Temporary Senior Advancement Officer

Nova Southeastern University; Fort Lauderdale (FL); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Nova Southwestern University is seeking aTemporary Senior Advancement Officer to strengthen advancement efforts by leading planned giving, advisor engagement, and regional outreach in South Florida and additional markets. The role reports to Advancement leadership and collaborates with Deans, boards, trustees, and donors.

The position focuses on building relationships, developing actionable plans, and advancing legacy and major gifts in support of NSU's long-term philanthropic goals.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of planned giving, major gifts, donor cultivation and solicitation.
• Ability to translate strategy into measurable action plans and reports.
• Experience working with boards, trustees, and senior leadership is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess NSU's planned giving program and donor pipeline with leadership and boards.
• Set short- and long-term objectives for planned giving and regional outreach.
• Lead advisor engagement with professional advisors and key prospects.
• Recruit and convene a Planned Giving Advisory Committee of top-tier professionals.
• Identify meetings with prospects and donors to explore estate gifts and legacies.

Skills

Relationship-building

Communication

Presentation

Facilitation

Strategic planning

Project management

Prospect development

Executive collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

We are excited that you are considering joining Nova Southwestern University!

Nova Southwestern University (NSU) was founded in 1964, and is a not-for-profit, independent university with a reputation for academic excellence and innovation. Nova Southwestern University offers competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package including tuition waiver, retirement plan, excellent medical and dental plans and much more. NSU cares about the health and welfare of its students, faculty, staff, and campus visitors and is a tobacco-free university.

We appreciate your support in making NSU the preeminent place to live, work, study and grow. Thank you for your interest in a career with Nova Southwestern University.

Primary Purpose:

The Temporary Senior Advancement Officer strengthens Nova Southwestern University’s advancement efforts by leading three interconnected priorities: enhancing planned giving; equipping Deans and Advisory Boards to identify and engage prospective donors; and expanding regional and community outreach in South Florida and other markets where NSU has a physical presence or strong donor potential. The position develops collaborative, measurable plans; builds relationships with donors, prospects, trustees, professional advisors, and community leaders; and advances legacy and major-gift opportunities in support of the University’s long-term philanthropic goals.

Job Category:

Non-Exempt

Pay Basis:

Hourly

Subject to Grant Funding?

No

Essential Job Functions:

• Conduct an initial assessment in collaboration with Advancement leadership, University leadership, the Board of Trustees, and Deans to understand NSU’s current planned giving program, prospect pipeline, regional priorities, organizational culture, and operating practices.
• Develop manageable, trackable, and collaborative short-term and long-term objectives for planned giving, solicitation training, prospect engagement, and regional outreach.
• Help establish and strengthen NSU’s planned giving program focused on professional-advisor engagement.
• Compile, recruit, and convene a Planned Giving Advisory Committee of top-tier estate planning attorneys, CPAs, and wealth planners, incorporating recommendations and professional relationships from members of the Board of Trustees and others.
• Identify and arrange meetings with key prospects and donors to explore planned gifts, estate commitments, and other opportunities to create an enduring legacy at NSU.
• Meet individually and in small groups with Deans and Advisory Boards to support prospect identification, including guided development of lists of 5–10 prospective supporters per participant.
• Design and conduct practical solicitation training and role-play sessions to help Deans and Advisory Board members confidently initiate outreach, build relationships, and engage prospective donors.
• Explore, plan, and support donor cultivation events in strategic markets outside Florida, including opportunities for supporters in other priority regions.
• Leverage established relationships with high-net-worth individuals and community leaders to introduce new prospects to NSU and diversify the University’s philanthropic base.
• Provide concise monthly progress reports in the format requested by Advancement leadership, documenting activities, outcomes, next steps, and progress toward established goals.
• Execute approved plans in a timely, collaborative manner and perform other related duties that advance NSU’s fundraising and engagement priorities.
• Physical Requirements and Working Environment:
  • Speech Recognition - Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
  • Speech Clarity - Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
  • Near Vision - Must be able to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
  • Travel - Must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
  • May be required to work nights or weekends.
  • May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
  • May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, including pens, pencils, and computer keyboards.

Job Requirements:

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

Knowledge: Advanced knowledge of planned giving, major and principal gifts, donor cultivation and solicitation, volunteer leadership, advisory board development, fundraising strategy, and regional engagement.

Skills: Exceptional relationship-building, communication, presentation, facilitation, training, strategic planning, project management, prospect development, and executive-level collaboration skills.

Abilities: Ability to work effectively with University leadership, trustees, Deans, advisory board members, donors, prospects, professional advisors, and community leaders; translate strategy into measurable action plans; exercise sound judgment and discretion; work independently and collaboratively; manage multiple priorities; and provide concise progress reporting.

Physical Requirements and Working Environment:

• Speech Recognition - Must be able to identify and understand the speech of another person.
• Speech Clarity - Must be able to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Near Vision - Must be able to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Travel - Must be able to travel on a daily and/or overnight basis.
• May be required to work nights or weekends.
• May be exposed to short, intermittent, and/or prolonged periods of sitting and/or standing in performance of job duties.
• May be required to accomplish job duties using various types of equipment/supplies, including pens, pencils, and computer keyboards.

Required Certifications/Licensures:

Required Education:

Bachelor's Degree

Major (if required:

Required Experience:

10+ Years of Experience in Higher Education, Non-Profits, or Government/Public Service Settings.

Preferred Qualifications:

Is this a safety sensitive position?

No

Background Screening Required?

Yes

Pre-Employment Conditions:

Sensitivity Disclaimer:

Nova Southwestern University is in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and does not discriminate with regard to applicants or employees with disabilities and will make reasonable accommodation when necessary.

NSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status or any other legally protected status.