Director/Senior Director of Advancement, Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education

Director, Advancement

The Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education is a new academic unit at the University of Florida whose mission is to promote civic education and civic discourse and to foster intellectual diversity. Its core purpose is to help students develop the knowledge, habits of thought, analytical ability, and character to be citizens and leaders in a free society. It will do so through faculty hiring, curriculum, public programming, and (in conjunction with the Florida Department of Education) teacher training.

The Director of Advancement for the Hamilton Center for Classical and Civic Education is responsible for implementation of a broad range of fundraising activities, focused primarily on acquiring major gifts and leading development support programs for the unit. Reporting dually to the Director of the Hamilton Center of UF and the Assistant Vice President of Development, this position will serve as the chief fundraiser responsible for developing and executing the fundraising program to fulfill the Center’s financial needs. Additionally, the incumbent will serve as a strategic partner between the Center and UF Advancement, collaborating with central fundraising efforts and the overall development of alumni programs and goals to promote a culture of philanthropy.

Portfolio Management

• Serve as the chief fundraiser for the Hamilton Center for Classical & Civic Education at UF.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit and maintain all major gift prospects for the unit, strategically managing relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure, focusing on gifts of $100,000 or more, and oversee the Center’s participation in the University’s annual fund activities.
• Focuses on individual prospects and will work with leadership, corporate and foundation prospects where gift is assessed at the college’s major gift level.
• Build and manage stewardship relationships, utilizing a strategic moves management approach to include the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects.
• Responsible for articulating and communicating and priorities within the context of the overall mission, goals, and objectives of the University and UF Advancement.
• Strengthen alumni and donors’ awareness of, and interest in, giving opportunities and collaborate with academic unit-based development officers across campus.

Program Coordination

• In partnership with the Director and AVP, assist with the formation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies related to the Center, interprets policy to faculty and other staff, as necessary.
• Assist with the administration of the development programs for the Hamilton Center promoting potential donor priorities as they relate to the overall priorities.
• Assist with planning and implementing short- and long-term development and alumni programs and strategies.
• Assist with designing solicitation strategies on a case-by-case basis, being cognizant of development and unit office needs and procedures.
• Create a structured process for the identification, recruitment, evaluation, recognition, and replacement of volunteers to strengthen fundraising effectiveness.
• Participate in recruiting experienced and diverse leadership on boards and/or committees in order to ensure that these groups are representative of, and responsive to, the communities served.
• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive communications plan to inform constituents and identified markets about the mission, vision, and values of the unit, its funding priorities, and gift opportunities.
• Direct the planning and implementation of all fundraising and alumni activities for the Center.
• Serve as advisor to the Director of the Hamilton Center on fundraising matters and coordinates development activities between the Center and UFA.
  • Coordinate events, communication, and solicitation of Faculty and Staff (including retired faculty). Work with UFA office to develop a comprehensive engagement strategy for our faculty and staff. Budget, event planning, communication planning, and volunteer coordination are included in this process.
  • Participate in professional programs at the state and national level as appropriate.
• Monitor and report regularly on the progress of the development program.
• Ensure best practices in office systems, practices, files and record keeping; ensure effective use of strategic tools and resources such as contact reports, prospect management, research, and analysis, and the UFA database.

The University of Florida

 The University of Florida ranks 5th among public research universities and is the flagship of Florida’s state university system. Located in Gainesville since 1906, UF has 16 colleges, a major academic health center, a championship-winning athletic program, a top-ranked undergraduate online program and, in keeping with its land-grant mission, one of the nation’s most comprehensive agriculture and natural resources programs. All are based at the university’s 2,000-acre main campus, joining its historic core with advanced facilities and preserved natural areas, and connecting to adjacent innovation, commercial and residential districts.

The City of Gainesville

Gainesville (http://cityofgainesville.org) is home to Florida’s largest and oldest university, and so is one of the state’s centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. The University of Florida and UF Health Shands Hospital are the leading employers in Gainesville and provide jobs for many residents of surrounding counties. Gainesville is also the largest city in Alachua County and is the county seat, with approximately 269,000 residents county-wide. It serves as the cultural, educational and commercial center for the north central Florida region. The city provides a full range of municipal services, including cultural and nature services and necessary administrative services to support these activities. Additionally, the city owns a regional transit system, a regional airport, and a 72-par championship golf course. Known for its preservation of historic buildings and the beauty of its natural surroundings, Gainesville’s numerous parks, museums and lakes provide entertainment to thousands of visitors. Because of its beautiful landscape and urban “forest,” Gainesville is one of the most attractive cities in Florida. The city is in a central location to both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, providing easy access within a day’s drive to beaches, nature preserves, and water-based activities. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to nondiscrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in also aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits and training. UF Advancement is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse workforce and values diversity of thoughts, background, and experience. We welcome applications from individuals who would bring additional dimensions to the university’s vision and mission.

 If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Melissa Long, Assistant Vice President of Talent Management, at 352-846-1127 or [email protected] .

Commensurate with experience. 

Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and three years of appropriate experience in Development or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and five years of experience in Development or a related field. One year of supervisory experience.

Senior Director: Master’s degree in appropriate area of specialization and six years of appropriate experience or a bachelor’s degree in appropriate areas of specialization and eight years of experience.

• Three to five years of major gift fundraising experience with documented success in cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000 and above from individual and corporate prospects with campaign experience. 
• Prior experience in a college or university setting, enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university, and the desire to work collegially within a goal-oriented fundraising organization. 
• Knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards.
• Expertise in developing solicitation strategies.
• The ability to work strategically, develop and implement constituency programs and activities, along with a talent for motivating volunteers.
• Ability to work collaboratively and a team player
• Competency in problem solving. 
• Must be an outstanding communicator and possess excellent written and oral communication skills; interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collegially and interact effectively with a diverse constituency.
• An appreciation for and track record of active support of diversity in the workplace in all its forms; proven success working with volunteers; excellent strategic planning and project management skills; experience in a data-driven environment; organizational skills; and the ability to lead, influence and motivate others are required.
• Working knowledge in these areas:  Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers, preferably Internet Explorer, E-mail.  Working knowledge of a donor database, contact management and tracking system.
• The ability and willingness to travel.  A valid driver license and good driving record are essential.

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter and resume.

Applicants will be considered at the level that they are qualified for.

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.