Executive Director, Major Giving

Salary: $100,000.00 - $103,000.00 Annually
Location : Leesburg, FL
Job Type: Full-time Regular Staff
Job Number: 2425-00378
Division: Office of President
Department: President's Office
Opening Date: 04/10/2025
Working Conditions: General Working Conditions
Location and Supervisor: Leesburg Campus / Dr. Laura Byrd

Job Summary

The Executive Director of Major Giving is instrumental in advancing the Foundation's mission by leading major and planned giving, annual giving, and alumni engagement and relations efforts. This role manages and oversees a portfolio of major gift prospects and supervises key members of the advancement team. As a strategic advisor and partner to the Foundation Executive Director, the Executive Director of Major Giving ensures fundraising initiatives align with institutional priorities and best practices in higher education philanthropy.

Responsible for demonstrating LSSC's values of learning, people, student success, forward-thinking, commitment to excellence, accessibility, diversity, partnerships, and sound management practices.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Major and Planned Gift Programs

• Manage and build upon a portfolio of high-capacity donors with a focus on driving significant philanthropic investments.
• Collaborate with the Foundation Executive Director on the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors.
• Create and implement strategic marketing and outreach initiatives to engage potential planned gift donors.
• Cultivate and nurture relationships with donors exploring estate gifts, charitable trusts, and other legacy giving options, ensuring their commitments are secured.

Annual Giving and Leadership Annual Giving

• Lead and support the Foundation team in facilitating a strong annual giving program, engaging alumni, staff, retirees, volunteers, and community donors.
• Develop strategies to attract leadership-level annual gifts, building a pipeline for major donations.
• Work alongside the Foundation team to plan impactful events that foster relationships and inspire giving.

Alumni Relations

• Lead and support the Foundation team in creating meaningful alumni connections through programs, events, and volunteer opportunities.
• Strengthen alumni ties to the institution by aligning engagement efforts with philanthropic goals.

Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor the Development Officer and Director of Alumni Relations, fostering their professional growth.
• Develop and manage budgets to drive sustainable success aligned with the institution's goals.
• Provide support and collaborate with the corporate and Foundation grant writer.

Committee and Board Engagement

• Serve as the staff liaison to the Foundation Board of the Director's Development Committee, guiding and supporting volunteer leaders in fundraising efforts.
• Deliver updates, strategic insights, and reports to the Development Committee and Foundation Board.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Demonstrate success in managing high-capacity donor portfolios and securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Experience supervising professional staff and leading high-performing teams.
• Deep understanding of fundraising principles, best practices, and technologies.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Strategic thinking with the ability to set and achieve ambitious goals.
• Skilled in building meaningful, mission-focused donor relationships.
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities to motivate staff and volunteers.
• Dedication to the mission and values of Florida state colleges and their role in education and workforce development.

Minimum Qualifications & Education

• Education Required: Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Education Preferred: Advanced degree
• Experience Required: Minimum of 7 years of experience in fundraising or advancement, with a focus on major gifts, planned giving, and donor relations.

Lake-Sumter State College provides a wide range of affordable, competitive, and comprehensive benefits that are a vital part of your total compensation package. These programs are centered around health and wellness, financial security, and professional development.