Job Description
USF Advancement connects the university with donors who want to make a difference by providing philanthropic support to promote student success, research, academic excellence and other strategic priorities. With an endowment that now exceeds $700 million in value, our dedicated team of approximately 200 professionals, including 60 fundraisers, encompasses alumni, development and foundation operations. The team is responsible for raising more than $150 million annually and has broken records year after year with more than $184 million raised in fiscal year 2025.
The Associate Director of Development builds loyal and lasting relationships with the university's various constituents; identifies, cultivates, and solicits prospects and closes private, major, planned, or corporate/foundation gifts on behalf of the university to advance the university's mission and goals. Gifts at this level are closed utilizing a variety of university contacts to develop agreements and contracts in the interest of the organization.This position requires a Bachelor's degree and 4 years of fundraising experience or other appropriate related experience.
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Prefer Master's degree and three years of directly related experience in development and fundraising, preferably in higher education. Other not-for-profit institutes may be acceptable. Experience with travel and prospect identification and CFRE preferred but not required. Preference will be given to an alumnus of USF.Working at USF
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With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
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About USF
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The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu .
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Compliance and Federal Notices
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This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
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Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws :
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
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Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
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Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
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Equal Employment Opportunity
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The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.Responsible for the development and oversight of WLP programming to increase donor engagement and retention through relationship building efforts, which results in the procurement of major or complex gifts. Coordinates with development officers and university leadership across the three campuses to create stewardship and development opportunities to increase member exposure to various areas of campus that are in alignment with WLP's mission. Serves as the lead on a cross-department team which executes the largest annual foundation community event, raising upward of $300,000 annually.
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Identifies potential major donors based on information from Donor Research, personal interaction with WLP Members, other development officers, corporations, and external contacts to fulfill fundraising goals of the organization. Works with various individuals inside USF as well as external entities who are involved in soliciting and contracting for WLP gifts. In conjunction with the Executive Director, identifies needs that meet strategic objectives and creates a strategic plan to achieve the objectives. This role also acts as a chief public relations contact with organizations of major gift donors.
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Provides leadership for WLP member/volunteer led committees, taking primary responsibility for the functions of the Award, Membership, Mentoring, Program, and Scholarship committees to inform and guide the direction of decisions which significantly impact organizational matters within WLP and in the broader community. Much time is spent working closely with potential and current major donors with a primary focus on building relationships that result in the the development of major and planned gifts. Serves as direct supervisor to the WLP Administrator who supports this position and WLP members.
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In collaboration with the Executive Director, establishes goals and objectives for WLP's marketing and communications efforts to develop and implement appropriate communication mechanisms and messaging to increase donor engagement. Platforms for messaging include but are not limited to social media, the Foundation website, printed programs, video production, and the WLP Annual Report.
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Manages the annual WLP Faculty Excellence Award, Community Leadership Awards, and Student Scholarship selection process. Works with foundation staff, volunteer leaders, and university leadership to ensure the success of the programs as they serve to promote the university as a whole to the Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota communities.
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Performs other duties as assigned.