Associate Director of Donor Relations for Colleges, Schools & Units

Job Title: Associate Director of Donor Relations for Colleges, Schools & Units
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Full/Part Time: Full-Time
Job ID: 61361
Department

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 advancement services 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.

Responsibilities

The Associate Director of Donor Relations - College, Schools and Units is responsible for developing and executing donor relations strategies for acknowledgment, stewardship, recognition, engagement and communication that support and enhance the work of development officers across FSU's colleges, schools and units. Working closely with the Donor Relations team, University Advancement leadership and academic leaders across the university, this individual will bridge the gap between the central donor relations team and colleges, schools and units. As a collaborative partner and leader, they will serve as a subject-matter expert to help build donor relations best practices, develop reporting processes, implement KPIs and tracking, design processes and spark creativity.

Stewardship, Recognition and Engagement

• Design and manage stewardship plans that celebrate, thank and engage donors in personalized and impactful ways.
• Lead and support complex stewardship and recognition projects that often include multiple deliverables, ensuring timely and high-quality execution.
• Collaborate with the central Donor Relations team to align unit-level efforts with university-wide recognition programs and standards.

Donor Communication

• Create customized and templated donor communications, including acknowledgment letters, impact reports, event follow-ups and other touchpoints.
• Work closely with the Advancement Communications team to develop donor stories, recognition materials and other content that highlight donor impact.

Collaboration and Support

• Serve as a strategic partner and resource for development officers and academic leaders, offering guidance and support on donor relations best practices.
• Work with donor relations leadership to facilitate training and resources to promote and build an environment of donor-centric stewardship and collaboration across colleges, schools and units.
• Identify opportunities to enhance donor engagement through creative and collaborative initiatives.

Administrative and Data Management

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions, preferences, stewardship activities and engagement plans in the constituent management system.
• Use data and reporting tools to assess the effectiveness of donor relations efforts and inform future strategies.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree and four years of experience; or a high school diploma or equivalent and eight years of experience. (Note: a combination of post high school education and experience equal to eight years.)

• A valid Florida or Georgia Driver's License or the ability to obtain and willing to drive

Preferred Qualifications

A preferred candidate will have 5+ years of previous experience in donor relations, fundraising, advancement or relationship management, ideally within higher education or a nonprofit setting. They should bring:

• A strong working knowledge of university structures and internal operations, with the ability to navigate and build relationships across a complex academic environment
• Experience developing and executing donor stewardship and engagement strategies, including personalized communications and recognition efforts
• A proactive, self-starting mindset, with the ability to create strategic plans from scratch and move initiatives forward independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to work effectively with high-level donors, academic leaders and advancement colleagues
• Comfort with data-informed decision-making, including tracking KPIs and using reporting tools to assess impact.

Helpful

Who is the ideal candidate for this position?

You are a relationship builder at heart, someone who enjoys connecting with people across campus and forging strong, collaborative partnerships. You're not afraid to reach out, ask questions and bring people together. You understand donor relations and advancement work, and you're excited to help shape and grow a program that makes a meaningful impact.

You are a strategic thinker and a creative doer who can create and see the big picture but also roll up your sleeves to get things done. You thrive in environments where you can build something new and you're energized by the opportunity to create plans, processes and pathways that didn't exist before.

You are personable and dependable with a strong sense of ownership and pride in your work. You are a true team player, always ready to pitch in, support others and celebrate shared success. You bring a thoughtful and collaborative spirit to everything you do and are ready to help elevate donor relations across FSU's colleges, schools and units.

University Information

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 our university and campuses.

FSU Total Rewards

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

Use our interactive tool to calculate Total Compensation options based on potential salary, benefits and retirement contributions, earned leave, and other employment-related perks.

How To Apply

If qualified and interested in a specific job opening as advertised, apply to Florida State University at . If you are a current FSU employee, apply via 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.

Considerations

This is an A&P position.

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

FSU is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.