited to participate in the Scholarship and Awards Banquet. Follow up with them to ensure receipt of the invitation and encourage participation.
Coordinate timely and intentional stewardship for scholarship donors.
Perform related duties as required or deemed appropriate to the accomplishment of the responsibilities and functions related to this position.
Periodic evening and weekend work may be required.
Expected Salary:
$68,000 - $72,000
Required Qualifications:
Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and one year of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field; or a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in donor relations or related field.
A Valid Florida driver's license is required.
Preferred:
Ability to work collaboratively and as part of a team.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Support the University’s commitment to creating a respectful and collaborative work environment that values integrity, professionalism, and mutual respect in all interactions.
Proficiency and willingness to continue learning with regards to AI, emerging technology solutions, and familiarity with donor databases, contact management systems, and tracking systems is also highly preferred.
*Business expenses are reimbursed through a standard accounting system. The ability to pay for expenses using your own personal credit card or funds and have them reimbursed is 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.