Director of Development, Provost

Florida International University; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida International University seeks a Director of Development to lead front-line fundraising efforts for the Office of the Provost. The role focuses on identifying, expanding, and cultivating donor relationships to close gifts and advance FIU’s priorities.

The Director will develop strategic fundraising programs, manage proposals and stewardship, and travel to meet donors locally, nationally, and internationally. Strong leadership, communication, and Raiser's Edge experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8+ years' fundraising experience, or 12+ years in fundraising/sales or related fields.
• Experience in identifying, cultivating, and soliciting major gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Strong written and verbal communication and donor stewardship experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for a comprehensive fundraising program for the Office of the Provost.
• Identify and cultivate donor relationships to secure major gifts and grants.
• Develop proposals, donor communications, and stewardship plans; manage events for donor engagement.
• Track progress using Raiser's Edge/FPM and coordinate with FIU Foundation and university leadership.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, volunteers, and external partners to increase philanthropic support.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Proposal development

Event planning

Leadership

Strategic planning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Raiser's Edge

Job description

The Director of Development serves as a front-line fundraiser whose primary responsibility is to identify, expand, and cultivate relationships with prospective and existing donors, to successfully close gifts and continue the development of the relationship with the University. Reporting to the Provost, directs and collaborates fundraising efforts for the Office of the Provost in assigned areas and in coordination and collaboration with the FIU Foundation.

• Provides comprehensive strategic direction in the development and implementation of a fundraising program and building and strengthening strategic industry partnerships in support of the Provost's mission, vision, fundraising, and goals. Develops, implements, and manages a comprehensive and strategic fundraising program in support of the Provost's goals and objectives. Proactively identifies new partnerships to engage and generate philanthropic support; may manage fundraising board.
• Develops, plans, and implements strategies to secure gift funding from individuals, corporations, and foundations in support of the fundraising priorities for the Office of the Provost.
• Directs all fundraising activities and initiates the development of donor cultivation, development of proposals, and solicitations of gifts and grants at the major and principal gift levels, specifically focused on the unit. Responsible for stewardship and oversight of gifts and grants related to advancement within the assigned college/unit. Ensures the awarding of scholarship funds, established by charitable donations and for stewarding gifts.
• Directs all fundraising activities and initiates the development of donor cultivation, development of proposals, and solicitations of gifts and grants at the major and principal gift levels, specifically focused on the unit. Responsible for stewardship and oversight of gifts and grants related to advancement within the assigned college/unit. Ensures the awarding of scholarship funds, established by charitable donations and for stewarding gifts.
• Travels to meet with and personally solicit previous and potential donors on various campuses and businesses, locally, nationally, internationally, and throughout the community. Attends meetings, gatherings, and College/University sponsored events.
• Documents contact and prospect moves, tracking progress using Raiser's Edge/FPM (Fundraiser Performance Management), and adhering to University Advancement's management process.
• Organizes, promotes, and maintains collaborative working relationships with key faculty, leadership, staff, and volunteers in support of FIU. Works in tandem with development professionals across academic disciplines and industries, as well as other unit deans, and directors to advance the mission of FIU. Collaborates with other University Advancement team members, FIU staff, and volunteers to significantly increase gifts to FIU, inspiring trust and encouraging creative thinking.
• Drafts, designs, and prepares proposals needed for the solicitation of prospective donors. Collaborates with Editorial Services as appropriate.
• Drafts, designs, and prepares personalized materials needed for the recognition and stewardship of donors, including gift acknowledgment. May plan, oversee, and manage donor stewardship activities in collaboration with Donor Relations & Stewardship. Manages all events for stewardship and solicitation, as needed.
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits. Displays honesty, integrity, and ethics to donors. Attends all Development and Advancement-related meetings. Displays a high degree of confidentiality.
• Represents the University and/or the college at public functions as needed. Handles donated funds in the form of checks, stocks, or other negotiable securities. Has access to confidential information regarding gifts and donors.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and eight (8) years of experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields; OR twelve (12) years of experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields; OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.