Assoc Director of Development, Women in Leadership & Philanthropy at University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida

Job Description:

The Associate Director of Development will play a vital role in advancing the mission of Women in Leadership & Philanthropy (WLP) at the University of South Florida. This individual will be responsible for growing the WLP program through the strategic expansion of individual and corporate memberships, as well as by identifying, cultivating, and securing major and planned gifts. These efforts directly support student scholarships and faculty research grants, furthering WLP's impact across the university. In addition to fundraising, the Associate Director will oversee the planning and execution of all WLP membership and community programs, in collaboration with the WLP team, to ensure alignment with strategic goals and meaningful engagement with members and supporters. The Associate Director will also play a significant role in the coordination of all signature WLP events, including the annual WLP Fall Symposium and pre-events, Student Summit, Faculty Excellence Awards and other stewardship and university-wide events. This position requires a dynamic, mission-driven professional with a strong commitment to empowering women, advancing philanthropy, and creating meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community.Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or program management, preferably in higher education or nonprofit organizations required. Master's degree preferred with experience in higher education or nonprofit organizations.The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.
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Working at USF
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With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.
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To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here .Drives the mission of empowering students and faculty by actively identifying major donors through targeted donor research, personal interactions with WLP Members, and insights from development officers, corporations, and external contacts. Collaborates with both internal USF stakeholders and external partners to secure transformative gifts that directly support student scholarships and faculty research initiatives. Together with the Executive Director, this role pinpoints strategic needs aligned with our mission, creating and executing a fundraising plan that enhances WLP programs and advances educational excellence for the entire community.

Oversees the development and management of WLP programming to enhance donor engagement and retention through strategic relationship-building and complex gift solicitation. This includes coordinating with development officers and university leadership across campuses to create stewardship and development opportunities that showcase campus areas aligned with WLP's mission. Additionally, the Associate Director leads a cross-department team in executing the WLP Fall Symposium and manages key initiatives such as the annual Faculty Excellence Award and Student Council, thereby promoting the university and advancing WLP's transformational impact.

Provides dynamic leadership for WLP member/volunteer-led committees, including the symposium program and student council. This role is pivotal in guiding strategic decisions that influence both WLP and the broader community. It emphasizes the active management of volunteers and the cultivation of robust relationships with potential and current major donors through dedicated stewardship, ultimately driving the development of major and planned gifts to support students and faculty.