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Director of Development

SARASOTA MANATEE JEWISH HOUSING COU

Sarasota, FL

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Budgeting, Communication Skills, Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems, Data Management, Diversity, Documentation, Donor Development, Event Management, Fundraising, Fundraising Campaign, Interpersonal Skills, Leadership, Logistics, Marketing Communications, Nonprofit, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Proposal Writing, Record Keeping, Solicitation Planning, Stewardship, Storytelling, Team Player, Time Management, Trend Analysis, Volunteer Management, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Sarasota, FL
POSTED
8 days ago
Position Summary

The Director of Development is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for managing and growing Aviva Senior Living's major and mid-level giving programs, as well as leading signature fundraising and donor stewardship events.

As the organization'ssecond dedicated fundraising position, this role is both strategic and hands-on, balancing relationship-based major gift work, mid-level donor growth, and event-based fundraising and engagement. The Director of Development will play a key role in strengthening donor relationships, elevating Aviva's philanthropic profile, and building the systems and experiences needed for long-term fundraising success.

The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven fundraiser who is energized by building meaningful donor partnerships, comfortable working in a growing organization, and motivated by mission-driven impact.

Key Responsibilities

Major & Mid-Level Giving
  • Manage a personal portfolio of major and mid-level donors and prospects, with a focus on personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
  • Develop and execute tailored strategies to increase donor engagement, gift size, and long-term commitment.
  • Identify and qualify mid-level donors with capacity for major gifts and guide their progression through the donor pipeline.
  • Collaborate with senior leadership on major gift strategy, solicitations, and stewardship planning.
Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Design and implement thoughtful stewardship and donor experience strategies that deepen loyalty and demonstrate impact.
  • Create and deliver compelling donor communications, including personalized proposals, impact reports, and acknowledgments.
  • Coordinate donor visits, tours, and mission-based experiences that connect supporters to Aviva's residents and programs.
Events & Donor Experiences
  • Participate with CDO in planning and execution of Aviva's annual fundraising gala, ensuring it is a meaningful donor experience that advances fundraising goals and elevates Aviva's mission and brand.
  • Plan and implement at least one annual donor stewardship event designed to thank, recognize, and deepen relationships with key supporters.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, leadership, vendors, and volunteers to manage event timelines, budgets, logistics, and donor engagement strategies.
  • Leverage events as strategic cultivation and stewardship tools, with intentional follow-up to strengthen donor relationships and support future giving.
Program Strategy & Development
  • Lead the continued development and refinement of Aviva's mid-level and major giving strategies, including segmentation, goals, and donor journeys.
  • Partner with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, donor-centered messaging and storytelling across appeals, events, and donor communications.
  • Support annual fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects as needed.
Data, Reporting & Systems
  • Track donor interactions, moves management activity, event participation, and progress toward goals using the CRM system.
  • Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and portfolio documentation.
  • Analyze giving trends and engagement data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.
Collaboration & Organizational Leadership
  • Serve as a collaborative partner to internal teams, fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
  • Support leadership and volunteer engagement in fundraising and events as appropriate.
  • Contribute to the ongoing growth and maturation of Aviva's development program.
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.
  • 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major and/or mid-level giving.
  • Experience planning and executing fundraising or donor engagement events, preferably including a signature or gala-style event.
  • Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and close relationship-based gifts.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and comfort working with donors of diverse backgrounds.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and donor storytelling.
  • Experience with CRM systems, donor data, and moves management.
  • Passion for Aviva's mission and a commitment to serving older adults with dignity and compassion.

Please be advised that all opportunities to work at Aviva require a Level 2 background screening. For more information about the requirements and process, please visit for more information.

About the Company

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SARASOTA MANATEE JEWISH HOUSING COU