Assistant Director, Annual Giving Affinity & Colleges, Schools and Units Philanthropy & Engagement

FSU Division of University Advancement

Florida State University is currently in the leadership phase of a comprehensive campaign. As the leadership phase of the campaign begins, the Division of University Advancement is accelerating the hiring of additional donor relations professionals’ campus-wide and is excited to build out its team. For Advancement professionals who are interested in being a part of a comprehensive campaign from the beginning for their career development, the timing is ideal to join our team.

The Assistant Director provides strategic leadership and primary responsibility for the fundraising performance of an expansive portfolio of FSU affinity programs, colleges, schools, units, Alumni Association Networks, and faculty and staff philanthropy and engagement. Serving as the strategy lead for assigned areas, the position develops and directs comprehensive fundraising strategies designed to increase donors, philanthropic revenue, participation, and engagement. The Assistant Director provides strategic direction and recommendations to university partners and leads integrated, omni-channel solicitation strategies, including audience segmentation, messaging, planning, implementation, analysis, and optimization. The position collaborates across University Advancement and the university to establish fundraising priorities, goals, and processes, identify opportunities for growth, and ensure strategies are effectively executed and evaluated.

• Lead and manage comprehensive annual giving strategies and solicitation calendars for a portfolio of FSU-affiliated programs, colleges, schools, units, and affinity-based initiatives, with accountability for achieving established donor and revenue goals.
• Develop, execute, and optimize customized, integrated solicitation strategies for each assigned program based on fundraising priorities, donor audiences, performance data, and opportunities for growth. Direct omni-channel campaigns across direct mail, email, text messaging, digital advertising, social media, broadcast voicemail, and other emerging channels.
• Serve as the primary annual giving strategist and fundraising partner for assigned areas, establishing campaign priorities, recommending solicitation approaches, coordinating implementation, and ensuring fundraising plans align with broader University Advancement goals.
• Monitor and evaluate portfolio performance, using donor, revenue, response, and engagement data to identify opportunities, adjust strategies, and drive continued growth in philanthropic participation and giving.
• Support and enhance the stewardship activities of the programs.
• Analyze and evaluate the performance of omni-channel fundraising campaigns, using key donor, revenue, response, and engagement metrics to measure effectiveness, identify opportunities for growth, and inform future solicitation and annual giving strategies.
• Provide strategic fundraising guidance and recommendations to unit fundraisers and university leadership, using performance data, donor behavior, and annual giving best practices to develop strategies that strengthen donor retention, increase giving, and build sustainable philanthropic support.
• Build and manage relationships with donors, prospects, and external stakeholders through meetings and meaningful engagement, identifying opportunities to deepen philanthropic involvement and advance University and unit fundraising priorities.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of donor and fundraising data for assigned programs within the Division of University Advancement’s data management system, supporting effective solicitation, reporting, and strategic decision-making.
• Monitor and assess fundraising performance against established fiscal-year goals for each assigned college, school, unit, and program. Conduct bi-weekly progress reviews and develop quarterly performance recaps to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring strategic adjustment.
• Serve as the primary annual giving liaison and subject-matter expert for assigned programs, developing strong working knowledge of their priorities, donor audiences, and philanthropic opportunities while representing annual giving strategy within each area.
• Maintain appropriate confidentiality and stewardship of sensitive donor, prospect, and information in accordance with university and Division of University Advancement policies and practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: post-high school education may substitute for experience at the equivalent rate.)

A valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain.

One of the nation's elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. Founded in 1851, Florida State University is the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida. FSU is a community steeped in tradition that fosters research and encourages creativity. At FSU, there’s the excitement of being part of a vibrant academic and professional community, surrounded by people whose ideas are shaping tomorrow’s news!

Learn more about Florida State University and our campuses. 

FSU offers a robust Total Rewards package. Visit our FSU Total Rewards website to learn more about our Compensation, Benefits, Wellness, Recognition, and Employee Development programs.

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If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply through the FSU Careers site (jobs.fsu.edu). If you are a current FSU employee, apply through myFSU Self Service.

Applicants are required to complete the online application with all applicable information. Applications must include all work history up to ten years, and education details even if attaching a resume.

This is an A&P position.

This position requires successful completion of a criminal history background check.

This position is being advertised as open until filled.

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.