Director of Development, Major Gifts

Florida’s only public university exclusively teaching science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is looking for exceptional candidates to serve as the Director of Development, Major Gifts, in University Advancement.

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

This position will develop and execute a plan to bring donors to the University through active use of the major moves management process of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major gifts greater than $25,000. Secure major gifts aimed at meeting the strategic goals of leadership, their programs, disciplines, and the University. Metrics required for this role include 120 visits annually, 40 gift solicitations annually, qualification of 20 new prospects with the goal to raise $1 million annually from major gift prospects

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Fundraising

• In consultation with the Vice President for Advancement, identify and establish personal contact with current and prospective major gift donors whose interest and financial capacity have the greatest likelihood of strategically meeting the University fundraising goals. Orchestrate and execute the advancement of relationships with prospective donors through appropriate stages of qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Collaborate with appropriate academic staff and Advancement leadership to develop prospect strategies and build relationships with existing and new prospects. Use the full complement of the fundraising process, including personal visits and asks to move relationships forward. Set specific objectives to effectively advance toward solicitation of major gifts. Ensure appropriate coordination with university corporate and business partners, University Divisions, and University constituencies. Participate in donor, alumni, and constituency events locally and regionally. Provide stewardship of gifts coordinating recognition events, programs, and annual stewardship plans for major gifts in collaboration with Manager, Donor Relations and Stewardship. Become familiar with and understand key initiatives of the University relating to faculty, students, instruction, and research

Planning Administration

• Work with the Advancement staff, University leadership, and Vice President for Advancement to develop and implement a fundraising plan including strategies and a timeline for the qualification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual corporate and foundation donor prospects. Ensure effective records maintenance including timely filing of requests for prospect assignments, prospect strategies, and contact reports using the University’s prospect management system. Report regularly on the progress toward your annual action plan. Become adept at using the Advancement database in support of major gift activities. Continually improve professional competency through training and participation in and/or leadership in professional, organizational, and other not-for profit organizations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Analytical Thinking (Intermediate):  Ability to Identify issues, obtain relevant information, relate, and compare data from various sources, and identify alternative solutions. Critical Thinking (Intermediate):  Interprets and seeks information, uses independent reasoning to diagnose the root cause of situations or issues, identifies and evaluates solutions and thinks beyond what is typical or customary. Uses information to determine benefits and impact in making decision and/or recommendations. Project/Program/Service Management (Intermediate): Ability to coordinate and administer programs/project activities and protocols. Ability to manage resources, monitor activities, and assess risks and quality issues associated with the program/project. Written and Oral Communications (Expert): Ability to present information to individuals or groups; ability to deliver presentations suited to the characteristics and needs of the audience. Ability to convey information clearly and concisely to groups or individuals either verbally or in writing to ensure that they understand the information and the message. Ability to listen and respond appropriately to others. Ability to impact and influence others to further the institution’s strategic objectives. Ability to interpret and articulate the mission of Florida Polytechnic University and interact with stakeholders from a wide range of professional and cultural backgrounds. Ability to represent the University with tact and diplomacy and maintain confidentiality along with discretion. Must possess computer proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Experience utilizing CRM systems preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree plus 6 years of related experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree plus three years of related experience. Experience in higher education fundraising preferred.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, AND/OR OTHER SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS OF LAW:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license. This position requires a criminal background check, which may include a Level II screening as required by Florida Statute §435.04. This position is subject to federal and state privacy regulations.

NORMAL WORK SCHEDULE:        This position is salary exempt. The normal work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., however, occasional overtime (weekends and evenings) may be required. Regular travel, including travel between campus locations is required.

TARGET HIRING SALARY:  $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience.

APPLICATION DEADLINE DATE:  The position is open until filled, however review of applications will commence immediately.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  In addition to completing the online application, all Applicants are required to upload the following as an attachment to the application (preferably in PDF format):

•         Cover Letter

•         Resume

About Florida Poly:

Located along Florida's I-4 High Tech Corridor, Florida Poly opened its doors in August 2014 as the state's 12th university and the only one dedicated to core subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM education). The non-traditional academic environment focuses on applied learning, specifically in technology and engineering. Small class sizes give faculty the opportunity to work closely with high-caliber students, and the most advanced technology, including a 3D printing lab, media lab and nanotechnology lab, sets Florida Poly apart from other state universities. Florida Poly's innovative approach to higher education allows students to learn strong fundamentals within a traditional university department structure, while giving them opportunities to apply their learning through research and projects in emerging high-tech concentrations like Cyber Security, Big Data Analytics, Machine Intelligence and more. The University partners closely with industry leading firms, and faculty members are rewarded for more than just publishing. Industry involvement, problem solving, and the commercialization of technology and research through start-ups and small businesses are encouraged. 

Diversity Statement:

Florida Polytechnic University is an equal opportunity/equal access institution. It is the policy of the Board of Trustees to provide equal opportunity for employment and educational opportunities to all (including applicants for employment, employees, applicants for admission, students, and others affiliated with the University) without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or genetic information.