Director of Development (Philanthropy)

Position Summary

The Director of Development collaborates with the Executive Director to oversee all aspects of fundraising, with an emphasis on creating and implementing strategies to drive new donor acquisition, retention, and cultivation, including planned giving and major donor development. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader who ultimately serves as the organization’s chief fundraising strategist.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Self-motivated and “hands-on” in all aspects of Development.
• The driving force leading by example - successful financial strategies to consistently attain goals with appeals, campaigns, grants, sponsorships, special events, and overall mission.
• Research, write, manage, and report on grants from foundations, corporations, and government agencies.
• Successfully identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
• Develop and implement meaningful donor engagement and retention strategies to grow philanthropic support.
• Oversee the successful development and production of marketing materials, including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, advertisements, presentations, website content, email campaigns, videos, signage, infographics, and other promotional materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, and community stakeholders through personalized engagement and stewardship.
• Lead by example with fundraising, goal achievement, creative and supportive intervention in all aspects of daily development.
• Partner with leadership staff to conduct facility tours and donor cultivation visits with mid-level and major donors.
• Ensure the integrity and accuracy of donor database management, reporting, and recordkeeping.
• Manage donor acknowledgement processes to ensure timely recognition and stewardship.
• Develop and implement donor reporting strategies that demonstrate impact and strengthen long-term relationships.
• Research and pursue new business development opportunities to increase revenue and community engagement.
• Supervise and support assigned staff while leading with an example-driven attitude.

Key Performance Indicators

• Total dollars raised
• Growth in major gifts
• New donor acquisition
• Donor retention rate
• Grant revenue
• Corporate sponsorship revenue
• Planned gifts secured
• Event net income
• Budget line items, including membership
• Monthly donor growth
• Monthly giving
• Return on fundraising investment (ROI)

What are we looking for?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field required. Master's degree in a related field is a plus.
• Experience: Minimum of 5-10 years of successful nonprofit fundraising experience. Proven examples in securing major gifts and grants and achieving targeted goals for successful appeals and fundraising events. Proficient with donor CRM software and database administration.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Superior written and verbal communication skills. Accomplished in relationship-building and interpersonal skills. Successful in donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising strategy. Excels in grant research, proposal writing, and reporting. Effective marketing, branding, and digital communications. Impressive organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Creative and strategic thinker with impressive problem-solving abilities. Self-motivated with a high level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. Passion for animal welfare and commitment to SPCA Florida's mission.

Why Join SPCA Florida?

• Working for an organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of animals and the people of Central Florida.
• Being part of an innovative, creative, and dynamic Marketing and Development team.
• Collaborating with passionate professionals who share a commitment to making a lasting impact in our community.
• A positive, supportive work environment where employees are valued, empowered, and encouraged to grow.

At SPCA Florida, we believe in creating a workplace that balances professional excellence with a culture of compassion, teamwork, and purpose.

Relocation assistance may be considered for qualified out-of-state candidates.

Apply Today

If you are an experienced fundraising professional passionate about helping animals and building meaningful relationships to advance a life-saving mission, we encourage you to apply. Join SPCA Florida and help create a brighter future for pets and the people who love them.

SPCA Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer, a Drug-Free Workplace, and a Non-Smoking Campus.