Job Details

Classification Title:EXEC DIR, DevelopmentClassification Minimum Requirements:Master's degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree and ten years of experience.Job Description:The Principal Gifts Officer is responsible for advancing institution‑wide fundraising priorities through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Vice President of Development, Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, the position supports a broad range of strategic fundraising efforts focused on securing philanthropic commitments at the $1,000,000 level and above. The role manages a portfolio of high‑capacity donors and prospects and works closely with advancement colleagues, as well as academic and administrative partners, to align donor interests with institutional priorities. The Principal Gifts Officer brings sound judgment, discretion, determination, and political acumen to navigate complex, cross‑unit environments, fostering collaboration and alignment in support of shared fundraising goals. The position develops and executes customized engagement strategies, advances complex philanthropic opportunities, high impact stewardship, and supports campaign initiatives and other strategic fundraising efforts through collaboration and thoughtful execution.Portfolio Management* Responsible for the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects.* Build a portfolio of fundraising prospects at the leadership and principal gift levels ($1,000,000+) and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.* Focus on individual prospects rated at a capacity of $5,000,000 or above.* Assess and refine the portfolio by identifying new high-net-worth individuals and families with the capacity and affinity to support college priorities.Strategic Initiatives & Collaboration* Partner closely with central and unit‑based advancement colleagues to advance enterprise‑wide fundraising priorities, principal gift strategies, transformational philanthropic visions and principal gift level solicitations.* Navigate complex institutional environments with diplomacy and sound judgment to foster effective cross‑unit collaboration and alignment.* Serve as a trusted partner to academic and administrative stakeholders, facilitating coordination and shared ownership of donor strategies.* Contribute subject‑matter expertise to campaign planning, readiness, and execution.* Collaborate across functional areas (prospect development, stewardship, advancement operations) to ensure cohesive and strategic donor engagement.External Relations & Donor Engagement* Build and sustain long‑term, trust‑based relationships that result in significant philanthropic investments.* Identify, organize and facilitate high-level engagement experiences, including campus visits, personalized briefings and engagement opportunities to deepen prospect relationships.* Identify, attend and support activities and events involving volunteers and prospects.* Clearly and compellingly articulate institutional priorities, impact opportunities through written and oral communications.* Ensure donors receive thoughtful, meaningful stewardship and recognition aligned with their intentions and institutional standards.* Establish and maintain contact with prospects to develop their interest and participation in fundraising projects and to provide information concerning the utilization of gifts and their real-world impact.Administration* Maintain accurate documentation and reporting in advancement systems in accordance with best practices.* Ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement's Vision and Values; use best talent management practices.* Ensure best practices in office systems, files and record keeping.* Ensure regular and effective use of strategic tools and resources, and prospect management, research and analysis.* Effectively perform prospect tracking, portfolio management, record keeping, file maintenance, and reporting using the Advance database.The hiring team may consider candidates in major metropolitan areas across Florida, offering flexibility in work location.