Director of Advancement

Florida Cooperative of Theological Schools Overview

Formed in 2025, the Florida Cooperative of Theological Schools (FCTS) aims to strengthen theological education and ministry formation in South Florida by resourcing schools and programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and related entities. We envision a sustainable cooperative ecosystem that empowers partner institutions to prepare the region's future ministry leaders through shared staffing, innovative Clinical Pastoral Education, ecclesial-educational partnerships, and faculty networking. FCTS was launched with initial funding from a Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant and currently has a diverse group of regional cooperating partners: Amoris Christi, Barry University's Department of Theology and Philosophy, Knox Theological Seminary (KTS), Palm Beach Atlantic University Graduate School of Ministry (PBA), Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (SVDP). 

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FCTS operates across four strategic priorities. First, we are working to implement a shared staffing model to bolster recruitment, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning across the entire regional ecosystem. Second, we are launching innovative clinical pastoral education through the Boisen Agency for Pastoral Formation, utilizing a unique rotational model across healthcare, congregational, and community settings. Third, our ecclesial-educational partnerships (The "Houses" Initiative) will establish tradition-specific mentorship and certificates led by academically qualified directors. Finally, we aim to foster faculty networking by hosting one-day campus "Symposium" events each fall and spring, alongside multi-day summer "Imaginarium" retreats to give faculty a dedicated space to connect, rest, and innovate.

Purpose and Scope of the Position

This position provides a unique opportunity to create and lead the Advancement program for this new faith-based nonprofit organization. Your role will be to support FCTS in its mission, and be directly responsible for successfully designing, leading, and implementing a comprehensive advancement program. In collaboration with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director and Board of Directors, the Director of Advancement will develop new relationships while maintaining and growing existing ones and building the organization's visibility, impact, and philanthropic resources. The Director will be responsible for raising private, corporate, and foundation funding to support FCTS's, while leading the development and implementation of organization-wide strategies to increase fundraising capacity. Additionally, the Director will be responsible and accountable to lead and execute a $5 million endowment campaign, once the Advancement Program is established.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate proven success leading an Advancement team as well as a proven track record in soliciting and securing major gifts and building productive relationships with a variety of constituents. 

The Director of Advancement will also be responsible for planned giving, donor stewardship, volunteer cultivation, corporate philanthropic support, constituent communications. 

The Director Advancement reports to the Cooperative Director.

Overview

Establish and lead an Advancement Program in a new nonprofit

• Bring proven expertise and success to design and implement an Advancement Program for FCTS, a new faith-based nonprofit
• Explore and cultivate organic networks through partner organizations, as well as build a new donor base
• Hire anticipated additional Advancement Team member

Philanthropic Revenue and Institutional Advancement

• Lead the major gifts program to raise $5M in 5 years
• Create and lead an annual giving program to raise funds through individuals, foundations, corporate support and grants
• Create, with support of the Director of Marketing and Communications, a coordinated communication plan, including print and digital tools to advance the philanthropic message, motivate giving, and demonstrate gift impact
• Partner with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director, and Board of Directors to articulate institutional needs and lead the growth and implementation of the advancement strategy 

Specific Responsibilities

Major/ Endowment and Planned Gifts

• Identify prospects for transformational and leadership support through philanthropy and engagement, and maintain a Moves Management plan for prospective
• major donors
• Establish a planned gift program through marketing and individualized promotion
• Conduct one-on-one and/or small group meetings with prospects and donors
• Explore and pursue opportunities to develop major gifts donors from individuals, corporations and foundations

Management Team and Board 

• Work closely with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director, and Board to identify, steward, and deepen existing relationships and cultivate new advocates and supporters
• Attend Board meetings as required. Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities and progress towards goals for the Executive Director and Board of Directors
• Serve as a visible ambassador for FCTS and articulate its mission to external constituents

Internal Management and Infrastructure

• Build, manage and mentor the development team to achieve fundraising targets
• Train, manage and mentor volunteers, and support staff in donor cultivation and professional fundraising techniques to ensure support of the organization's revenue growth goals
• Effectively oversee the development office's day-to-day operations, as well as budget and income forecasts 
• Plan and execute Special Event activities including event logistics and identifying and soliciting major sponsors
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding in all print and digital donor communication 
• Partner with the finance and accounting staff to sustain efficient, effective and transparent financial tracking and reporting processes
• Develop clear processes and collaborate with all other departments within FCTS to create an understanding of and appreciation for the advancement function

Foundation & Grants

• Guide the research, proposal, follow-up, and reporting strategy for outreach to foundations and corporations

Additional Job Functions

• Perform other position-related duties as necessary and/or as assigned by the Executive Director

Attributes

• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to work independently as well as be a valued part of the leadership team
• Desire to foster an environment of cohesiveness and collaboration
• Ability to support and motivate wide range of individuals – staff and volunteers – on all levels
• Strong organizational skills including goal setting, prioritization and team management
• Proactive ability to network and cultivate relationships
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills: persuasive, credible and polished in both verbal and written communications
• Creative, independent, and strategic thinker
• Self-starter with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple tasks with solid deadlines
• A commitment to supporting the mission and Christian values of FCTS
• Experience in the theological field preferred

Qualifications:

• BA (required)
• Professional certification (CFRE), a plus
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, including major gifts, corporate donations, planned giving, special events and donor relations.
• Demonstrated fundraising success within a comprehensive advancement program
• Ability to analyze complex data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of fundraising strategies.
• Previous engagement and collaboration with both staff and Board members
• Excellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, CRM software and wealth screening tools
• Evening/weekend work occasionally required as well as travel for prospect meetings
• Valid driver's license

Location:

• This will be a remote position, but candidate must live in Southeast Florida
• Minimally, monthly in-person meetings will be required in Southeast Florida
• Must be available to attend local fundraising activities
• Expected work area Palm Beach County to Miami

Salary and Benefits:

• Benefits package available
• Salary commensurate with experience

To Apply

Inquiries regarding this position are strictly confidential and should be sent to: Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter with required salary range. References will be requested of all finalists. You may submit references along with your application. xhyhwjd

FCTS is an equal-opportunity employer.