Senior Director of Development

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.

The Senior Director of Development for the College of Arts, Sciences & Education (CASE) at Florida International University (FIU) is a senior leadership position responsible for driving philanthropic support for the College. This individual will oversee and manage a comprehensive development strategy that includes major gift fundraising, donor relations, special initiatives and campaigns. The Senior Director will work closely with faculty, academic leadership, the FIU Foundation, and University Advancement teams to create and execute fundraising strategies that align with the College's academic priorities and strategic goals.

Leads and implements the College's fundraising strategy, focusing on securing major gifts ($50,000+), planned giving, corporate partnerships, and foundation support. Develops comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising goals aligned with the College's strategic priorities and institutional needs.

Manages a portfolio of high-net-worth donors and prospects, with a primary focus on securing significant gifts for scholarships, faculty support, research initiatives, and program development. Works closely with university leadership, faculty, and development staff to craft personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies.

Partners with the Executive Dean and the School Deans, faculty, and department chairs to ensure alignment between the College's academic vision and fundraising goals. Provides strategic advice to academic leaders on funding priorities and donor engagement opportunities.

Cultivates and stewards long-term relationships with donors and prospective donors, ensuring their ongoing engagement with the College and the University. Develops and implements personalized stewardship plans, ensuring donors are informed of the impact of their gifts.

Works closely with the FIU Foundation, University Advancement, and central development teams to develop and implement coordinated fundraising campaigns. Engages with other key departments, including communications and alumni relations, to ensure messaging and outreach efforts are aligned.

Provides leadership and expertise in the planning and execution of special initiatives and campaigns, working alongside senior leadership to develop strategies and secure lead gifts. Manages donor relations for campaign-related activities and events.

Works with the communications team to create and maintain compelling fundraising materials, including donor newsletters, annual reports, proposals, and impact reports. Ensures that fundraising communications accurately represents the College's mission and priorities.

Oversees the planning and execution of high-level donor events, including major gift cultivation dinners, donor recognition events, and other fundraising initiatives. Ensures that events effectively engage donors and increase their commitment to the College.

May handle donated funds in the forms of checks or negotiable securities. Accesses confidential information regarding gifts and donors.

Represents the University and/or the college at public functions as needed.

Tracks and reports on progress towards fundraising goals, ensuring accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions in the donor management system (CRM). Monitors the budget for fundraising activities and ensure that resources are used effectively to achieve fundraising targets.

Conducts research and stay informed on current trends in philanthropy, higher education, and the arts, sciences, and education sectors. Identify new donor prospects and funding opportunities that align with the College's needs.

Bachelor's degree and ten (10) years of experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields; OR fourteen (14) years of experience in fundraising, sales, or related fields; OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience leading and motivating a team of development professionals.

8-10 years of experience in development, with a proven track record in major gift fundraising, donor relations, and leadership.

Experience in a higher education setting is strongly preferred, with knowledge of the arts, sciences, and education disciplines a plus.

Administrative

Begin time: 8:30 AM

End time: 5:00 PM

Expanded Background Check

Must attend meetings off campus and occasionally attend functions on weekends and evening

Ability to travel locally and nationally.

Ability to travel internationally.

Ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Prospective Employee

If you have not created a registered account, you will be asked to create a username and password for use of the system. It is recommended that you provide an active/valid e-mail account as that will be the main source of communication regarding your status within the process. In this account, you are able to track your applicant status in "My Applications".

To be considered eligible for the position as an internal candidate, departmental staff must meet minimum requirements of the position and be in good performance standing.

Before you begin the process, we recommend that you are prepared to attach electronic copies of your resume, cover letter or any other documents within the application process. It is recommended that you combine your cover letter and resume/curriculum vitae into one attachment. Attached documents should be in Microsoft Word or PDF format. All applicants are required to complete the online application including work history and educational details (if applicable), even when attaching a resume.

*This posting will close at 12:00 am of the close date.

Clery Notice

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at: https://police.fiu.edu/download/annual-security-fire-safety-report/.

To obtain a paper copy of the report, please visit the FIU Police Department located at 885 SW 109th Avenue, Miami, FL, 33199 (PG5 Market Station).

Pay Transparency

Florida International University will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

FIU is a member of the State University System of Florida and an Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.