Senior Associate Director for Leadership Annual Giving

Florida State University (FSU) is a prestigious public research university founded in 1851, making it the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is recognized nationally for its strong commitment to academic excellence and research innovation across a wide array of disciplines including sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professional studies. The university embraces a philosophy deeply rooted in the liberal arts and critical thinking, fostering a vibrant academic and professional community that encourages creativity, intellectual growth, and impactful contributions to society. With a long history of tradition and a forward-looking approach to education, FSU provides an inspiring environment for both students and staff, emphasizing the value of knowledge dissemination and community engagement. The Division of University Advancement at Florida State University is currently in an exciting leadership phase of a comprehensive fundraising campaign. This division is responsible for advancing the university's mission by securing philanthropic support from a diverse range of donors including alumni, parents, friends, and community members. In this critical phase, the Division of University Advancement is actively expanding its team of advancement services professionals across the campus. This expansion presents a unique opportunity for advancement professionals who aspire to contribute meaningfully to a major comprehensive campaign from its inception, thereby accelerating their career development in the field of fundraising and donor relations. The position of Senior Associate Director for Leadership Annual Giving is a specialized role within this dynamic campaign environment. The successful candidate will operate within a regional territory that includes the Florida Panhandle (west of Tallahassee to Pensacola), as well as parts of South Alabama and South Georgia. This role involves a strategic, multi-channel approach to expanding FSU's philanthropic presence and significantly increasing the base of annual gifts. The focus will be on frontline fundraising to cultivate and secure annual gifts ranging from $5,000 to $49,000. The Senior Associate Director will work closely with leadership giving groups, leveraging relationships with alumni, friends, parents, and families to meet fundraising goals. In addition to managing a portfolio of up to 250 prospects, this leadership role involves supervision and mentoring of a team of leadership annual giving officers. The associate director is accountable for developing and implementing all annual giving strategies within their region, encompassing regional medical campuses, special affinity projects, and gift agreements under $50,000. Key responsibilities include discovery, qualification, solicitation, stewardship, and proper documentation of donor interactions through the university's CRM system. The position calls for a hands-on leader who can effectively coach staff, promote a philanthropic culture aligned with FSU's principles, and utilize data analytics and dashboard tools to identify targeted outreach opportunities and meet or exceed fundraising metrics. Stewardship is a vital part of the responsibilities, requiring the proper recognition and engagement of donors and providing concierge-level service to leadership donors. The Senior Associate Director is expected to stay updated on campus activities and maintain biographical updates and communication preferences for donors. This role offers a robust Total Rewards package reflective of FSU's commitment to its employees' well-being and professional growth. It also allows for eligibility of remote work within the designated Florida Panhandle region, adding flexibility for the right candidate. Joining Florida State University’s Division of University Advancement means becoming part of a driven team committed to shaping the university's future through philanthropy and community engagement.

• Bachelor's degree or high school diploma or equivalent with relevant experience
• Experience in advancement or fundraising roles
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to manage a portfolio of prospects
• Proficiency with CRM systems and data analytics tools
• Leadership and team management experience
• Willingness to travel within the designated regional territory
• Valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or ability to obtain one