Director of Development - University of South Florida : Job Details

USF ADVANCEMENT:

USF Advancement connects the university with donors who want to make a difference by providing philanthropic support to promote student success, research, academic excellence and other strategic priorities. Our dedicated team of approximately 190 professionals, including 60 fundraisers, encompasses alumni, development and foundation operations. The team is responsible for raising more than $150 million annually and has broken records year after year with more than $168 million raised in fiscal year 2024.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Development will be responsible for establishing and managing prospects and donor relationships through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship to meet fundraising goals in alignment with the mission and aspirations of the University of South Florida. As a major gift fundraiser, this position will primarily be focused on fundraising activities that will require frequent travel to meet new and existing donors locally and regionally throughout the United States.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising: Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospects to close major gifts of $50,000+ for top funding priorities. Fundraising dollar, visit and proposal goals will be determined through conversations with leadership and based on the prospect pool and unit potential. Maintain a significant prospect portfolio and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face and virtual visits to bring major solicitations to closure. Continuously update the prospect management database with information related to donor strategies, contacts, and results. Ensure delivery of appropriate stewardship initiatives, partnering with donor relations as needed.

Collaboration: Serve as an active member of the Advancement Team bringing creativity and innovation to the team's fundraising strategy. Intentionally build and invest in developing strong relationships with the College leaders and faculty to promote a culture of philanthropy. Identify and facilitate opportunities for university leaders and colleagues to support the cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors. Assist with development-related events and other programs. Develop strong relationships with Advancement leadership, staff and departments to leverage the tools and resources available to ensure prospects and donors have a meaningful experience with USF. Collaborate with gift officers in other units and on regional campuses, as appropriate. Assist with development-related programs.

Qualification: Qualify prospective donors through strategic monthly visits. Prepares and finalizes gift proposals with specific initiatives of interest for prospective donors in coordination with the advancement team.

Professional Development: Constantly seek and up-to-date understanding of initiatives and programs (product knowledge) at the University of South Florida. Stay abreast of industry trends to integrate best practices into daily work. Collaborate with leaders and colleagues at USF to create an environment that fosters continuous learning.

MINIMUM:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of experience related to development or other appropriate professional experience.

PREFERRED:

Masters degree; 5+ years of directly related experience in development and fundraising, preferably in higher education, but other not-for-profit institutes may be acceptable.

SPECIAL SKILLS/TRAINING:

Experience and skill in successfully raising gifts for higher education institutions.

Experience with using fundraising management systems and technology (e.g., Ellucian Advance) to enter and report donor contact activities.