Libraries Development Officer

The Libraries Development Officer leads a comprehensive fundraising program aligned with FIU Libraries' strategic priorities, working collaboratively with library leadership, Alumni Relations, and the FIU Foundation to advance philanthropic support. The role focuses on building and managing a donor pipeline, cultivating and stewarding relationships, and coordinating fundraising initiatives, events, and engagement efforts to secure and sustain private support for the Libraries.

• Works closely with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean for Strategic Initiatives to define and prioritize funding needs aligned with FIU Libraries' strategic plan.
• Builds and manages a portfolio of prospective and current donors, while actively developing and maintaining a qualification pipeline.
• Serves as a primary frontline fundraiser for FIU Libraries, identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospects up to the major gift level.
• Strategically manages relationships through in-person and virtual visits with alumni, donors, and friends, including those with interest in Special Collections and distinctive library initiatives.
• Actively identifies and researches alumni and friends in targeted constituencies; collaborates with Alumni Relations and the FIU Foundation to develop and implement engagement strategies that inform constituents about funding priorities and philanthropic opportunities.
• Builds and sustains the donor pipeline through consistent outreach, volunteer engagement, and event-based cultivation strategies.
• Partners with the FIU Foundation and planned giving colleagues to identify and qualify prospects with potential interest in estate and blended gifts.
• Develops and implements individualized solicitation strategies in collaboration with the Dean and advancement partners, ensuring alignment with institutional policies and library priorities.
• Coordinates and executes stewardship activities to ensure donors are recognized appropriately and meaningfully in alignment with FIU Libraries' mission and values.
• Supports and strengthens FIU Friends of the Libraries and the Library Leadership Board as vehicles for engagement, advocacy, and philanthropic growth.
• Assists in planning and executing donor cultivation events, campus visits, advisory meetings, and engagement initiatives that advance fundraising objectives. Acknowledges and recognizes gifts in ways that are thoughtful, mission-aligned, and donor-centered.
• Collaborates closely with Alumni Relations and the FIU Foundation to ensure coordinated prospect management, reporting, and donor strategy. Maintains accurate and timely documentation of donor interactions within the University's advancement systems.
• Contributes to goal setting, metrics development, and strategic planning to ensure accountability and alignment with FIU Libraries' objectives. Provides counsel and support on fundraising strategy, donor engagement approaches, and pipeline development activities
• Performs other related duties as assigned or as directed. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning duties that are logically related to the position.

Bachelor's degree and six (6) years of fundraising experience. Must have supervisory/management experience.

Five (5) or more years of experience in higher education advancement, academic libraries, cultural heritage organizations, or nonprofit fundraising.

Experience managing a defined portfolio of prospects and advancing individuals through identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship stages. Experience collaborating with alumni relations, annual giving, or centralized advancement units.

Demonstrated success securing leadership annual or major gifts.

Experience supporting advisory boards, volunteer leadership groups, or public support organizations. Familiarity with planned giving concepts and the ability to recognize prospects with long-term philanthropic potential.

Experience working in a research university environment and an understanding of academic priorities, including special collections, digital scholarship, and student success initiatives.

Master's degree in a related field preferred