Responsibilities:

The Development Officer will strategically execute a personal solicitation program resulting in philanthropic support by maximizing the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of prospects at the $25,000 and up level. This individual will secure, on an annual basis, private support at the major gift range and will be responsible for identification of potential major gift prospects for the university and for the Division of Student Affairs. This individual will be expected to uphold and exemplify the operating practices and mission of the Foundation.

Fundraising:

• Works with the Director of Development to develop and execute strategic fundraising initiatives on behalf of the Division, the University and the Foundation.
• Manages a portfolio of Division of Student Affairs priorities and initiatives, as assigned by the Director of Development 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 Division of Student Affairs and the FSU Foundation.
• Identifies, qualifies and sustains a donor prospect portfolio with individuals who have a giving capacity of $25,000 or more.
• Secures gifts and pledges from alumni, parents, faculty, staff and friends of FSU.

Central Development Collaboration: 

• Coordinates with the Director of Development, central development staff and other cross-functional team members to identify prospects and develop team solicitation plans for planned giving, corporate and foundation relations and principal gifts.
• Assists in the facilitation of meetings, communications, informal exchanges, and project/philanthropic coordination with the OVPSA staff and Division of Student Affairs Departmental Directors.
• Assists in the coordination of an annual giving program in collaboration with the Director of Development and the Foundation’s Director of Annual Giving.
• Exhibits and promotes a comprehensive understanding of the philanthropic priorities of the Division, effectively matching the specific interests of prospects to those specific needs.
• Conducts prospect assessments as needed for other colleges and /or university units.

Administrative/Events: 

• Negotiates gift agreements; prepares and presents proposals.
• 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 a stewardship plan may include but should not be limited to letters, communication of Division or university initiatives, invitations to appropriate activities, meetings, events, student engagement or the facilitation of campus visits.
• Plans for and initiates direct activities with prospects that are designed to enhance the affiliation between the prospect and the University.

Volunteer Council/Board Managment

• Assists the Director of Development in the management of all volunteer boards associated with the Division of Student Affairs.
• 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.

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma/equivalent and experience equal to eight years. (Note: post-high school education can substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office products suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word), or equivalent software.
• A self-starter, comfortable working independently.
• Ability to maintain consistent and positive communication.
• Excellent communication skills to include effective and persuasive writing, public speaking and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to facilitate strong communications with colleagues, donors, prospective donors and alumni.
• Must be a creative thinker and recognize the impact of meaningful stewardship.
• Ability to prioritize, organize and perform multiple work assignments simultaneously and accurately in a detail-oriented environment.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Valid FL or GA Driver’s License or the ability to obtain.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Minimum of four years of professional experience in major gift development in a university setting; Experience in a related field with basic knowledge of personal solicitation methods may also be considered.
• Team work approach and a can-do, assertive philosophy.
• Functional knowledge of constituent database software, preferably Blackbaud CRM.