Director of Advancement

Florida Cooperative of Theological Schools OverviewFormed in 2025, the Florida Cooperative of Theological Schools (FCTS) aims to strengthen theological education and ministry formation in South Florida by resourcing schools and programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS) and related entities. We envision a sustainable cooperative ecosystem that empowers partner institutions to prepare the region’s future ministry leaders through shared staffing, innovative Clinical Pastoral Education, ecclesial-educational partnerships, and faculty networking. FCTS was launched with initial funding from a Lilly Endowment Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative grant and currently has a diverse group of regional cooperating partners: Amoris Christi, Barry University’s Department of Theology and Philosophy, Knox Theological Seminary (KTS), Palm Beach Atlantic University Graduate School of Ministry (PBA), Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI), and St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary (SVDP). 

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FCTS operates across four strategic priorities. First, we are working to implement a shared staffing model to bolster recruitment, fundraising, marketing, and strategic planning across the entire regional ecosystem. Second, we are launching innovative clinical pastoral education through the Boisen Agency for Pastoral Formation, utilizing a unique rotational model across healthcare, congregational, and community settings. Third, our ecclesial-educational partnerships (The "Houses" Initiative) will establish tradition-specific mentorship and certificates led by academically qualified directors. Finally, we aim to foster faculty networking by hosting one-day campus "Symposium" events each fall and spring, alongside multi-day summer "Imaginarium" retreats to give faculty a dedicated space to connect, rest, and innovate.
Purpose and Scope of the PositionThis position provides a unique opportunity to create and lead the Advancement program for this new faith-based nonprofit organization. Your role will be to support FCTS in its mission, and be directly responsible for successfully designing, leading, and implementing a comprehensive advancement program. In collaboration with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director and Board of Directors, the Director of Advancement will develop new relationships while maintaining and growing existing ones and building the organization's visibility, impact, and philanthropic resources. The Director will be responsible for raising private, corporate, and foundation funding to support FCTS’s, while leading the development and implementation of organization-wide strategies to increase fundraising capacity. Additionally, the Director will be responsible and accountable to lead and execute a $5 million endowment campaign, once the Advancement Program is established.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate proven success leading an Advancement team as well as a proven track record in soliciting and securing major gifts and building productive relationships with a variety of constituents. 
The Director of Advancement will also be responsible for planned giving, donor stewardship, volunteer cultivation, corporate philanthropic support, constituent communications. 
The Director Advancement reports to the Cooperative Director.
OverviewEstablish and lead an Advancement Program in a new nonprofitBring proven expertise and success to design and implement an Advancement Program for FCTS, a new faith-based nonprofitExplore and cultivate organic networks through partner organizations, as well as build a new donor baseHire anticipated additional Advancement Team member
Philanthropic Revenue and Institutional AdvancementLead the major gifts program to raise $5M in 5 yearsCreate and lead an annual giving program to raise funds through individuals, foundations, corporate support and grantsCreate, with support of the Director of Marketing and Communications, a coordinated communication plan, including print and digital tools to advance the philanthropic message, motivate giving, and demonstrate gift impactPartner with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director, and Board of Directors to articulate institutional needs and lead the growth and implementation of the advancement strategy 
Specific ResponsibilitiesMajor/ Endowment and Planned GiftsIdentify prospects for transformational and leadership support through philanthropy and engagement, and maintain a Moves Management plan for prospectivemajor donorsEstablish a planned gift program through marketing and individualized promotionConduct one-on-one and/or small group meetings with prospects and donorsExplore and pursue opportunities to develop major gifts donors from individuals, corporations and foundations
Management Team and Board Work closely with the Executive Director, Cooperative Director, and Board to identify, steward, and deepen existing relationships and cultivate new advocates and supportersAttend Board meetings as required. Prepare regular reports on fundraising activities and progress towards goals for the Executive Director and Board of DirectorsServe as a visible ambassador for FCTS and articulate its mission to external constituents
Internal Management and InfrastructureBuild, manage and mentor the development team to achieve fundraising targetsTrain, manage and mentor volunteers, and support staff in donor cultivation and professional fundraising techniques to ensure support of the organization's revenue growth goalsEffectively oversee the development office’s day-to-day operations, as well as budget and income forecasts Plan and execute Special Event activities including event logistics and identifying and soliciting major sponsorsEnsure consistent messaging and branding in all print and digital donor communication Partner with the finance and accounting staff to sustain efficient, effective and transparent financial tracking and reporting processesDevelop clear processes and collaborate with all other departments within FCTS to create an understanding of and appreciation for the advancement function
Foundation & GrantsGuide the research, proposal, follow-up, and reporting strategy for outreach to foundations and corporations
Additional Job FunctionsPerform other position-related duties as necessary and/or as assigned by the Executive Director
AttributesEntrepreneurial spiritAbility to work independently as well as be a valued part of the leadership teamDesire to foster an environment of cohesiveness and collaborationAbility to support and motivate wide range of individuals – staff and volunteers – on all levelsStrong organizational skills including goal setting, prioritization and team managementProactive ability to network and cultivate relationshipsExceptional communication and influencing skills: persuasive, credible and polished in both verbal and written communicationsCreative, independent, and strategic thinkerSelf-starter with a proven ability to meet and complete multiple tasks with solid deadlinesA commitment to supporting the mission and Christian values of FCTSExperience in the theological field preferred
Qualifications:BA (required)Professional certification (CFRE), a plusMinimum of 5-7 years of experience in fundraising, including major gifts, corporate donations, planned giving, special events and donor relations.Demonstrated fundraising success within a comprehensive advancement programAbility to analyze complex data to inform decision-making and measure the effectiveness of fundraising strategies.Previous engagement and collaboration with both staff and Board membersExcellent computer skills, including Microsoft Office, CRM software and wealth screening toolsEvening/weekend work occasionally required as well as travel for prospect meetingsValid driver’s license
Location:This will be a remote position, but candidate must live in Southeast FloridaMinimally, monthly in-person meetings will be required in Southeast FloridaMust be available to attend local fundraising activitiesExpected work area Palm Beach County to Miami
Salary and Benefits:Benefits package availableSalary commensurate with experience
To ApplyInquiries regarding this position are strictly confidential and should be sent to: Interested applicants should submit a resume and cover letter with required salary range. References will be requested of all finalists. You may submit references along with your application. xzbcwsv
FCTS is an equal-opportunity employer.