FIU Foundation · 4 weeks ago
Executive Director of Development, College of Engineering and Computing
FIU Foundation is seeking an Executive Director of Development for the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC). The role involves leading fundraising initiatives, managing a development team, and cultivating relationships with stakeholders to secure philanthropic support aligned with CEC's mission and goals.
Responsibilities
Develops, leads, and executes a comprehensive strategic plan for fundraising, corporate relations, stewardship, Dean's Leadership board management oversight, and alumni engagement for the College of Engineering & Computing (CEC). Establishes long-term strategies that align philanthropic opportunities with the College's academic, research, and student success priorities. Regularly evaluates progress, adjusts goals, and communicates strategy to leadership and stakeholders
Assesses, prioritizes, and articulates CEC's funding needs in collaboration with the Dean, department chairs, faculty, and University partners. Develops compelling cases for support across research, innovation, student programs, capital projects, and emerging technology initiatives. Ensures that fundraising strategies reflect current trends in engineering, computing, workforce development, and global industry advancements
Develops, plans, and implements multi-channel strategies to secure philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, government partners, and foundations. Leads the full lifecycle of fundraising activities including identification, cultivation, proposal development, solicitation, closing, and stewardship at major and principal gift levels
Proactively manages a personal portfolio of major, and principal gift prospects. Develops customized cultivation strategies, conducts discovery visits, and maintains a rigorous schedule of donor meetings. Travels locally, nationally, and internationally to engage donors, cultivate partnerships, and solicit gifts
Leads the development and execution of CECs campaign activities, ensuring alignment with University-wide campaign priorities. Oversees all campaign planning, timelines, reporting, prospect strategies, and donor engagement initiatives tied to campaign goals
Collaborates with University Advancement, FIU Foundation leadership, FIU Alumni Association, President¿s Council, Foundation Board, and internal stakeholders to create coordinated fundraising strategies, improve donor pipeline development, and elevate the College¿s philanthropic visibility
Provides strategic guidance and coaching to the Dean, department chairs, faculty, and senior leaders on donor engagement, corporate relations, external partnerships, stewardship, and fundraising opportunities. Prepares briefing materials, talking points, presentations, and proposals for leadership to use in donor and partner interactions
Oversees stewardship, recognition, and donor relations programs for the College. Ensures timely, accurate, and strategic acknowledgement of gifts; manages pledge tracking; and ensures proper use, reporting, and compliance of donor funds, including scholarships and endowed gifts
Leads strategy development to expand, deepen, and institutionalize corporate and industry partnerships in engineering, computing, and technology sectors. Identifies potential partners aligned with CEC strengths such as AI, cybersecurity, robotics, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, biomedical engineering, and other emerging areas. Creates engagement pathways for research collaborations, workforce pipelines, sponsored programs, and philanthropic support
Directs alumni relations activities for the College in collaboration with the FIU Alumni Association. Develops strategies to increase alumni engagement, participation, and philanthropic involvement, including targeted communications, events, volunteer opportunities, and affinity-building initiatives
Develops and oversees production of fundraising collateral, case statements, proposals, digital assets, and public-facing materials for the College. Utilizes emerging technologies, data insights, and digital platforms to enhance donor outreach and fundraising impact
Serves as a key partner in University Advancement¿s prospect management system, ensuring adherence to guidelines, consistent documentation, and coordinated donor strategies across units. Develops annual work plans, solicitation matrices, and performance benchmarks for the CEC development operation
Recruits, supervises, and develops a high-performing development team. Provides ongoing coaching, training, performance evaluation, and professional development opportunities. Ensures team adherence to University policies, fundraising standards, and measurable goals
Develops and effectively administers the departmental operating budget. Allocates resources to support strategic fundraising priorities, staff operations, donor cultivation activities, and external engagement initiatives
Represents the University and/or the College at public events, donor engagements, industry functions, professional conferences, University programs, and community activities to strengthen partnerships and visibility
May handle donated funds in the form of checks or negotiable securities. Accesses confidential information regarding gifts, donors, strategies, and stakeholder interactions. Maintains strict professional integrity and confidentiality at all times
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree
twelve (12) years of experience
seven (7) years of experience in fundraising
Supervises/ manages subordinate staff
Company
FIU Foundation
The Florida International University (FIU) Foundation is devoted to advancing FIU’s progress as one of the nation’s top 50 public universities by generating support for student success, groundbreaking/cutting-edge state-of-the-art research, and public service to benefit the local and global communities.
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase