Position Title:         Development Director

Department:             Development

Reports to:               CEO

Location:                  Tierra Verde, FL

FLSA Status:           Exempt

Established in 1993, Tampa Bay Watch is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the recovery and protection of the Tampa Bay estuary through scientific and educational programs. With the opening of our second location, the Discovery Center in downtown St Petersburg, our organization is growing, and this position will focus on expanding our fundraising capacity, including donor cultivation and annual and planned-giving.

Position Summary:  Reporting to the CEO, the Development Director is responsible for creating the annual development plan and successful execution of fundraising initiatives at Tampa Bay Watch.  This includes participating in all aspects of the gift cycle, expanding fundraising capacity, managing donor relations, cultivating current and soliciting new donors, members, and major gifts and creating timely and effective stewardship. The Director is charged with coordinating initiatives with the Development team, including the Development Committee Chair. The Director assumes direct management of Development Staff including the Events & Development Coordinator, Membership Coordinator and Annual Giving Manager. Experience with CRM software and effective donor management systems is crucial.

Key Responsibilities:

·         Acting as a major gifts officer for the organization and working with the CEO, President, Board of Directors Development Committee and staff to cultivate relationships, secure contributions and provide stewardship to meet the organization’s annual budget.

·         Working cohesively with the CEO and President to develop and implement a yearly watch list plan for prospective donors, matching grants/funds, and year- end appeal.

·         Leading strategic initiatives through collaboration with the Development Committee to retain, grow, and acquire Corporate Memberships, Individual Gifts, Foundations, and Grants; organizing the solicitation strategies of donors.

·         Leading and supporting the development team in areas of donor communication, membership, special events and fundraising.

·         Direct and manage Event Coordinator to develop, support and oversee meaningful special events with growth in revenue and sponsorship opportunities.

·         Update and implement the Development Plan for Tampa Bay Watch annually with staff, CEO and Development Committee Chair.

·         Further develop the Planned Giving program through identification and stewardship of donors who will support long-term financial health and program goals of Tampa Bay Watch through legacy investments.

·         Identify, manage, and as directed, take donor cultivation action with the CEO, President, Board of Directors.

·         Plan or assists with receptions, and other forms of donor recognition.

·         Performing other duties as assigned by the CEO.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of 5 years of development, major gifts, and fundraising experience in a supervisory capacity or equivalent combination of education and experience. Current valid Florida Driver’s License.  Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug/alcohol screen and background investigation.

Qualifications & Required Experience:

·         The Director of Development position requires bachelor’s degree and/or related experience with a minimum of 5 years of development, major gifts, and fundraising experience within a supervisory capacity.

·         Must be a highly energetic professional with a record of building donor relationships and closing gifts. Additional talents should include strong communication, strategic fundraising skills, professional staff leadership, and community awareness.

·         CFRE Certification preferred.

·         Ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare effective, accurate and timely reports and other documents to support development objectives.

·         Computer experience should include Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and a working knowledge of donor databases, preferably Altru.

·         Familiar with coastal ecosystems is extremely helpful but not required.

·         Demonstrated skills in motivating, supervising and retaining staff

·         Flexibility and willingness to adjust work days and hours to occasionally accommodate events, and leadership coverage as needed.

·         A genuine passion and appreciation for the mission of the Tampa Bay Watch

·         Hands-on leadership-by-example and a willingness to do all that is necessary to get the job done

·         Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to professionally organize, present, and articulate ideas and information in an effective and understandable manner, both verbally and in writing