Director of Philanthropy and Donor Relations Officer

About the position The Director of Philanthropy and Donor Relations Officer provides strategic leadership for the fundraising, donor engagement, and philanthropic activities of JFCS. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role ensures the financial sustainability of the organization by cultivating strong donor relationships, expanding philanthropic partnerships, and implementing innovative fundraising strategies. The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for overseeing major gifts, annual giving, planned giving, grants, and fundraising events, while coordinating with the communication and marketing team to elevate community awareness and donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and execution of the agency’s annual fundraising strategy, ensuring alignment with JFCS’s mission and priorities.
• Serve as a major gift fundraiser by identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding key donors and prospects.
• Expand the planned giving program and legacy donor recruitment, including outreach to younger families and new constituencies in Sarasota.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with private foundations, corporations, and philanthropic partners.
• Monitor and manage grant applications, reports, and compliance requirements in partnership with the CEO and program leaders.
• Provide vision and direction to build a culture of philanthropy across the agency.
• Collaborate with the CEO, Board of Directors, and leadership team to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities.
• Represent JFCS at community events, philanthropic networks, and public forums to promote the mission and impact of the agency.
• Partner with the Communications team to develop compelling case statements, donor communications, and fundraising campaigns.
• Direct the planning and execution of fundraising events, ensuring meaningful donor engagement and return on investment.
• Develop innovative campaigns that expand visibility, attract diverse donors to increase overall giving.
• Oversee donor database management and reporting systems to ensure accurate, timely donor tracking and performance measurement.
• Utilize data-driven analysis to evaluate donor trends and inform fundraising strategy.
• Ensure compliance with current fundraising best practices and laws impacting charitable giving.
• Completion of all JFCS required trainings.
• Annual leadership development and supervisory training.
• Participation in external professional development and licensure maintenance, if applicable.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree or CFRE certification preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit management, with demonstrated success in major gift fundraising and donor relations.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, donor stewardship, and community engagement.
• Strong background in managing development operations, events, and fundraising campaigns.
• Expertise in major gifts, planned giving, annual campaigns, events, and grant development.
• Ability to align fundraising goals with organizational mission and priorities.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build trust and credibility with donors, board members, and community leaders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including the ability to craft compelling proposals and donor materials.
• Skilled in donor database management, data analysis, and performance measurement.
• High ethical standards, discretion, and commitment to donor-centered philanthropy.
• Entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving; ability to foster teamwork and inspire staff and volunteers.
• Light physical activity with occasional lifting (up to 10 lbs).
• Ability to travel to community sites and external meetings.
• Extended desk/computer work and mobility throughout the office.
• Ability to work extended hours and respond to unforeseen events.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver’s license required.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in both nonprofit and for-profit environments a plus.