Director, Development

Florida Gulf Coast University; Fort Myers (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Gulf Coast University seeks a Director of Development to lead frontline fundraising initiatives in the Naples market. You will manage a 75–100 donor portfolio, develop strategies, prepare proposals, and secure gifts to support the university’s mission.

The role requires ten years of relevant full-time experience or a Bachelor's plus six years in advancement, with proficiency in Raiser's Edge and strong relationship-building skills. Travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Ten years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degree and six years of full-time experience in advancement/fundraising.
• Proven success identifying new funding donor sources.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher, Outlook) and donor management systems.

Responsibilities

• Develops fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for assigned units, with a primary focus on the Naples market.
• Prepares gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other donor materials.
• Cultivates and manages a portfolio of donors/prospects to move them from qualification to solicitation.
• Collaborates with University leadership to fund significant projects and programs.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Donor identification

Microsoft Office

Proposal writing

Public speaking

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's Degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

NXT database

Job description

Director, Development

Florida Gulf Coast University

Job Summary

The Director, Development is a seasoned fundraising and advancementprofessional responsible for securing high priority philanthropicsupport that advances Florida Gulf Coast University's mission andstrategic priorities. As an experienced front-line major giftofficer, this position manages a portfolio of 75-100 prospects,with the primary focus on the greater Naples market, making anaverage of 70 solicitations and raising at least $2 millionannually.

FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment andcollaboration. We value employees who successfully work with othersand drive positive change through critical thinking and decisiveaction. If you thrive in an environment of innovation,accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good homehere.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to:

• Develops fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for theassigned academic units, with a primary focus on advancingfundraising efforts in the greater Naples market, includingprospect identification and management.
• Prepares gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements,and other materials for donors and prospects.
• Develops, cultivates, expands, and maintains a portfolio ofmid-level donors and donor prospects, adhering to departmentrecording standards within the NXT database.
• Develops fundraising plans for each donor prospect in portfolioto move them effectively from qualification to solicitation andenter plans into NXT database.
• Collaborates with University leadership to develop funding forsignificant projects and programs related to the University'smission.
• Participates in the development and coordination of specialevents and programs for donors and prospects.

Other Duties:

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Additional Job Description

Required Qualifications:

• This position requires either ten years of directly relatedfull-time experience or, as an alternative, a Bachelor's degreefrom an accredited institution in an appropriate area ofspecialization and six years of full-time experience directlyrelated to the job functions.
• Professional full-time experience with Advancement,fundraising, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying new funding donorsources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient withMicrosoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher andOutlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience,and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree from an accredited institution in anappropriate area of specialization.
• Fundraising experience in a higher education setting.
• Experience and proficiency with Raiser's Edge or similarfundraising applications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to establish and build positive andstrategic relationships with colleagues, donors, andvolunteers.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challengeswith creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, andholding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectivelyacross teams.
• Knowledge of the principles, best practices, trends, and legalconstraints of fundraising and gift solicitation within highereducation.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communicationskills.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations toindividuals and groups.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize andcomplete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to be a self-starter with documented results inbuilding new programs and initiatives.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a highstandard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate bestpractices into the organizational structure.
• Demonstrated ability to write successful proposals.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present informationin a meaningful manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at alltimes.
• Ability to travel local and occasionally in/outside thestate, and to work evenings, and weekends as necessary.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

In this role, the successful candidate will be expected to:

• Seek out new approaches to improve outcomes; remain open forfeedback and new ideas.
• Lead with integrity; consistently produce high-quality work;persevere to overcome obstacles to meet deadlines and achievedeliverables.
• Share information and insights thoughtfully; build partnershipsacross departments; communicate respectfully; support colleagues toachieve common goals.

Pay Grade 20

FGCU is a State University System of Florida member and an EqualOpportunity and Equal Access employer. All qualified applicantswill receive consideration for employment without regard to race,color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, orprotected veteran status.