The University of Central Florida is seeking a dynamic and results-oriented Development Director I to join our Advancement & Partnerships division. This role plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s mission and fundraising efforts by identifying, cultivating, and soliciting individuals for major gifts for Student Success and Well-Being (SSWB) and supervises the Associate Director of Development for College of Undergraduate Studies (CUGS). 

The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker, persuasive communicator, and relationship builder with a track record of securing major gifts.

Responsibilities:  

Prospect Identification & Cultivation:

• Identifies, cultivates, and manages an assigned portfolio of prospective donors for major gifts.

• Builds and maintains strong relationships with donors and prospects through regular communication and engagement.

Solicitation & Stewardship:

• Creates and executes individualized solicitations and solicitation plans for donors, leveraging philanthropic interests to effectively solicit and close a defined number of major gifts within a specified time frame for specific schools, colleges, or units on campus.

• Collaborating with Donor Experience team to ensure timely and meaningful recognition.

Partnership & Relationship Building:

• Works closely with leaders to identify funding priorities and opportunities aligned with SSWB programming and the vision, mission, and values of the University, division and UCF Foundation.

• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for university leaders and colleagues to support the cultivation and solicitation of prospective donors, promoting engagement and fostering a culture of philanthropy.

Strategic Fundraising Activities:

• Works closely with the Development team to create and implement strategic fundraising activities focused on acquiring major gifts, including the development and execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies.

• Collaborates with gift officers in other units and on regional campuses, as appropriate, to maximize engagement.

Leveraging Resources: 

• Develops strong relationships with Advancement & Partnerships leadership, staff, and departments.

• Leverages available tools and resources and stays ahead of industry trends and best practices in fundraising to integrate them into daily work and enhance fundraising strategies.

Minimum Qualifications: 

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience. Or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219

• Proven track record of successfully cultivating and soliciting gifts of $50,000 and above from individuals, corporations, or foundations.

• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit, or higher education setting. 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to engage and inspire donors.

• Experience with CRM systems such as Blackbaud CRM or Raiser’s Edge and technology.

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and philanthropic trends.