ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:  

At Polk State, our amazing faculty and staff create an inspiring workplace. This professional position reports to the Executive Director, Polk State College Foundation and is an excellent opportunity within the College’s Foundation division.   We offer a collaborative, creative and culturally diverse work environment. If you want to be supported in your efforts to grow professionally and to be recognized for your contributions, then come work for Polk State. 

SOAR, EAGLES!

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Director, Development- Polk State College Foundation is responsible for raising funds, securing and managing corporate grants, and effectively stewarding and cultivating donors.

Specifically, the Director will plan, organize, and execute the annual campaigns, including the annual and employee giving campaigns, with direct responsibility for entry to mid-level donations. This includes gift recognition and donor acknowledgement programs for each campaign. The Director will build a planned giving program to engender a stronger culture of legacy giving. In addition, the Director will oversee grants acquisition including research, proposal writing, timely submission, and management. The Director will also execute special fundraising events, including oversight of all event details and volunteers. Also required will be the development of fundraising marketing materials in collaboration with the College’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs.

The Director will work closely with the College President, the Foundation Executive Director, and the Foundation Board of Directors in all development and fundraising endeavors, and will assist the Executive Director in the solicitation of major gifts and the future pursuit and execution of a major gifts campaign. The Director will support the Foundation Board of Directors in committee meetings such as the Development Committee and others as needed. Also required will be representing the College in community events and in speaking to selected organizations or groups regarding the vision and mission of the College and the Foundation.

The Director must possess exceptional interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills and demonstrate a passion for student success, specifically as detailed in Polk State College’s mission. Being a self-starter and ability to work as a high performing team member is critical.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:  

• College Fundraising: Supports the College President, Executive Director, Foundation Board of Directors, and designated colleagues to achieve fundraising goals. Works with Executive Director to meet/exceed annual fundraising targets; coordinates fundraising strategies; supports ongoing major giving efforts; and develops new, and innovative fundraising programs.
• The Director will assist in organizing and participate in all Foundation Board of Directors meetings. In addition, the Director will support the Foundation Board of Directors in committee meetings such as the Development Committee and others as needed.
• Annual Fundraising Campaigns: Oversees, plan, organize, and executes the annual campaigns, including the annual and employee giving campaigns, with direct responsibility for entry to mid-level donations. Ensures the effective operation of donor acknowledgement programs for each campaign.
• Stewardship Plan: Develops and implements a multi-year stewardship plan and assists the Vice President/Executive Director in strategic planning.
• Grants Acquisition and Management: Oversees grant acquisition including research, proposal writing, timely submission, and management in coordination with the College’s Grants Office.
• Planned Giving: Oversees and effectively executes of planned giving program with a focus on deferred gifts such as bequest expectancies.
• Fundraising Events: Plans and executes special fundraising events, including oversight of all event details and volunteers.
• Communications: Work with Executive Director, the College’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs, and Foundation Staff to develop and implement an integrated strategic communications plan to advance the Polk State College Foundation’s mission and broaden awareness across key stakeholder audiences.
• Drive donor-centric branding, messaging, and visibility to deepen engagement with the Foundation’s priorities. Develop and manage communications and media outreach strategy, policy, and campaigns with print, online, electronic, and broadcast media to enhance the visibility of the Polk State College Foundation.
• Donor Records: Utilize donor software to detail interactions with donors, such as events during which donations are provided.
• Return on Investment: Collaborates with the Foundation’s lead business officer to analyze the return on investment for all annual campaigns and fundraising events. In addition, actively participate in budgetary development per the direction of the Executive Director.
• Represents College and Foundation in External Community; attends functions to network and represent the College and Foundation in the community as Polk State College and Polk State College Foundation continues to expand its county-wide outreach efforts. Maintains ongoing public relations activities to promote the overall mission of the Foundation. Networks and attends civic business and social events to promote Polk State College and the Polk State College Foundation.
• Public Speaking: This position may be asked to present College and Foundation information in support of the President and  Executive Director and is also expected to recommend/seek opportunities in the community which would be beneficial to Polk State College and Polk State College Foundation.

Required Skills

• The ability to establish an effective rapport with current and potential donors, business people, civic group, economic development group members, alumni, philanthropic entities, and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational skills, with special attention to details.
• Must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines while working independently.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion within assigned role to complete assignments.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communications skills; must have strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Must be computer proficient; experience with Excel a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Should be familiar with Polk County leadership and philanthropic communities.

CONSULTING TASKS:

• Recommends improvements in all fundraising matters, including donor stewardship and cultivation; donor data; and increased resources generated.
• Works with Supervisor to set and meet fundraising goals.
• Recommends innovative fundraising initiatives.
• Recommends speaking opportunities.
• Engages in prospect research and provides recommendations.
• Maintains connection with and awareness of activities of Florida Council for Resource Development.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.

Required Experience

 At least five years of successful fundraising/development  within an educational institution or nonprofitorganization/foundation is required.

We offer an excellent employer-paid benefits package including the following: Medical, Dental, Life, Long-Term Disability, Vacation (except faculty), Holiday and Sick Leave, Retirement (if eligible) and college fee waivers.  Other employee-paid, voluntary benefits (vision, short-term disability, etc.) are also available.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: 

• APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS: A completed online application consists of:
  • a resume, and
  • an electronic job application (all sections completed).

Submissions that do not include all required information will not be considered. 

• BACKGROUND SCREENING: Reference checks, successful completion of a Level II background check (fingerprinting), and third-party Education Verification for all stated degrees will be required prior to employment.

• NON-INSTRUCTIONAL / STAFF TRANSCRIPTS:  For professional / salaried positions, uploading of unofficial transcript(s) (WITH CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION REDACTED) during the hiring process is welcomed, but not required.  However, please note that education verification will be completed, for all stated degrees, on or before an interview.

• FOREIGN TRANSCRIPTS:  All international degrees must have their coursework evaluated in terms of U.S. "equivalency." Polk State College requires that all international credential evaluations be conducted by one of the companies affiliated with the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services, Inc. (NACES®). More information about NACES® affiliates can be obtained at the NACES® website. 

• Submission of OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS for all stated degrees, is required as a condition of employment following receipt of job offer.

• VETERANS’ PREFERENCE: Eligible applicants must use the Polk State Veterans' Preference Documentation Form to apply for Veterans’ Preference for positions in qualifying categories (Career and Protech positions levels P12 – P16).  ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION (POLK STATE VETERAN’S PREFERENCE FORM, DD-214, AND ANY OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION) MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE COMPLETED APPLICATION FOR CONSIDERATION.

• RELOCATION: Polk State College does NOT provide relocation assistance for this position.

• THIS POSITION WILL CLOSE AT 8:00 A.M. ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2023.

NOTE:  WE ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO PROVIDE FEEDBACK OF THEIR EXPERIENCE OR REQUEST HELP AT CAREERS@POLK.EDU.

If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be canceled, suspended or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement.

As a general rule, Polk State College does not provide H1-B visa sponsorship. Exceptions may be made based on the College's need for a candidate with unique skills and expertise and where the College cannot otherwise recruit and hire qualified non-sponsored candidates.

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment. For questions or concerns, please contact: Lonnie Thompson, Chief Diversity Officer, Title IX Coordinator, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; 999 Avenue H, NE; Winter Haven, FL 33881; Office: WAD 227; 863.2 97.1000 Ext. 5378; lthompson@polk.edu

Polk State College is a drug-free workplace and participates in E-Verify. 

Polk State College is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you feel you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a position with Polk State, please call 863-297-1070 or e-mail CAREERS@POLK.EDU and let us know the nature of your request, along with your contact information.  Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis.  Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will receive a response. 

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• The ability to establish an effective rapport with current and potential donors, business people, civic group, economic development group members, alumni, philanthropic entities, and colleagues.
• Excellent organizational skills, with special attention to details.
• Must be able to multi-task and meet deadlines while working independently.
• Must be able to exercise sound independent judgment and discretion within assigned role to complete assignments.
• Excellent oral, interpersonal and written communications skills; must have strong public speaking skills.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Must be computer proficient; experience with Excel a plus.
• Ability to maintain confidential information.
• Should be familiar with Polk County leadership and philanthropic communities.

CONSULTING TASKS:

• Recommends improvements in all fundraising matters, including donor stewardship and cultivation; donor data; and increased resources generated.
• Works with Supervisor to set and meet fundraising goals.
• Recommends innovative fundraising initiatives.
• Recommends speaking opportunities.
• Engages in prospect research and provides recommendations.
• Maintains connection with and awareness of activities of Florida Council for Resource Development.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is required.

PREFERRED EDUCATION:

Master’s degree from an accredited institution is preferred.