The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy is pleased to announce that Ryan Sonntag has joined our team as our new Associate Director of Development.
In this role, he will work with alumni, parents, current and former faculty, and philanthropic leaders to connect them with opportunities to support the success of our incredible students, faculty, and programs.
“We’re pleased to welcome Ryan to COSSPP’s Development Team,” said Dean Tim Chapin, Ph.D. “Their work is fundamental to the college’s success, as our donors’ philanthropy makes it possible for us to provide a range of opportunities for students that cannot be covered by State of Florida funds.”
The college relies on the support of our alumni and friends to continue our longstanding tradition of excellence. Our alumni and friends’ gifts of their time and treasure play an essential role in our ability to educate and train the next generation of leaders and provide students with exceptional social science and public policy education.
“I am looking forward to working with COSSPP’s incredible alumni to build on 50 years of excellence,” Sonntag said. “The opportunity to give my time and talents to benefit my alma mater is a privilege, and I am excited to be a part of FSU’s legacy!”
As a two-time graduate of COSSPP (B.S. Political Science ‘17; M.S. Applied American Politics & Policy ‘21), he’s passionate about enhancing the educational experience for the next generation of students.
“Ryan is a catalyst for transformation in our college who will help to direct philanthropic efforts in a way that is both rewarding to donors and meaningful for FSU,” said Senior Director of Development Katherine Cline Ashler.
Prior to joining the college, Sonntag served as a successful finance director for multiple statewide and federal political campaigns, where he developed innovative and multi-focused fundraising strategies.
“Florida State University has been a transformative force in my life and prepared me for my career in more ways than I could ever count,” Sonntag said. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Tallahassee to assist donors as they fund scholarships, create experiential learning, and support top faculty, which all benefit current and future students and prepare them for their future in the same way as mine was shaped.”
While working in political fundraising, Sonntag was responsible for running candidate campaigns’ finance programs. He built comprehensive finance plans, encompassing everything from high-dollar call time to small-dollar email and text programs. As campaigns have become increasingly more costly and competitive over time, Sonntag led the effort to fund campaign programs like door-to-door voter outreach and TV advertisements.
“I see campaign fundraising as a path for donors at all levels – whether through a five-dollar or five-figure contribution – to get involved in the political process and to ensure that they have a say in how elected officials collaborate with their constituents,” Sonntag said. “Working with community leaders, activists, labor unions, and other stakeholders that took charge to shape the representation of their communities was immensely inspirational and rewarding.”
If you would like to discuss making a gift, please contact Ryan at rsonntag@advance.fsu.edu.