Executive Director, Gator Boosters, Inc.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

The position oversees the Gators Boosters, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for athletic scholarships, capital improvements, and programmatic support for the University of Florida’s 21-sport intercollegiate athletics program.

The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and day-to-day management of the organization, overseeing a team of 12-15 staff members and driving philanthropic growth across three core pillars: major gifts, donor stewardship, and alumni outreach and engagement. While Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) will be a component of the broader fundraising landscape, this role is first and foremost the organization’s chief fundraiser, charged with building a major gifts program from the ground up and growing major giving by as much as 8x current levels.

The Executive Director works with the UAA Athletics Director and Chief Commercial Officer, holds budget and P&L oversight, and partners closely with a high-level concierge-focused team dedicated to white-glove, donor-facing service. This individual serves as a visible and trusted ambassador for Gator Athletics, cultivating a service driven culture that deepens engagement with the Gator Nation’s more than 600,000 living alumni and a broad, passionate donor base.

This position requires the incumbent to:

• Have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills;
• Be a natural connector who inspires trust and loyalty among donors, staff, and institutional partners;
• Have a deep commitment to a hospitality-first, white-glove service philosophy;
• Thea ability to deliver high-touch, concierge-level experiences that strengthen donor loyalty and organizational reputation;
• Have strong organizational and communications skills;
• Have the ability to operate transparently, share information effectively across functions, and engage a broad constituency with clarity and credibility;
• Have the willingness to travel and to attend evenings, weekends, and special events as required; valid driver’s license required; and
• Have an authentic passion for the University of Florida and Gator Athletics; ability to serve as a compelling, credible spokesperson for the mission and impact of Gator Boosters, Inc.

MINIMUM EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement, or athletic development, with demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and closure at the $100,000 level and above.
• Demonstrated ability to serve as a chief fundraiser and build a major gifts program from the ground up; experience setting and achieving ambitious, transformational fundraising growth targets is highly valued.
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and managing teams; ability to build a culture of excellence, accountability, and servant leadership.
• Knowledge of and ability to provide guidance on tax laws, gift planning vehicles, and policies and procedures governing charitable donations to athletic organizations.
• Ability to work a non-standard work week which will include evenings, weekends, holidays and overnight travel.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in business, communications, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience in collegiate athletics fundraising, ideally at the Power 4 or SEC level, strongly preferred; prior executive or senior leadership experience in an athletics development or booster organization is a significant advantage.
• Familiarity with Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) fundraising dynamics is a plus, though this role is centered on traditional major gifts, stewardship, and alumni engagement rather than NIL collective management.

BENEFITS:

Comprehensive benefits package including but not limited to health, dental, life, LTD, AD&D, pension plan (upon eligibility), athletic event tickets, employee events and recognition programs as well as possible relocation assistance. Competitive compensation package commensurate with candidate’s previous experience and qualifications. You can view our full benefits guide on the official job posting by clicking here.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Interviews may be conducted prior to the closing date, but no offer of employment will be extended until after the position closes. Once an official offer is extended and accepted, the candidate will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification Form I-9 and will be contingent on satisfactory background screening results. The candidate will also be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove identity and authorization to work in the United States without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future. The University Athletic Association, Inc. is an at-will employer, a separate company from the University of Florida and not a state employer.

The UAA is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly and actively committed to diversity.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE A DRUG FREE TOBACCO FREE WORKPLACE