Senior Development Officer, FSU/Ringling Cultural Center [Florida State University Foundation, Sarasota, FL]

Description

Position Purpose

The Senior Development Officer will strategically execute a personal and corporate solicitation program resulting in philanthropic support by maximizing the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects for gifts at the $100,000 and up level.  This individual will secure, on an annual basis, private support at the annual and major gift level and will be responsible for identification of potential individual, foundation and corporate prospects.  The Senior Development Officer will be expected to uphold and exemplify the operating practices and mission of the Foundation.

Requirements

Principal Responsibilities

• Works with the Dean of the College of Visual Arts, Theater and Dance, the Executive Director of the John and Mable Museum of Art, the Senior Director of Development for the FSU Foundation, and the FSU Ringling Center for the Arts Development team to develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives on behalf of the Museum, the College, the University and the Foundation.

• Develops, coordinates and executes an annual major gift plan of the Ringling Center, implementing fund-raising activities designed to meet an established monetary goal.
• Establishes new relationships resulting in philanthropic revenue, maintains existing relationships which may generate new philanthropic revenue, and provides prospect/donor-related assessments and feedback for the College of Business and the FSU Foundation.
• Identifies, qualifies and sustains a donor prospect portfolio with individuals who have a giving capacity of $100,000 or more.
• Secures gifts and pledges from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of FSU and the Ringling Museum.

• Works closely with the Development team to solicit Members and/or Annual Fund Contributors while establishing a cultivation strategy for increased giving
• Focuses on $5,000 to $100,000 gifts from local corporations, foundations and individuals for the Ringling Center
• Actively seeks out sponsorship opportunities for the Ringling Museum of Art exhibitions, programming and educational opportunities
• Coordinates the stewardship of all sponsors throughout the year including tickets, website listings, benefits, etc.
• Exhibits and promotes a comprehensive understanding of the philanthropic priorities of the college unit and the Ringling Center, effectively matching the specific interests of prospects to those specific needs
• Assist in the facilitation of meetings, communications, informational exchanges and project/philanthropic coordination with senior staff of the Museum, the Ringing Museum Director, etc.
• Plans for and initiates direct activities with prospects that are designed to enhance the affiliation between the prospect, the Ringling Center and the University
• Negotiates gift agreements, sponsorship forms, prepares and presents proposals/solicitations
• Prepares correspondence with prospects and documents communications, solicitation activity and gift information in compliance with Foundation reporting guidelines
• Creates, inspires and maintains donor loyalty, interest and enthusiasm through stewardship communication and activities designed to express recognition, appreciation and the impact of their gift(s).  Implementation of such stewardship plan may include but should not be limited to letters, communication of unit or university initiatives, invitations to appropriate activities, meetings, events, student engagement or the facilitation of campus visits
• Assists in the management of all volunteer board associated with the Ringling Center
• Effectively communicates organization’s mission and represents the organization’s culture to external stakeholders
• Protects confidential information
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of three years of professional experience in gift development in a not-for-profit, arts related or university setting
• Experience in a related field with basic knowledge of personal solicitation methods will also be considered
• General knowledge of the Sarasota philanthropic community
• Demonstrated, progressive experience in seeking financial support for multi-million dollar programs or initiatives required
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office products suite

Skills and Abilities

• Must be conversant with FSU alumni, faculty and staff members with similarly qualified educational backgrounds
• A self-starter, comfortable working independently
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to maintain consistent and constructive communication with the Dean/Director and Foundation
• Excellent communication skills to include effective and persuasive writing, public speaking and interpersonal skills
• Passion for the arts
• Facilitate strong communications with colleagues, donors, prospective donors, members and alumni, including letters, surveys and telephone solicitation programs
• Team work approach and a can-do, assertive philosophy
• Creative thinking and a recognition of the impact of meaningful stewardship
• Professional demeanor
• Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities
• Careful attention to detail
• Ability to listen
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends

FSU Foundation Benefits

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Paid Holidays
• Educational Assistance

The Florida State University Foundation is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or other protected category.