Florida State University seeks a Senior Director of Development, at The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art (“The Ringling”), the official state art museum of Florida. Under the stewardship of Florida State University, The Ringling serves the legacy of John and Mable Ringling — a place of art, architecture, and circus in an environment that inspires, educates. and entertains. The Senior Director of Development will strategically design and execute a personal solicitation program resulting in philanthropic support through the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of high-level prospects for The Ringling in a campaign environment. The Senior Director of Development will secure, on an annual basis, private support at the major gift level ($100,000) while also identifying, developing, and managing a portfolio primarily consisting of $1,000,000 and above donors. The Senior Director of Development will uphold and exemplify the operating practices of the Division of University Advancement while raising philanthropic dollars in support of the mission of Florida State University.

One of the nation’s elite research universities, Florida State University preserves, expands, and disseminates knowledge in the sciences, technology, arts, humanities, and professions, while embracing a philosophy of learning strongly rooted in the traditions of the liberal arts and critical thinking. FSU was founded in 1851 and the welcoming campus is located on the oldest continuous site of higher education in Florida, in a community that fosters free inquiry and embraces diversity, along with championship athletics, and a prime location in the heart of the state capital. The university is home to more than 45,000 students from every Florida county and 130 countries. Students enjoy the personalized education afforded by a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and can choose from the nearly 300 degree programs offered at the bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, specialist, and professional level.

The Ringling, located in Sarasota, Florida, is one of the preeminent arts institutions in the United States. Its unusually diverse collections — art, circus, history, architecture, performance, gardens — reflect its unique origin story. At the heart of that story, which begins nearly a century ago, is circus impresario John Ringling and his wife Mable, and their shared desire to make Sarasota a world-class destination. The Ringling is the State Art Museum of Florida and is under the stewardship of Florida State University. It is supported by the guidance of the John & Mable Ringling Museum Foundation. As one of the largest college arts complexes in the country, The Ringling includes the Museum of Art, Circus Museum, Ca’ d’Zan, and Historic Asolo Theater, situated on 66 acres of bay front property in Sarasota. The Ringling is an extraordinary center of art and culture that engages the local, state, and global communities and is accessible to, and inclusive of, all.

"The Ringling, a crown jewel of the Florida State arts programming, has enormous fundraising potential and provides the Sarasota community with unique artistic experiences, disciplines, and cultural expressions. The university has elevated the arts to a top campaign priority and these artistic works are already resonating with alumni and transformational philanthropists. If you are a strategic leader that is a builder of programs and teams, I invite you to partner with me and encourage you to consider this opportunity!" — Susan Glenn, Associate Vice President of Advancement for Colleges, Schools, and Units

For more information, including core competencies and qualifications, please refer to the full prospectus.