University Of Florida
Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement
University Of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, us, 32635
Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement
Job no:
537542 Work type:
Staff Full-Time Location:
Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories:
Advancement, Executive/Director/Management, Grant or Research Administration Department:
50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT Classification Title:
EXEC DIR, DEVELOPMENT Requirements:
Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience. Overview The Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement serves as the unit fundraising lead and senior team member within the Office of the Vice President for Research, charged with advancing the University’s mission through strategic corporate partnerships and philanthropic initiatives. Reporting jointly to the Vice President for Research (VPR) and the Senior Assistant Vice President (SRAVP) of Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, the Executive Director will plan a comprehensive engagement strategy that fosters innovation, secures major philanthropic investments, and strengthens UF’s position as a global leader in research and discovery. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a robust corporate engagement and fundraising program for various programs within the Office of the Vice President for Research by cultivating high-impact relationships with industry leaders and corporate partners, providing strategic direction for fundraising initiatives, and stewarding long-term partnerships that advance the unit’s mission and research enterprise. Corporate Engagement Strategy Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive, result-driven fundraising and engagement strategy for the Office of the Vice President for Research to increase philanthropic and research-related support from corporations and industry partners. Identify, initiate, cultivate, and steward relationships with key corporate prospects and donors, building long-term partnerships that align with unit and university priorities as well as corporate interests. Manage a portfolio of companies, build relationships, develop strategies, and market programs for companies to increase their research-wide engagement. Identify appropriate corporate contacts, initiate and attend visits with business executives to explore opportunities for industry, corporate, and research relationships. Organize and host on-campus visits for corporate representatives, facilitating meaningful interactions with faculty, researchers, and university leadership, including tours of research facilities and innovation hubs. Collaborate with the Office of the Vice President for Research, Corporate & Foundation Relations team, the Interim Senior Assistant Vice President, unit-based corporate colleagues, and major gift teams to identify and support multi-faculty, cross-disciplinary initiatives with potential for large-scale funding opportunities. Provide the development and academic communities with information concerning grants available to the University. Propose methods and procedures for obtaining these grants and executing appropriate strategies for corporate support in coordination with the academic and development communities. Present the unit’s corporate strategies, as well as funding proposals, to appropriate representatives of these sectors. Create strategic connections between the Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Florida, and industry partners that foster innovation, enhance applied research, and generate value for both the university and our partners. Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams across campus, connecting corporate partners with world class expertise and resources. Support faculty members on research grants requiring multi-disciplinary industry partners, connecting key contacts and assisting in managing relationships. Establish UF as a leader in world class innovation by cultivating relationships to facilitate research collaborations. Coordinate efforts across university departments to ensure a cohesive and seamless experience for corporate partners, managing strategies that align partnerships with UF’s mission and open communications for lasting relationships. Assess faculty research activities and areas of expertise to identify alignment with industry needs and proactively connect faculty with relevant corporate stakeholders for collaborative opportunities. Relationship Management Support the creation and maintenance of an “industry front door” to streamline initial contacts to the Office of Research for general industry inquiries, including an industry front-door web portal and collateral materials. Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with corporate and industry executives, functioning as a key liaison and relationship manager on behalf of the unit. Maintain collaborative relationships with key UF leadership to enhance corporate relations and engagement, ensuring clear and consistent communications and messaging. Organize and host campus visits for corporate representatives to the Office of the Vice President for Research. Manage all philanthropic solicitation strategies with key corporate partners for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and research initiatives. Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and industry prospects, focusing on building long-term relationships that yield significant philanthropic and research investment. Develop and actively manage a robust portfolio of high-value corporate and industry partners that support the mission and strategic objectives of the VPR and its affiliated research centers and institutes. Establish and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects employing strategic relationship management practices to move prospects through the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Prioritize and lead solicitations from corporations for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional capacity and donor interests. Coordinate and consult on annual sponsorship initiatives with assigned faculty, centers, institutes, programs and student groups. Inventory and market opportunities for annual and multi-year corporate support. Articulate and communicate priorities within the context of the overall UF Advancement mission, goals and objectives. Develop compelling, customized major gift proposals that reflect the unit and university’s strategic needs as well as the donor’s philanthropic objectives, presenting opportunities that inspire transformative investment. Ensure that all major gifts are recognized and stewarded in a manner that is meaningful to the donor, while also being consistent with the university’s values and advancement best practices. Fundraising Manage all philanthropic solicitation strategies with key corporate partners for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and research initiatives. Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and industry prospects, with a focus on building long-term relationships that yield significant philanthropic and research investment. Develop and actively manage a robust portfolio of high-value corporate and industry partners that support the mission and strategic objectives of the VPR and its affiliated research centers and institutes. Establish and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects employing strategic relationship management practices to move prospects through the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Prioritize and lead solicitations from corporations for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional capacity and donor interests. Coordinate and consult on annual sponsorship initiatives with assigned faculty, centers, institutes, programs and student groups. Inventory and market opportunities for annual and multi-year corporate support. Responsible for articulating and communicating priorities within the context of the overall UF Advancement mission, goals and objectives. Develop compelling, customized major gift proposals that reflect the unit and university’s strategic needs as well as the donor’s philanthropic objectives, presenting opportunities that inspire transformative investment. Ensure that all major gifts are recognized and stewarded in a manner that is meaningful to the donor, while also being consistent with the university’s values and advancement best practices.
Onsite position in Gainesville, Florida with frequent travel expectations. University of Florida At the University of Florida, we are focused on research and innovation. 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 is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, culture, and community. Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. Visit the city’s website for community information. Benefits Commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including: Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Comprehensive Coverage: Life and disability Insurance Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future Inclusive Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, family, sick, and vacation leave Professional and Personal Growth: UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more Tuition Assistance: UF Employee Education Program PSLF Eligibility: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience. Preferred: The ideal candidate will possess: 5–10 years of experience in corporate engagement within an organization, start-up or higher education institution, strategic partnership development, and fundraising, with a proven track record of cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000+ from individuals and corporate prospects. Prior university experience with fundraising in a comprehensive research university and collaboration across departments. Deep knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards, including solicitation strategy development. Exceptional relationship-building skills with senior executives, donors, and internal stakeholders; strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex research initiatives into compelling partnership opportunities. Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills; a team player across departments. Commitment to workplace inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and project management in a data-driven environment. Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license and good driving record. Special Instructions to Applicants: Upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Applications must be submitted by the posting end date. Work visa sponsorship is not available. This requisition has been reposted; previous applicants are still under consideration. Health Assessment
Required: No Advertised:
28 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time Applications close:
25 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We will email you new jobs that match this search.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Job no:
537542 Work type:
Staff Full-Time Location:
Main Campus (Gainesville, FL) Categories:
Advancement, Executive/Director/Management, Grant or Research Administration Department:
50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT Classification Title:
EXEC DIR, DEVELOPMENT Requirements:
Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience. Overview The Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement serves as the unit fundraising lead and senior team member within the Office of the Vice President for Research, charged with advancing the University’s mission through strategic corporate partnerships and philanthropic initiatives. Reporting jointly to the Vice President for Research (VPR) and the Senior Assistant Vice President (SRAVP) of Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, the Executive Director will plan a comprehensive engagement strategy that fosters innovation, secures major philanthropic investments, and strengthens UF’s position as a global leader in research and discovery. This role offers a unique opportunity to build a robust corporate engagement and fundraising program for various programs within the Office of the Vice President for Research by cultivating high-impact relationships with industry leaders and corporate partners, providing strategic direction for fundraising initiatives, and stewarding long-term partnerships that advance the unit’s mission and research enterprise. Corporate Engagement Strategy Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive, result-driven fundraising and engagement strategy for the Office of the Vice President for Research to increase philanthropic and research-related support from corporations and industry partners. Identify, initiate, cultivate, and steward relationships with key corporate prospects and donors, building long-term partnerships that align with unit and university priorities as well as corporate interests. Manage a portfolio of companies, build relationships, develop strategies, and market programs for companies to increase their research-wide engagement. Identify appropriate corporate contacts, initiate and attend visits with business executives to explore opportunities for industry, corporate, and research relationships. Organize and host on-campus visits for corporate representatives, facilitating meaningful interactions with faculty, researchers, and university leadership, including tours of research facilities and innovation hubs. Collaborate with the Office of the Vice President for Research, Corporate & Foundation Relations team, the Interim Senior Assistant Vice President, unit-based corporate colleagues, and major gift teams to identify and support multi-faculty, cross-disciplinary initiatives with potential for large-scale funding opportunities. Provide the development and academic communities with information concerning grants available to the University. Propose methods and procedures for obtaining these grants and executing appropriate strategies for corporate support in coordination with the academic and development communities. Present the unit’s corporate strategies, as well as funding proposals, to appropriate representatives of these sectors. Create strategic connections between the Office of the Vice President for Research, University of Florida, and industry partners that foster innovation, enhance applied research, and generate value for both the university and our partners. Work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams across campus, connecting corporate partners with world class expertise and resources. Support faculty members on research grants requiring multi-disciplinary industry partners, connecting key contacts and assisting in managing relationships. Establish UF as a leader in world class innovation by cultivating relationships to facilitate research collaborations. Coordinate efforts across university departments to ensure a cohesive and seamless experience for corporate partners, managing strategies that align partnerships with UF’s mission and open communications for lasting relationships. Assess faculty research activities and areas of expertise to identify alignment with industry needs and proactively connect faculty with relevant corporate stakeholders for collaborative opportunities. Relationship Management Support the creation and maintenance of an “industry front door” to streamline initial contacts to the Office of Research for general industry inquiries, including an industry front-door web portal and collateral materials. Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with corporate and industry executives, functioning as a key liaison and relationship manager on behalf of the unit. Maintain collaborative relationships with key UF leadership to enhance corporate relations and engagement, ensuring clear and consistent communications and messaging. Organize and host campus visits for corporate representatives to the Office of the Vice President for Research. Manage all philanthropic solicitation strategies with key corporate partners for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and research initiatives. Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and industry prospects, focusing on building long-term relationships that yield significant philanthropic and research investment. Develop and actively manage a robust portfolio of high-value corporate and industry partners that support the mission and strategic objectives of the VPR and its affiliated research centers and institutes. Establish and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects employing strategic relationship management practices to move prospects through the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Prioritize and lead solicitations from corporations for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional capacity and donor interests. Coordinate and consult on annual sponsorship initiatives with assigned faculty, centers, institutes, programs and student groups. Inventory and market opportunities for annual and multi-year corporate support. Articulate and communicate priorities within the context of the overall UF Advancement mission, goals and objectives. Develop compelling, customized major gift proposals that reflect the unit and university’s strategic needs as well as the donor’s philanthropic objectives, presenting opportunities that inspire transformative investment. Ensure that all major gifts are recognized and stewarded in a manner that is meaningful to the donor, while also being consistent with the university’s values and advancement best practices. Fundraising Manage all philanthropic solicitation strategies with key corporate partners for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and research initiatives. Personally identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and industry prospects, with a focus on building long-term relationships that yield significant philanthropic and research investment. Develop and actively manage a robust portfolio of high-value corporate and industry partners that support the mission and strategic objectives of the VPR and its affiliated research centers and institutes. Establish and maintain a targeted portfolio of major gift prospects employing strategic relationship management practices to move prospects through the donor lifecycle—from identification and qualification to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Prioritize and lead solicitations from corporations for the Office of the Vice President for Research, ensuring strategic alignment with institutional capacity and donor interests. Coordinate and consult on annual sponsorship initiatives with assigned faculty, centers, institutes, programs and student groups. Inventory and market opportunities for annual and multi-year corporate support. Responsible for articulating and communicating priorities within the context of the overall UF Advancement mission, goals and objectives. Develop compelling, customized major gift proposals that reflect the unit and university’s strategic needs as well as the donor’s philanthropic objectives, presenting opportunities that inspire transformative investment. Ensure that all major gifts are recognized and stewarded in a manner that is meaningful to the donor, while also being consistent with the university’s values and advancement best practices.
Onsite position in Gainesville, Florida with frequent travel expectations. University of Florida At the University of Florida, we are focused on research and innovation. 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 is a vibrant city known for its natural beauty, culture, and community. Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities. Visit the city’s website for community information. Benefits Commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including: Affordable State Health Plans: Medical, dental, and vision insurance Comprehensive Coverage: Life and disability Insurance Secure Retirement Options: Generous plans to safeguard your future Inclusive Paid Time Off: 11 paid holidays, family, sick, and vacation leave Professional and Personal Growth: UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more Tuition Assistance: UF Employee Education Program PSLF Eligibility: Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer Master’s degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor’s degree and ten years of experience. Preferred: The ideal candidate will possess: 5–10 years of experience in corporate engagement within an organization, start-up or higher education institution, strategic partnership development, and fundraising, with a proven track record of cultivating and soliciting major gifts of $100,000+ from individuals and corporate prospects. Prior university experience with fundraising in a comprehensive research university and collaboration across departments. Deep knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards, including solicitation strategy development. Exceptional relationship-building skills with senior executives, donors, and internal stakeholders; strong interpersonal and communication abilities. Strategic thinker with the ability to translate complex research initiatives into compelling partnership opportunities. Strong collaboration and problem-solving skills; a team player across departments. Commitment to workplace inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and project management in a data-driven environment. Willingness to travel; valid driver’s license and good driving record. Special Instructions to Applicants: Upload your cover letter, resume and three references. Applications must be submitted by the posting end date. Work visa sponsorship is not available. This requisition has been reposted; previous applicants are still under consideration. Health Assessment
Required: No Advertised:
28 Jan 2026 Eastern Standard Time Applications close:
25 Feb 2026 Eastern Standard Time The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We will email you new jobs that match this search.
#J-18808-Ljbffr