Associate Director of Development

About this role

Advancement & Partnerships:

Join our dynamic and growing Advancement & Partnerships team as we work together to power partnerships and transform lives through philanthropy. Together, we can unleash the potential of people and ideas to positively change the world.  Your efforts on our team will help us to build the University for the Future.

The Opportunity : Advancement & Partnerships’ Development team is hiring for multiple Associate Directors of Development to support fundraising efforts for the College of Sciences and the College of Engineering and Computer Science. These frontline fundraising roles are responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and securing major gifts of $25,000 and above. The selected candidates will manage and grow a portfolio of prospects, build meaningful donor and alumni relationships, and contribute to special initiatives that advance college, unit, and UCF priorities.

These roles are ideal for proactive, relationship-driven fundraisers who are energized by building connections, opening doors, and moving donor relationships forward. The strongest candidates will bring demonstrated experience closing major gifts, strong communication and listening skills, and the resilience to build and grow a portfolio in a dynamic advancement environment. If you are a self-driven gift officer who is motivated by mission-driven work and ready to help shape philanthropic support for UCF’s future, we want to hear from you.

The positions will support the following colleges: • The College of Sciences helps lead the way with a focus on transformative industry partnerships and student success that enhance social mobility in the Central Florida community and beyond. Private support is essential to sustaining that momentum, and the Associate Director of Development plays a central role in building the relationships that make it possible.

• UCF’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is one of the largest and most dynamic engineering colleges in the nation, preparing the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and technology leaders. Private support is essential to sustaining that momentum, and the Associate Director of Development plays a central role in building the relationships that make it possible.

UCF is seeking to fill multiple roles. Candidates for this job posting will be considered for additional vacancies in this department.

Responsibilities: • Build and strategically manage a portfolio of major gift prospects through all stages of the fundraising cycle. Conduct face-to-face visits with current and prospective donors, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, with the goal of bringing major gift solicitations to a successful close.

• Develop and present compelling major gift proposals tailored to the interests and priorities of each donor. Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and consistent with the values and mission of the college unit and UCF's Advancement & Partnerships division.

• Maintain thorough and accurate records using UCF's prospect management tools and fundraising database, including contact reports, research summaries, and gift documentation. Ensure consistent adherence to best practices in record-keeping and data integrity.

• Contribute to special fundraising initiatives as needed to advance college and university priorities, in coordination with development leadership and unit partners.

Minimum Qualifications : Bachelor's or Master's degree and 4+ years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience pursuant to Fla. Stat. 112.219(6) . 

Preferred Qualifications : • Demonstrated success identifying, cultivating, and closing major gifts of $25,000 or more from individual donors, foundations, or corporations

• Experience as a frontline fundraiser, gift officer, nonprofit development professional, or similar relationship-driven revenue generation role.

• Experience in higher education advancement, nonprofit fundraising, healthcare philanthropy, alumni engagement, or a related fundraising environment.

• Experience building and managing donor, prospect, client, or partner relationships through a portfolio-based engagement cycle.

• Experience developing donor-centered proposals, gift agreements, or persuasive fundraising materials.

• Proficiency with Blackbaud, Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge, comparable fundraising, donor management, or CRM platforms.

The most successful candidates may possess the following qualities: • Strong communication, active listening, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a variety of donor and partner audiences.

• Demonstrated initiative, resilience, and self-motivation in a goal-oriented fundraising or revenue-generating environment.

• Familiarity with or interest in UCF, College of Sciences, CECS, STEM-related fields, or university advancement.

Special Instructions to the Applicants: • The anticipated salary range for this position is $68,000- $80,000. The final salary will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.

• Advancement and Partnerships values the unique contributions that each team member brings to our division. The final determination of a successful candidate's starting salary will vary based on several factors, including education and relevant experience. The anticipated pay scale indicated for this position generally applies to candidates who meet the minimum requirements and several of the preferred qualifications outlined above. All offers are contingent on successful background and reference screens.

• All applicants must be authorized to work for any U.S. employer. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and the university cannot accommodate H-1B transfers or employment-based visa processing for individuals currently sponsored by another employer.

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