Senior Director of Development

Senior Director Of Development

The Senior Director of Development is a highly experienced, strategic fundraising professional responsible for managing a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects and donors ($50,000+ with an emphasis on $100,000+ and above). This results-oriented and relationship-driven leader will identify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward gift commitments from Stetson alumni and friends in support of university-wide and college/unit priorities. The Senior Director will serve as a key partner to university leadership, including deans, senior administrators, and the Assistant Vice President of Development, providing strategic direction on fundraising initiatives, campaign priorities, and donor engagement. This position will also play a leadership role within the Development (Major Gifts) team, mentoring colleagues and helping to drive the overall advancement strategy. The position is based in DeLand and carries a regional and/or national portfolio. In alignment with Stetson's Strategic Priorities, the Senior Director of Development promotes a relationship-rich culture of philanthropy, strengthens donor engagement, and advances the university's ability to provide transformative educational experiences through philanthropic investment.

Start Date: September 1, 2026 Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: Employment duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies in partnership with deans, faculty, senior administrators, and advancement leadership.
• Manage a portfolio of high-capacity prospects and donors with an emphasis on leadership, major, and principal gift opportunities.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, negotiate, and steward donors through highly personalized engagement strategies.
• Secure philanthropic commitments of $50,000 and above, with a focus on six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Lead the development of complex proposals, gift agreements, naming opportunities, and multi-year funding strategies aligned with university priorities.
• Provide strategic counsel to university leadership regarding donor engagement opportunities, fundraising trends, campaign priorities, and philanthropic initiatives.
• Collaborate across Development and Alumni Engagement teams to strengthen prospect pipeline development, campaign performance, and donor engagement efforts.
• Mentor and support development colleagues and contribute to a high-performing, collaborative team environment.
• Prepare and present strategic donor briefings for senior leadership, volunteers, and key stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, contact reports, fundraising plans, and performance metrics using Raiser's Edge NXT or a similar CRM platform.
• Track portfolio activity, pipeline development, fundraising outcomes, and progress toward established goals.
• Represent the university at fundraising events, donor meetings, and institutional engagements, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Travel extensively throughout assigned regions and nationally to cultivate and solicit donor relationships.
• Perform occasional physical activities including standing, walking, light lifting of materials and equipment (4-20 lbs.), and prolonged periods working at a computer.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The knowledge, skills, and abilities for this role include:

• Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles, donor relations, advancement ethics, and campaign strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to build meaningful relationships and secure significant philanthropic investments.
• Strong strategic planning and analytical skills with the ability to develop and execute complex fundraising strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, presentation, and written communication skills.
• Ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust with donors, volunteers, faculty, administrators, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality regarding donor information and institutional priorities.
• Proven project management, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and sound professional judgment.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and donor database/CRM systems, preferably Raiser's Edge NXT.
• Commitment to donor-centered fundraising practices and exceptional customer service.
• Support the University's Mission and Values in their role.

Required Qualifications: This position requires:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Minimum of eight (8) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in higher education fundraising, nonprofit development, advancement, philanthropy, or a related client-facing/sales profession.
• Demonstrated success securing and closing major gifts of $50,000 or greater.
• Proven ability to manage a portfolio of prospects and donors through all stages of the fundraising cycle.
• Ability to travel extensively and maintain a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Desire to join a distinct university community committed to inclusive excellence, kindness, and collaboration, as it seeks to move Forward Together in making our community and world a better place.

Ideal Candidate Qualifications: The ideal candidate's qualifications include:

• Master's degree from an accredited institution.
• Significant fundraising experience within a college or university environment.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic commitments.
• Experience developing and implementing complex gift strategies including planned gifts, blended gifts, and multi-year commitments.
• Experience partnering directly with deans, senior administrators, advisory boards, and volunteer leadership.
• Proven leadership experience, including mentoring, coaching, or guiding development professionals.
• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns and strategic advancement initiatives.
• Expertise with Raiser's Edge NXT and advancement analytics tools.
• Strong understanding of trends, best practices, and emerging opportunities in higher education philanthropy.

Work Environment This position operates primarily in a professional office environment with frequent travel throughout assigned regions and nationally to meet with prospects and donors. The role requires regular use of standard office technology and extended periods of computer work. The position includes attendance at university events, donor engagements, and fundraising activities that may occur during evenings and weekends. Flexible work arrangements, including hybrid work options, may be available based on business needs and university guidelines.