Director, Development

FGCU Florida Gulf Coast University; United States; On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

FGCU Florida Gulf Coast University is seeking a seasoned Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts in the Naples market. The role manages 75–100 major gift prospects and executes ~70 solicitations annually to raise at least $2 million.

The incumbent collaborates with university leadership to fund significant projects aligning with FGCU’s mission. The position requires a proven track record in advancement, strategic donor cultivation, and effective cross-team collaboration, with

Qualifications

• 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 with Advancement, fundraising, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying new funding donor sources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Develops fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for the assigned academic units, with a primary focus on advancing fundraising efforts in the greater Naples market, including prospect identification and management.
• Prepares gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other materials for donors and prospects.
• Develops, cultivates, expands, and maintains a portfolio of mid-level donors and donor prospects, adhering to department recording standards within the NXT database.
• Develops fundraising plans for each donor prospect in portfolio to move them effectively from qualification to solicitation and enter plans into NXT database.
• Collaborates with University leadership to develop funding for significant projects and programs related to the University's mission.
• Participates in the development and coordination of special events and programs for donors and prospects.

Job description

Job Summary

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, this position manages a portfolio of 75-100 prospects, with the primary focus on the greater Naples market, making an average of 70 solicitations and raising at least $2 million annually. FGCU is building a culture of curiosity, commitment and collaboration. We value employees who successfully work with others and drive positive change through critical thinking and decisive action. If you thrive in an environment of innovation, accountability and mutual respect, you will find a good home here.

Job Description

Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Develops fundraising strategies, goals, and objectives for the assigned academic units, with a primary focus on advancing fundraising efforts in the greater Naples market, including prospect identification and management. Prepares gift proposals, solicitation letters, gift agreements, and other materials for donors and prospects. Develops, cultivates, expands, and maintains a portfolio of mid-level donors and donor prospects, adhering to department recording standards within the NXT database. Develops fundraising plans for each donor prospect in portfolio to move them effectively from qualification to solicitation and enter plans into NXT database. Collaborates with University leadership to develop funding for significant projects and programs related to the University's mission. Participates in the development and coordination of special events and programs for donors and prospects.

Other Duties: Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• This position requires either ten years of directly related full-time experience or, as an alternative, 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 with Advancement, fundraising, or other relevant experience.
• Demonstrated success identifying new funding donor sources.
• Experience operating a personal computer and proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Publisher and Outlook).
• Any appropriate combination of relevant education, experience, and/or certifications may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to establish and build positive and strategic relationships with colleagues, donors, and volunteers.
• Proven ability to think strategically and approach challenges with creativity.
• Demonstrated track record of reliability, meeting goals, and holding oneself accountable.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working effectively across teams.
• Knowledge of the principles, best practices, trends, and legal constraints of fundraising and gift solicitation within higher education.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Skill in public speaking and delivering presentations to individuals and groups.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize and complete simultaneous projects.
• Ability to be a self-starter with documented results in building new programs and initiatives.
• Ability to think critically and creatively, have a high standard of integrity, and be motivated to incorporate best practices into the organizational structure.
• Demonstrated ability to write successful proposals.
• Ability to collect, organize, analyze, and present information in a meaningful manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion at all times.
• Ability to travel locally and occasionally in/outside the state, and to work evenings, and weekends as necessary.

Institutional Values & Behavioral Expectation

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

Pay Grade

20

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

FGCU is a dynamic, student-centered institution located in Southwest Florida. We're dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. As a member of our faculty or staff at FGCU, you'll find a supportive environment where your work makes a real impact on campus and beyond. Explore exciting opportunities to grow your career while shaping the future with us.