Executive Director of Development, College of Engineering and Computing

FIU Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 155,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

A major educational institution is seeking an Executive Director of Development for its College of Engineering and Computing. This role involves strategic leadership for fundraising initiatives, managing a team, and cultivating relationships with donors. The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in fundraising, exceptional management skills, and the ability to drive philanthropic efforts. This position offers a base pay range of $155,000.00 to $165,000.00 annually.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of experience with at least 7 years in fundraising.
• Experience managing a team and overseeing fundraising initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic fundraising plans aligned with college goals.
• Manage major gift prospects and build donor relationships.
• Lead campaign activities and alumni engagement initiatives.
• Oversee stewardship and donor recognition programs.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Relationship management

Team leadership

Public speaking

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Executive Director of Development, College of Engineering and Computing

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants.

This range is provided by FIU Foundation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience—talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$155,000.00/yr - $165,000.00/yr

Serves as the leading fundraising and solicitation officer for the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC). Provides strategic and operational leadership in the development, implementation, management, and growth of a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with CEC’s mission, vision, campaign priorities, and long‑term goals. Works closely with University Advancement leadership and the Dean to establish and execute annual and multi‑year fundraising goals, including leadership and principal gifts ($500K+) and directs all development, stewardship, board management oversight, corporate engagement, and alumni relations activities for the College. The Executive Director (ED) develops and maintains effective, collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, corporate partners, foundations, donors, alumni, and University‑wide Advancement colleagues. The ED manages the College’s development team, leads strategic fundraising initiatives, and proactively cultivates a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects to secure philanthropic support for CEC’s academic, research, and student‑success priorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and execute a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising, corporate relations, stewardship, Dean’s Leadership board management oversight, and alumni engagement for the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC). Establish long‑term strategies that align philanthropic opportunities with the College’s academic, research, and student success priorities. Regularly evaluate progress, adjust goals, and communicate strategy to leadership and stakeholders.
• Assess, prioritize, and articulate CEC’s funding needs in collaboration with the Dean, department chairs, faculty, and University partners. Develop compelling cases for support across research, innovation, student programs, capital projects, and emerging technology initiatives. Ensure that fundraising strategies reflect current trends in engineering, computing, workforce development, and global industry advancements.
• Develop, plan, and implement multi‑channel strategies to secure philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, government partners, and foundations. Lead the full lifecycle of fundraising activities including identification, cultivation, proposal development, solicitation, closing, and stewardship at major and principal gift levels.
• Proactively manage a personal portfolio of major and principal gift prospects. Develop customized cultivation strategies, conduct discovery visits, and maintain a rigorous schedule of donor meetings. Travel locally, nationally, and internationally to engage donors, cultivate partnerships, and solicit gifts.
• Lead the development and execution of CEC’s campaign activities, ensuring alignment with University‑wide campaign priorities. Oversee all campaign planning, timelines, reporting, prospect strategies, and donor engagement initiatives tied to campaign goals.
• Collaborate with University Advancement, FIU Foundation leadership, FIU Alumni Association, President’s Council, Foundation Board, and internal stakeholders to create coordinated fundraising strategies, improve donor pipeline development, and elevate the College’s philanthropic visibility.
• Provide strategic guidance and coaching to the Dean, department chairs, faculty, and senior leaders on donor engagement, corporate relations, external partnerships, stewardship, and fundraising opportunities. Prepare briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and proposals for leadership to use in donor and partner interactions.
• Oversee stewardship, recognition, and donor relations programs for the College. Ensure timely, accurate, and strategic acknowledgement of gifts; manage pledge tracking; and ensure proper use, reporting, and compliance of donor funds, including scholarships and endowed gifts.
• Lead strategy development to expand, deepen, and institutionalize corporate and industry partnerships in engineering, computing, and technology sectors. Identify potential partners aligned with CEC strengths such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and other emerging areas. Create engagement pathways for research collaborations, workforce pipelines, sponsored programs, and philanthropic support.
• Direct alumni relations activities for the College in collaboration with the FIU Alumni Association. Develop strategies to increase alumni engagement, participation, and philanthropic involvement, including targeted communications, events, volunteer opportunities, and affinity‑building initiatives.
• Develop and oversee production of fundraising collateral, case statements, proposals, digital assets, and public‑facing materials for the College. Utilize emerging technologies, data insights, and digital platforms to enhance donor outreach and fundraising impact.
• Serve as a key partner in University Advancement’s prospect management system, ensuring adherence to guidelines, consistent documentation, and coordinated donor strategies across units. Develop annual work plans, solicitation matrices, and performance benchmarks for the CEC development operation.
• Recruit, supervise, and develop a high‑performing development team. Provide ongoing coaching, training, performance evaluation, and professional development opportunities. Ensure team adherence to University policies, fundraising standards, and measurable goals.
• Develop and effectively administer the departmental operating budget. Allocate resources to support strategic fundraising priorities, staff operations, donor cultivation activities, and external engagement initiatives.
• Represent the University and/or the College at public events, donor engagements, industry functions, professional conferences, University programs, and community activities to strengthen partnerships and visibility.
• May handle donated funds in the form of checks or negotiable securities. Access confidential information regarding gifts, donors, strategies, and stakeholder interactions. Maintain strict professional integrity and confidentiality at all times.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and twelve (12) years of experience with seven (7) years of experience in fundraising.
• Supervisory experience managing subordinate staff.