Director of Donor Development (Hybrid)

Job Title: Director of Donor Development                               

Reports To: President / CEO                                                        

Department: External Relations   

Work Effort: 100% Donor Development/Stewardship 

FLSA Status: Exempt

Status: Full-Time

Work Location: Hybrid   

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of over 90,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors, and their families. Our programs' impact is statewide, nationwide, and international. We are ranked by Charity Navigator among the top 1% of charities scoring 100% on all parameters and 13 continuous 4 Stars, the top rating possible.

Miami Lighthouse is proud to provide one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the not-for-profit industry. Our benefits package includes life insurance, accident insurance and long term disability at no cost to our employees; voluntary benefits, including health insurance with Aetna for which Miami Lighthouse subsidizes a significant portion of the premium, dental, vision, short term disability and supplemental insurance; generous employer funded 401(k); and above average paid days off.

Position Summary: This position is responsible for securing annual gifts, expanding fundraising, and increasing philanthropic investments that support Miami Lighthouse’s programs, with annual revenue exceeding $13 million. The Director of Donor Development spends most of their time on intentional, individual, face-to-face prospect and donor development. The Director of Donor Development reports directly to the President and CEO.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but not limited to:

• Identify research, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and close yearly gifts between $1,000 and $50,000 in support of Miami Lighthouse programs by matching fundraising priorities with prospects’ and donors’ interests in order to meet employee’s required target.
• Develop and implement an annual plan with measurable objectives for total dollars raised, number of prospects cultivated through tours and conversations, asks made, gifts closed, intentional face-to-face meetings conducted, new prospects identified and qualified, donors upgraded, new donors secured, and lapsed donors renewed, along with strategies to ensure timely and effective major gift work to accomplish these objectives. 
• Work with current and prospective major donors and have knowledge of changes in the tax laws regarding allowing deductible annual contributions when donor is not able to itemize as well as donor engagement regarding  ways to take advantage of the charitable IRA rollover (when appropriate), including Miami Lighthouse in their estate plans, and other giving opportunities.
• Identify and research potential individual donors, including new prospects and donors targeted for upgrade or renewal.
• Conduct at least ten intentional face-to-face communication meetings each week with donors and prospects to qualify, cultivate, and/or solicit them for gifts between $1,000 and $50,000 in support of Miami Lighthouse’s programs.
• Use The Raiser’s Edge database to enter pertinent information about meetings and important contacts with donors and prospective donors and to produce weekly reports on the outcomes of these intentional face-to-face meetings, including prospect qualification using Wealth Point or other search engines, cultivation, and solicitation activities and results in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensure all weekly reports to the President and CEO are electronically accessible and are in advance of weekly meetings; maintain an electronic calendar of all appointments to keep CEO and other staff informed.
• Develop and implement targeted strategies and events in consultation with President and CEO inviting donors and prospective donors to visit Miami Lighthouse, attend special events, and participate in other selected community activities.
• Actively participate in programs so that employee can shares stories and outcomes with donors to highlight the impact of their support.
• Prepare written solicitations and acknowledgements to individual prospects and donors. 
• Ensure that requests for information from donors or prospects are addressed quickly and accurately and that all pertinent information is recorded appropriately in The Raiser’s Edge.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the President and CEO.

Experience Required: 

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the fields of Non-Profit Management, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or similar REQUIRED.
• Master’s degree preferred but not required.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, and nonprofit development, including demonstrated success in meeting and obtaining annual donation goals. Past job roles such as Manager of Donor Relations, Development Manager, or similar.
• Proficiency in CRM software, specifically Raiser’s Edge.
• Proven history of developing multichannel campaign managements, major gift solicitation, and grant writing.
• Proven history in strong relationships with community leaders, foundation officers, corporate social responsibility (CSR) heads, and vendors. 
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and extensive fundraising interaction and closing of gifts with the Miami-Dade Donor Community 
• Accompany President and CEO for specific targeted engagement or solicitation
• Ability to create and nurture relationships with donors, using exceptional storytelling abilities, interpersonal communication, and the ability to cultivate long-term partnerships between Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and new donors.
• Must have a valid Florida Driver’s license and pass employee driving class, as administered by FDOT.
• Ability to plan, organize and manage a range of activities that involve extensive coordination with individuals in and outside the Miami Lighthouse.
• Ability to work independently with flexibility and sensitivity to deadlines.
• Excellent business communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work under pressure with superior client service instincts and skills in a compleх environment.
• High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

Salary range: Between $110K - $125K annually