Florida State University and The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art seek a Senior Director of Development. The Senior Director of Development will lead and manage all fundraising operations for The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, which is a part of FSU’s nationally recognized Arts collective, which also includes the Colleges of Music, Fine Arts, and Motion Picture Arts; Opening Nights; and the FSU “Flying High” Circus. This senior leadership role is responsible for securing private support at the major and principal gift levels, while cultivating relationships with individual, foundation, and corporate donors across many different constituencies. The Senior Director will work closely with the Executive Director at The Ringling, and the Associate Vice President for Advancement, Colleges, Schools and Units to execute strategic fundraising initiatives that support The Ringling’s mission and long-term goals. Currently in the Leadership Gift (silent) phase of a $1B+ comprehensive fundraising campaign, which The Ringling is a key part of tied to the “Arts Excellence” university-wide campaign priority, the priorities of The Ringling and FSU are already resonating with transformational philanthropists.

Florida State University (FSU) is one of the nation’s premier public research universities, distinguished by its academic excellence, affordability, and commitment to innovation. Founded in 1851 and located in Tallahassee, the capital of Florida, FSU offers nearly 300-degree programs across undergraduate, graduate, doctoral, and professional levels. With more than 45,000 students representing all 67 Florida counties and over 130 countries, the university provides a rich academic community. FSU boasts a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and numerous nationally ranked programs, making it a leader in disciplines ranging from criminology and education to the arts and sciences. The university consistently ranks among the Top 25 public universities in the U.S. and holds the highest credit ratings of any public university in the state.

In 2000, Florida State University assumed governance of The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, establishing a strategic partnership that has significantly elevated both institutions. The Ringling serves as the official State Art Museum of Florida and stands among the largest and most comprehensive university-affiliated arts centers in the nation. Its 66-acre bayfront campus features the Museum of Art, the Circus Museum, the Ca’ d’Zan historic mansion, and the Historic Asolo Theater. Under FSU’s stewardship, The Ringling has experienced a period of extraordinary growth and revitalization, including the addition of several major facilities such as the Tibbals Learning Center, the Ulla R. and Arthur F. Searing Wing, the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, and the Ting Tsung and Wei Fong Chao Center for Asian Art.

This dynamic relationship has positioned The Ringling not only as a world-class cultural and educational destination, but also as a vital extension of FSU’s academic and philanthropic mission. It exemplifies the university’s commitment to public engagement, arts education, and community enrichment. Today, The Ringling is a cornerstone of Florida State’s arts programming and is part of the “Arts Excellence” priority within the university’s $1B+ comprehensive fundraising campaign. Welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, The Ringling offers a collaborative and inspiring environment grounded in core values of innovation, relevance, accountability, curiosity, collaboration, and integrity. It is a place where art, circus, architecture, and performance converge to inspire, educate, and entertain.

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