The Director/Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP) serves as the strategic leader driving all aspects of the college’s development and alumni engagement efforts. Reporting jointly to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for the UF Health Science Center and the Dean of PHHP, this role sets the vision and direction for a comprehensive advancement program that fuels the college’s mission and growth.
PHHP is in an exciting period of expansion and innovation, creating a prime opportunity for a forward‑thinking advancement leader to elevate philanthropic support and strengthen connections across a vibrant network of more than 22,000 alumni. The Director/Senior Director oversees a broad and impactful portfolio that includes major and leadership giving, development communications, alumni engagement, and volunteer board management.
Operating within a collaborative, matrixed structure, this position works closely with both college leadership and UF Advancement to align strategies, build momentum, and achieve shared fundraising and engagement goals. This is a high‑visibility role for a results‑driven relationship builder who thrives in a mission-centered, growth-oriented environment.
The Senior Director/Director of Advancement reports to the Assistant Vice President of Advancement for the UF Health Science Center and the Dean of the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP). The individual in this role leads the college’s overall development strategy, providing vision, direction, and oversight for fundraising and advancement initiatives.
Under the Dean’s leadership, the college is experiencing a dynamic period of growth and innovation, creating a significant opportunity to expand and strengthen its development and alumni engagement efforts. Serving a network of more than 22,000 alumni, this role oversees a comprehensive portfolio that includes fundraising, development communications, alumni engagement, and volunteer board management.
This position operates within a matrixed structure, collaborating closely with both the college and UF Advancement (UFA) to align strategies and achieve shared goals.
Portfolio Management
- Build upon a portfolio of fundraising prospects and strategically manage relationships through face-to-face visits to bring gift solicitations to closure.
- Identification, cultivation, and solicitation of new prospects $100,000 and above for the College of Public Health & Health Professions (PHHP).
- Attend PHHP and University of Florida Advancement (UFA) functions primarily to identify new prospects.
- As steward of major gift prospects, coordinate and lead PHHP faculty on their appropriate involvement with donors interested in specific college activities.
- Establish and maintain contact with prospects to develop their interest and participation in major PHHP fundraising projects and to provide information concerning the utilization of gifts.
- Develop and present major gift proposals with expertise and a high level of organization.
- Acknowledge and recognize gifts in ways that are meaningful to donors and appropriate to the mission, vision and values of the unit and UFA.
- Develop support for the college by effectively involving stakeholders, such as volunteers, faculty, staff, and volunteers.
Strategic Leadership
- Strategically lead and manage the development office within PHHP.
- Build, lead and manage a strong team of development professionals within PHHP.
- Identify and recruit top talent and provide leadership.
- Evaluate, coach and counsel the Dean, faculty and staff on matters relating to fundraising and accountability which includes establishing goals in alignment with unit objectives, developing metrics and strategic planning.
- Oversee staff and ensure processes are in alignment with UF Advancement’s Vision; use best talent management practices; 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 donor database.
- Assist the Dean with strategically organizing and managing donor relationships.
- Attend senior development meetings on behalf of PHHP as organized by UFA.
- Attend and participate in the Dean’s Operations Meeting and Executive Leadership Meeting.
- Plan and monitor the budget, using resources for best results in fundraising and planning activities involving volunteers, prospects, faculty and administration.
- Oversee the maintenance of files, contact reports, prospect tracking and records associated with development activities.
- Build collaborative, productive relationships with key leadership, colleagues, deans, department chairs and units and provide leadership to enhance strategic fundraising.
Strategic Initiatives
- Assist the Dean in prioritizing development efforts and work with the Dean’s staff to schedule travel and make optimal use of travel time.
- Work closely with the Dean, alumni and volunteers to identify new prospects and establish fundraising priorities for the College.
- Serve as advisor to the Dean and PHHP faculty on fundraising matters and coordinate development activities between the PHHP and UFA.
- Demonstrate ability to collaborate effectively in coordinating major college development events; managing public relations and development communications; maintaining accurate records and files; and planning activities that engage volunteers, prospects, and administration.
- Assist the Dean and AVP of Advancement and/or constituent development managers in the analysis, formulation and implementation of fundraising plans and policies.
University of Florida
At the University of Florida, we are feeding communities, healing coastlines, exploring space, curing diseases, powering cities, building industries, and imagining wonders. As the state’s most comprehensive university, UF is a land, sea, and space grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center, and much more. The ideas born here gather steam and make tangible impacts. Florida is among the nation’s leaders in technology transfer, turning discoveries into companies, products, and jobs. Come join us—let’s see where we can go together.
Gainesville, Florida
Gainesville, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone.
Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities—making it a great place to live, work, and thrive. Visit the city’s website for community information.
