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Development Assistant

Inside Higher Ed, Gainesville, FL, United States


Job Information
Job No:

538768

Work Type:

Full Time

Location:

Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories:

Advancement, Office/Administrative/Fiscal Support, Veteran's Preference Eligible

Department:

19011700 - EG-DEVELOPMENT

Job Description
Classification Title: Development Assistant

Reporting to the Advancement Administrative Specialist, the Development Assistant is assigned to the Development and External Affairs Office in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering (HWCOE). This position provides program and administrative support to the Directors of Development as well as Alumni Affairs, Donor Relations, and Corporate Relations. The incumbent must have the ability to coordinate multiple projects at a high level of performance, accuracy, and speed. This role requires excellent written and oral communication skills, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently.

Development Support

Serve as the first point of contact for the HWCOE development office and handle office interactions independently. Warmly greet guests and manage incoming phone calls, exemplifying gold standard hospitality and exceptional customer service.

Plan and coordinate meetings, manage calendars, and make travel arrangements for development officers.

Oversee customer service and maintain exemplary standards to increase effectiveness and efficiency.

Communicate clearly with stakeholders and external staff regarding internal functions and processes of the College to direct requests, identify needs, and ensure appropriate resolution using high customer service standards.

Ensure compliance with all University of Florida and UF Advancement regulations.

Maintain best practices in office systems, practices, file and record keeping, and use strategic tools and resources aligned with UF Advancement’s Vision and Values. Routinely update, scan, and purge as necessary.

Prioritize multiple assignments and execute strategies under time constraints to meet deadlines and project deliverables.

Fiscal Support

Coordinate and handle all administrative tasks related to vendors and budgets, including contacting vendors, filling out disbursement-related paperwork, keeping track of contracts and related paperwork, and maintaining a list of both external and internal users of resources.

Coordinate and handle all expenses for the Office of Advancement related to travel, entertainment, and professional development.

Independently prepare, review, and process all forms including deposits, fund transfers, and setting up new funds in accordance with organizational procedures.

Event Planning

Collaborate with HWCOE’s Marketing & Communications and UF Advancement’s Strategic Communication, Marketing & Engagement teams to produce special promotional materials for events or programs—including invitations, pledge forms, name tags, and signage.

Manage RSVPs and event registration details for Advancement Office events.

Assist in implementing events with the Dean’s office, Annual Giving/Alumni Affairs, UF Advancement, UF Campus groups, and the community to further the fundraising process for HWCOE.

Plan and implement all aspects of receptions, luncheons, dinners, and campus visits for constituents interested in supporting the college.

Oversee calendar coordination for all constituents.

Assist with event set‑up, breakdown, and act as host for HWCOE events.

Data Requests

Process information report requests, including weekly gift reports, alumni reports, and major gift reports for newsletters.

Manage confidential data and be skilled in using Microsoft Excel and databases.

Compensation
Expected Salary:

$21.50—$24.00 per hour, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Excellent interpersonal communication skills; work independently and accurately.

Strong project management skills with realistic timelines and clear benchmarks.

Ability to influence without authority and proactively communicate with team members.

Excellent written and verbal communication; work collegially with diverse constituencies.

Flexibility to shift tasks to meet urgent deadlines.

Discretion with sensitive documents and confidential information; maintain a professional work environment.

Team player supporting the UFF culture of RAISE.

Accuracy, attention to detail, and a service‑oriented attitude.

Appreciation for diversity; experience in a data‑driven environment; organizational skills; ability to lead, influence, and motivate others.

Typing proficiency: 35 words per minute; word processing proficiency.

Working knowledge of Windows, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Access, internet browsers (preferably Internet Explorer), email, donor database, contact management and tracking systems.

Core Competencies

Collaboration

- Ability to work cooperatively with others to achieve organizational goals.

Share experience, resources, and expertise with others, breaking down barriers.

Assist in maintaining high team performance and morale.

Work cooperatively and recognize diversity as a strength.

Meet individual, business unit, and university goals with cooperation.

Stakeholder Focus

- Centralize efforts around meeting stakeholders’ needs.

Address stakeholder needs timely using the right people and resources.

Understand the audience and seek feedback to improve relationships.

Create stakeholder value with service processes.

Consider impact on all stakeholders when taking action.

Manages Execution

- Consistently maintain high levels of action and results.

Execute functional tasks toward the larger vision.

Pursue goals with persistence, energy, drive, positivity, and an end‑to‑end mindset.

Prioritize tasks to be productive and meet expectations.

Identify problems, remove barriers, and move work forward.

Accountability

- Take responsibility for work activities, personal actions, and self‑development.

Ensure work is completed on time and meets quality standards.

Seek opportunities for personal and professional development.

Own complications and follow through until resolved.

Accept feedback openly and learn from mistakes.

Adaptability / Innovation

- Apply original thinking to overcome challenges and adapt to change.

Maintain effectiveness in varying environments.

Generate new ideas and creative solutions.

Accept, embrace, and lead change.

Provide creative and flexible options.

Effective Communication

- Listen and relay information to others effectively.

Communicate through multiple mediums.

Interpret information, ideas, and instructions clearly.

Practice active listening and clarify by asking questions.

Communicate truthfully, transparently, and positively.

Critical Thinking

- Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information effectively.

Use logical reasoning for judgments.

Identify goals objectively and decide with long‑term implications.

Identify opportunities to increase efficiency and revenue.

Recognize influencing forces and events before concluding.

Organizational Acumen

- Understand governance, administration, and culture aligned with mission.

Act decisively and appropriately.

Balance big picture concerns with day‑to‑day activities.

Stay knowledgeable of policies, practices, and trends.

Show commitment to the university’s mission in serving constituents.

EEO Statement
Our Commitment: The University of Florida is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Hiring is contingent on eligibility to work in the U.S. The University of Florida is a public institution and is subject to all Florida Sunshine and Public Record laws. If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 352‑392‑2477 or the Florida Relay System at 800‑955‑8771 (TDD) or visit Accessibility at UF.

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