University of Florida · 3 days ago
Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement
Gainesville, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
8+ years expThe University of Florida is a comprehensive institution that focuses on advancing research and innovation. They are seeking an Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement to lead fundraising efforts and develop strategic partnerships with corporate entities to enhance the university's mission and research initiatives.
Higher Education
No H1B
Responsibilities
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 and work closely with 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 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 promoting 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
Support the creation and maintenance of “industry front door” resources to streamline initial contacts to the Office of Research for general industry inquiries. This includes working with appropriate UF offices to maintain and create an “industry front-door” web portal and collateral materials as well as working collaboratively with sponsored research to expedite connections as appropriate to UF researchers
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 and colleagues to enhance corporate relations and engagement, assuring corporate engagement-related communications and messaging are clear and consistent
Organize and host campus Office of the Vice President for Research visits for corporate representatives
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
Qualification
Required
Master's degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree and ten years of experience
Preferred
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 experience in a college or university setting, with enthusiasm for fundraising in a comprehensive research university and a collaborative, goal-oriented environment
Deep knowledge of fundraising principles, methods, and standards, including expertise in 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 with the ability to work effectively across departments
Demonstrated commitment to workplace inclusion, stakeholder engagement, and project management in a data-driven environment
Proficient in Windows OS, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, internet browsers, and email platforms; familiarity with donor databases and contact management systems highly preferred
The ability and willingness to travel. A valid driver's license and good driving record are essential
Benefits
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: Including 11 paid holidays, family, sick, and vacation leave
Professional and Personal Growth: Opportunities through UF Training & Organization Development, leadership development, LinkedIn learning, and more
Tuition Assistance: Benefit from the UF Employee Education Program
PSLF Eligibility: We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Eligible Employer
Company
University of Florida
University of Florida is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$6.83MKey Investors
Align TechnologyUS Department of EnergyNFWF
2025-06-02Grant
2024-09-17Grant· $2M
2024-09-10Grant· $0.18M
Leadership Team
Sri Kalyanaraman
Co-founder, VR for the Social Good Initiative
Chris Cowen
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Recent News
2026-01-17
2026-01-13
2025-12-07
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