Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement

Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement

Job No : 537542

Work Type : Full Time

Location : Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)

Categories : Advancement, Executive / Director / Management, Grant or Research Administration

Department : 50010000 - AD-VP ADVANCEMENT

Job Description

Classification Title :

EXEC DIR, DEVELOPMENT

Classification Minimum Requirements :

Master's degree and eight years of appropriate experience; or a bachelor's degree and ten years of experience.

Job Description :

The Executive Director of Development, Corporate Engagement, serves as a senior leader within the Office of 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 Interim Senior Assistant Vice President (SRAVP) of Principal Gifts & Strategic Initiatives, working in close partnership with both to align fundraising efforts with institutional research priorities and broader university goals.

The incumbent will provide both strategic direction and operational oversight for a robust corporate engagement and fundraising program, cultivating relationships with industry leaders and corporate partners. This includes identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, securing philanthropic investments, and fostering long-term partnerships that advance the mission and research enterprise of the Office of the VPR. The Executive Director will play a key role in integrating corporate engagement into the university's overall advancement strategy and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities.

Corporate Engagement Strategy

• Develop and lead the execution of a comprehensive, results-driven fundraising and engagement strategy to increase philanthropic and research-related support from corporations and industry partners.
• Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with key corporate prospects and donors, building long-term partnerships that align with university priorities and corporate interests.
• 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.
• 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 foundation and corporate grants available to the University. Propose methods and procedures for obtaining these grants and executing appropriate strategies for foundation and corporate support in coordination with the academic and development communities.
• Present the University's foundation and corporate strategies, as well as funding proposals, to appropriate representatives of these sectors.
• Create strategic connections between the 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.

Relationship Management

Fundraising

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.

To help foster deeper collaboration efforts and meaningful engagement with donors, leadership, Office of the Research staff as well as members of our advancement community, this will be an onsite position based in Gainesville, Florida. Frequent travel will be required.

University of Florida

At the University of Florida , we are feeding communities, healing coastlines, exploring space, curing diseases, powering cities, building industries, and imagining wonders. As the state's most comprehensive university, UF is a land, sea, and space grant institution with ties to every Florida county, a top academic medical center, and much more. The ideas born here gather steam and make tangible impacts. 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, Florida is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and strong sense of community. As home to the University of Florida and UF Health, it is a hub for education, healthcare, and innovation. With award-winning parks, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of dining and entertainment options, Gainesville offers something for everyone.

Ranked the #1 city to move to in Florida by USA Today in 2024, Gainesville combines small-town charm with big-city amenities—making it a great place to live, work, and thrive. Visit the city's website for community information.

Expected Salary :

Commensurate with education and experience. The University of Florida offers a competitive benefits package including :

For more information on our generous benefits, visit : https : / / hr.ufl.edu / benefits /

Required Qualifications :

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 :

Special Instructions to Applicants :

In order to be considered, you must upload your cover letter, resume and three references.

Application must be submitted by 11 : 55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Work visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Health Assessment Required :

No

Applications Close : 10 November 2025

To apply, visit https : / / explore.jobs.ufl.edu / en-us / job / 537542

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 requirements under 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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