Director of Major Gifts

The Organization

Resilient Retreat is a young, dynamically growing non-profit organization with strong relationships in the community. We empower survivors of trauma, first responders and helping professionals to be resilient and thrive by providing accessible, confidential, evidence-based programs and education.

Job Summary

Under the direction of the Executive Director of Resilient Retreat, the Director of Major Gifts is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individuals, organizations, private foundations and businesses/corporations in Major Gift fundraising activities for Resilient Retreat.  Develops and implements strategies for cultivating relationships, matching Resilient Retreat’s projects and needs with donor interests, researching donor capacity and donor interrelationships with Resilient Retreat supporters, volunteers and staff. Anticipated salary range is $80k - $95k, dependent on experience, skills, and education.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identifies, cultivates and solicits major donor prospects for significant contributions to Resilient Retreat in a Major Gifts fundraising approach.
• Works closely with the Executive Director, Director of Development & Donor Relations, Resilient Retreat Board and the Founder to manage prospect assignments, record contacts, and prepare board members, Executive Director and other organization leaders with training, materials and strategies necessary to be successful.
• Serves as an integral part of the team that designs Resilient Retreat’s major gift initiatives, coordinating the development of Major Gift materials, activities and events.
• Solicits or facilitates solicitation meetings with major donor prospects, working closely with the Resilient Retreat’s Executive Director, Board members, Founder and other staff and volunteer leaders.
• Maintains accurate and timely records/contact reports of all interaction with donors utilizing fundraising software.
• Oversees implementation of stewardship and recognition for all major donors.
• Coordinates and maintains positive relationships with other Resilient Retreat staff members to maximize donor relationships and philanthropic giving to Resilient Retreat.
• Functions as a resource in the coordination of Resilient Retreat events such as Annual Giving Campaigns, Giving Challenge, Resiliency Circle, Farm to Table, Resilient Rhapsody and other events as planned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements:

Standard office environment. Recurring early/late hours (weekend/early morning/evening meetings). Minimal physical exertion required.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business, non-profit management, marketing or related field. Relevant experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-for-year basis.

In addition, ten (10) years of professional level fundraising experience in a non-profit setting, higher education, healthcare, foundation or for-profit trust management services.

Experience with Major Gift fund raising and Capital Campaigns.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Knowledge of effective private fundraising techniques and practices, major gift solicitation, including annual fund, solicitation techniques and planned giving programs.
• Knowledge of Association of Fundraising Professionals code of ethical conduct, National Committee on Planned Giving ethical practices and the Donor Bill of Rights.
• Knowledge of volunteer management techniques.

Skilled at:

• Skill in private fund raising.
• Skill in communicating both in written and oral form.
• Skilled at public speaking.
• Skill in operating a computer and various supporting software packages.

Ability to:

• Ability to connect with potential donors promoting the needs of Resilient Retreat in a way that results in giving.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to work with an ethnically and culturally diverse population.
• Ability to provide effective and responsive service to donors, volunteers and community contacts.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, resolve problems and make decisions.

Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential preferred.

Benefits

Resilient Retreat has an extensive array of benefits including a monthly stipend for health & dental insurance (which is offered [but not required] through Resilient Retreat), no co-pay TelaDoc, MyStrength (an emotional support platform), company paid life insurance, company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, four weeks of paid leave annually, 11 paid holidays and a flexible work schedule (including a four day work week). Further, employees are encouraged to participate in wellness programming offered by Resilient Retreat. Resilient Retreat puts the wellness of employees at the forefront of all operations.

Resilient Retreat moved into an 18,000 square foot Retreat Center in late 2022. Professionally designed and well appointed, the space is warm, cozy and inviting and hosts staff as well as participants in a beautiful building on a campus made up of 84 acres of conserved land. Resilient Retreat was recognized as Sarasota’s Best Nonprofit in 2021 and has been nominated as Sarasota’s Best Place to Work, Sarasota’s Best Local Nonprofit, Sarasota’s Best Local Health Nonprofit and Sarasota’s Best Wellness Center in 2022 & 2023.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $80,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Fundraising: 10 years (Required)
• Major Gifts: 7 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Sarasota, FL 34240 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Sarasota, FL 34240: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person