Make an Impact Through Philanthropy and Higher Education

Seminole State College of Florida is seeking an accomplished Executive Director of the Foundation to lead philanthropic advancement and resource development in support of the College’s mission and strategic priorities.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced fundraising and development professional who understands the power of relationships, partnerships, and philanthropy to create opportunities for students and strengthen the community.

Reporting to the College President, the Executive Director serves as the Foundation’s chief advancement officer and a member of the College’s executive leadership team. The position provides strategic leadership for fundraising, donor engagement and stewardship, Foundation Board governance, financial management, external relations, and Foundation operations.

The successful candidate will be a relationship-focused and strategic leader who can build philanthropic support, engage high-level donors and community partners, work effectively with a Board of Directors, and position the Foundation for long-term growth and sustainability.

What You’ll DoFundraising & Advancement

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies aligned with the College’s strategic priorities.
• Lead major gifts, annual giving, capital campaigns, corporate and foundation partnerships, planned giving, grants, and other philanthropic initiatives.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects.
• Build strong relationships with corporations, foundations, government entities, community organizations, and other external partners.
• Develop and expand planned giving strategies and opportunities.
• Use donor management systems, prospect research, and fundraising data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.
• Provide strategic support to the College President in fundraising, donor cultivation, prospect development, presentations, and advancement activities.

Foundation Leadership

• Serve as Executive Officer of the Foundation and provide strategic leadership to the Foundation Board of Directors.
• Support Board governance, strategic planning, committee engagement, orientation, education, and leadership development.
• Ensure Foundation activities and resources align with the College’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the Foundation’s alumni engagement efforts to strengthen lifelong relationships and develop a sustainable alumni donor pipeline.
• Supervise the Grants Office and align grant-seeking efforts with broader advancement strategies.

Financial & Organizational Leadership

• Provide oversight of Foundation budgets, financial resources, internal controls, financial reporting, and audit processes.
• Develop and recommend the annual Foundation budget for Board approval.
• Lead strategic planning efforts that support the Foundation’s financial strength, sustainability, and ability to support the College.
• Recruit, develop, and supervise Foundation staff while fostering a culture of collaboration, professional development, mentorship, and continuous learning.

Community & External Relations

• Represent the Foundation and College throughout the community through professional networks, civic engagement, presentations, events, and service on boards and organizations.
• Collaborate with College leadership, College Relations, Marketing, Government Relations, and other campus partners to advance institutional priorities.
• Serve as an ambassador for Seminole State by effectively communicating the College’s mission, programs, accomplishments, and impact.

What We’re Looking ForRequired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
• Eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, advancement, public relations, or a related field.
• Experience using donor management or advancement systems, conducting prospect research, and analyzing donor or fundraising data.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree from a regionally or nationally accredited institution.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Experience leading comprehensive fundraising or advancement programs.
• Experience working with a nonprofit or higher education foundation and its Board of Directors.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

We’re looking for a leader who brings:

• Proven success in fundraising, donor cultivation, stewardship, planned giving, and community engagement.
• Strong executive presence and relationship-building skills with donors, Board members, College leadership, community leaders, corporations, foundations, and government partners.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with budgets, financial oversight, financial reporting, internal controls, and audits.
• The ability to think strategically while effectively managing operational responsibilities and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and mentor staff.
• A collaborative leadership style and commitment to student success and the mission of higher education.
• A commitment to engaging with and contributing to the communities within the College’s service district.
• A commitment to creating a welcoming environment and sense of belonging.

Compensation & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $127,717 – $199,238 annually, with placement within the range based on the selected candidate’s education, experience, and qualifications.

Seminole State College offers a comprehensive total rewards package, including:

• 37.5-hour work week
• Flexible work options where applicable
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, annual and sick leave, and College Breaks
• Health, dental, and life insurance options
• Florida Retirement System (FRS) and other retirement savings options
• Professional development and paid tuition
• Free Raider Fitness Center membership
• Free on-campus parking

Learn more about our benefits and total rewards package through the College’s Human Resources website.

Work Environment

This position primarily works in an office environment and requires flexibility to attend meetings, events, and community activities outside of regular business hours. Travel and community presentations are also required.

The position requires availability throughout the workday and, on some occasions, after regular work hours. The incumbent is expected to be available by cell phone and provide a current cell phone number to the Office of Human Resources and immediate supervisor.

This position is not eligible for Veteran’s Preference.

Join Seminole State

At Seminole State College of Florida, your work can directly contribute to creating educational opportunities and strengthening the communities we serve. If you are a strategic advancement leader who is energized by fundraising, relationships, and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in higher education, we invite you to apply.

Pay: $127,717.00 - $199,238.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person