Director of Philanthropy

Director of Philanthropy

Location: Gainesville, FL
Status: Full-Time
Reports to: President & CEO
Schedule: Monday to Friday, some nights and weekends

At United Way North Central Florida, we seek to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around North Central Florida to advance the common good. We envision a North Central Florida – Alachua, Bradford, Dixie, Gilchrist, Levy, and Union counties – where every person in every community is thriving. From strengthening local resilience to advancing health, youth opportunity, and financial security, we’re working towards a future where every person in North Central Florida can reach their full potential.

Position Summary

Are you a strategic thinker, a creative problem-solver, and a relationship builder who thrives on turning big ideas into measurable results? United Way North Central Florida is seeking a visionary fundraising leader to design, drive, and execute innovative revenue strategies that fuel our mission.

As the Director of Philanthropy, you will take a 360° approach to fundraising—building on traditional workplace campaigns while expanding into high-impact major gifts, corporate partnerships, online giving, and unforgettable special events. This role calls for a leader who can see the big picture while also executing the day-to-day details that make campaigns successful.

You won’t just manage fundraising—you’ll shape the future of how our community invests in change. You’ll have the autonomy to test new ideas, launch creative campaigns, and develop partnerships that inspire giving. With your leadership, every donor interaction will be intentional, every event will be meaningful, and every dollar raised will create measurable community impact.

This is a department of one with the potential to grow as you increase revenue. You’ll work side-by-side with a supportive CEO and Board who value innovation, embrace fresh ideas, and understand that philanthropy is the engine that drives change.

If you’re ready to pair strategic vision with hands-on execution and watch your work directly transform lives, we want you on our team.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement a multi-year fundraising strategy to increase and diversify revenue streams.

• Innovate new approaches to workplace campaigns, major gifts, corporate sponsorships, small business partnerships, online giving, and events.

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all levels, with a focus on building long-term relationships.

• Develop creative donor engagement opportunities that inspire giving beyond traditional asks.

• Use data-driven decision making to evaluate and adjust fundraising strategies in real time.

• Oversee all donor recognition and collaborate with appropriate departments in volunteer engagement.

• Confidently represent United Way at community and networking events.

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board to pursue transformational gifts and partnerships.

• Manage donor records and reporting to track progress against goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or corporate partnerships, with a proven track record of exceeding revenue goals.

• Strong strategic planning skills with a creative approach to donor engagement.

• Exceptional relationship-building and presentation skills; comfortable networking in any setting.

• Highly organized with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

• Proficiency with CRM/donor management systems and Microsoft Office.

• Ability to travel, work evening and/or weekend events as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE preferred.

• Knowledge of local community dynamics.

• Experience in brand storytelling, campaign design and marketing.

• Experience with grant writing and grant reporting.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to shape the future of fundraising for a mission-driven organization with a visible community impact.

• Support from a mission-driven CEO and Board who understand the value of philanthropy.

• Flexible, supportive, and collaborative work environment.

• Mileage reimbursement and professional development opportunities.

• Potential to build your own fundraising team as revenue grows.

• Comprehensive benefits package which includes health, dental, vision, retirement plan with employer contribution, and paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

Compensation

Starting at $70,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Any estimated salary range provided by LinkedIn and other job aggregators is not based on the hiring orgnaization's information

Please note: United Way of North Central Florida does not offer relocation assistance. Candidates residing in or willing to relocate at their own expense will be given preference.

How to Apply

Submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your fundraising or sales accomplishments and why you are passionate about serving communities in North Central Florida to jobs@unitedwayncfl.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.