Director, Development

Florida Gulf Coast University • Lexington, MA

12d

About The Position

The Director, Development is a seasoned fundraising and advancement professional responsible for securing high-priority philanthropic support that advances Florida Gulf Coast University’s mission and strategic priorities. As an experienced front-line major gift officer, the position manages a portfolio of 75–100 prospects, primarily in the greater Naples market, and is expected to make an average of 70 solicitations and raise at least $2 million annually.

The role develops fundraising strategies and plans for assigned academic units and donor prospects, prepares proposals and gift materials, and cultivates and manages donor relationships using the NXT database. The Director collaborates with University leadership on funding for significant projects and programs and helps coordinate donor and prospect events. The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate curiosity, commitment, collaboration, accountability, integrity, and a willingness to improve outcomes through new approaches.

Requirements

• Either ten years of directly related full-time experience, or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization and six years of full-time experience directly related to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience in advancement, fundraising, or another relevant area.
• Demonstrated success identifying new donor funding sources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, and Outlook.
• Ability to establish and build positive, strategic relationships with colleagues, donors, and volunteers.
• Ability to think strategically and approach challenges creatively.
• Demonstrated reliability, goal achievement, and personal accountability.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of fundraising and gift solicitation principles, best practices, trends, and legal constraints in higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to work independently and document results in building new programs and initiatives.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, maintain high integrity, and incorporate best practices into organizational structures.
• Demonstrated ability to write successful proposals.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present information meaningfully.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally in or outside the state, and to work evenings and weekends as necessary.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree from an accredited institution in an appropriate area of specialization.
• Fundraising experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience and proficiency with Raiser’s Edge or similar fundraising applications.

Responsibilities

• Develop fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for assigned academic units, with a primary focus on fundraising in the greater Naples market, including prospect identification and management.
• Prepare gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other materials for donors and prospects.
• Develop, cultivate, expand, and maintain a portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, following department recording standards in the NXT database.
• Develop fundraising plans for each donor prospect to move them from qualification to solicitation, and enter the plans into the NXT database.
• Collaborate with University leadership to develop funding for significant projects and programs related to the University's mission.
• Participate in the development and coordination of special events and programs for donors and prospects.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director