Director of Philanthropy

The Director of Philanthropy will be responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of mid-level and major gift donors for The Florida Aquarium. They must be able to think strategically and practically to implement a comprehensive and results-oriented development plan that includes traditional and innovative strategies.

Essential Position Functions

• Mid-Level and Major Giving
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Philanthropy in the creation and implementation of short and long-term philanthropic giving plans to meet or exceed established annual fundraising goals and objectives. 
• Build and manage an active donor portfolio of mid-level and major giving donors and prospects.
• Create “Moves Management” strategies for each donor/prospect that promote a strong case of support for renewable giving.
• Responsible for the management, oversight, and growth of high-end annual giving society – The Champion Circle.
• Develop and manage a “member to donor pipleline” working in partnership with Prospect Development & Analytics Specialist to identify key mid-level donor prospects from TFA membership base.
• Develop donor cultivation activities (i.e. lunch and learn, animal encounters, small gatherings, etc.) to engage current donors, attract new prospects, and deepen affinity for Aquarium mission.
• Directly supervise Manager of Philanthropic Giving, providing guidance and support for annual giving initiatives as needed.

General

• Achieve or exceed personal goals to contribute to the financial sustainability of the organization.  
• Meet metric goals for grant fundraising goals, grant submission, and grant proposals.  
• Prepare appropriate Development materials such as briefing notes, letters, and impact reports that are compelling, accurate, professional, and on brand.  
• Represent The Florida Aquarium at internal and external events; occasional night and weekend availability is required.
• Deliver professional customer service to all Aquarium guests and internal customers.  
• Regularly update and maintain accurate record keeping in CRM system (Altru) with notes, plans, and opportunities for donors as appropriate. 
• Review journals and periodicals for new prospects as well as information pertinent to current prospects, donors, trends, philanthropy; improve and contribute to donor files.  
• Support TFA’s Shared Purpose by participating in a Conservation Day of Action shift on an annual basis.
• Other duties as required.
• Education Requirements, Knowledge, Abilities and Technical Skills
• Bachelor’s degree in related field required. 
• Minimum of seven to ten years of increasing responsibility in non-profit fundraising, preferably focusing on mid-level and major giving.
• Knowledge and demonstrated success in the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.   Passion for the work and mission of the Aquarium. 
• Ability to interact professionally with all levels of the organization and community. 
• Demonstrated ability to listen, negotiate, and collaborate. 
• Superior organizational skills, with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and multitask.
• Capacity to establish action plans with specific short and long-range goals for the Aquarium; allocate resources in the most efficient and effective manner.
• Experience in the conservation field is preferred.
• Ensure the Donor Code of Ethics is followed in respect to the confidentiality of personal and proprietary information.
• Anticipate the needs and act accordingly for both internal and external constituencies.
• Skills with database management and fundraising CRM systems, Altru experience preferred. 
• Computer capabilities of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). 

Core Competencies

• Customer Focus – Demonstrates courtesy, cooperation and friendliness with staff, volunteers and customers. Actively listens, anticipates and evaluates the customer’s needs.
• Ensures that customer satisfaction is a priority in all areas of responsibility.
• Actively engages our customers while fulfilling job responsibilities.

Donor Service Orientation:

• Listening and understanding the donor by anticipating and evaluating their needs; making the donor’s satisfaction a high priority in all areas of responsibility.  
• Professional/Technical Knowledge and Competency — Remains current on developments in the field within and outside the organization; maintains proficiencies.
• Interpersonal Skills/Teamwork – Demonstrates the ability to work collaboratively within a team and across departments for organizational success.
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and initiative, seeks to understand before being understood.
• Fosters a positive, supportive and encouraging work environment.
• Demonstrates respect for other’s opinions, trusts in their abilities and recognizes their contributions.

Teamwork:

• Supporting, facilitating, and participating in activities to promote team effectiveness.  

Communication (oral and written):

• Effectively expressing ideas while actively listening to individuals and groups; preparing and focusing presentations on the characteristics and needs of the audience; expressing ideas clearly and concisely in written form, through memoranda, letters, reports, and other documents.  

Information Gathering and Monitoring:

• Effectively collect relevant data to monitor and manage projects and people, including instituting and initiating follow-up methods.  
• Judgment — Deciding on and committing to an action on the examination of the facts at hand; finding creative solutions to situations and opportunities that arise; taking strategic risks when necessary.
• Concern for detail — Pays attention to every portion of any task, down to the smallest item.
• Planning and organizing — Establishing a course of action with specific long-range goals for the Aquarium; setting priorities among competing requirements and allocating resources most efficiently and effectively.   Institutes and initiates methods for monitoring people and projects. 

Typical Physical Requirements

• Sitting / Standing / Walking  (up to 4 hours per day)
• Bending/Stooping/Squatting — Occasionally
• Climbing stairs —Frequently
• Reaching above shoulders — Occasionally
• Crouching/Kneeling — Occasionally
• Pushing/Pulling — Occasionally
• Carrying / Lifting  (up to 25 lbs.) — Occasionally
• Working near moving machinery — Occasionally
• Exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity
• Typing on a computer keyboard
• Viewing a computer screen for extended periods
• Coping with demands (stresses that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained)
• Ability to travel (car/air) as needed — locally and/or nationally
• Daily contact with a living collection of plants and animals in a central Florida climate
• Flexibility in working weekends, evenings, and holidays
• Available for on-call emergencies
• Ability to interact and be around wild animals
• Exposure to various plants and birds

Salary

• Negotiable