Senior Director of Development

Job Title: Senior Director of Development

Location:Tice (Fort Myers, FL)

Employment Type:Full-Time

Goodwill Southwest Florida is seeking a strategic, relationship‑driven Senior Director of Development to lead and expand a comprehensive philanthropic program during a pivotal period of organizational growth. Reporting directly to thePresident/CEO, this executive leadership role offers a rare opportunity to advance workforce development, education, and human services while helping lead a transformational $30 million capital campaign. The ideal candidate is a confident fundraiser and leader who can move seamlessly between strategy and execution, inspire donors and volunteers, develop high‑performing teams, and personally close leadership‑level gifts in support of Goodwill's mission.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Fundraising Leadership
  • Design and execute a comprehensive, multi‑channel fundraising strategy aligned with organizational priorities.
  • Grow annual contributed revenue across individual, corporate, foundation, and community‑based donors.
  • Establish fundraising goals, performance metrics, and accountability systems to drive results.
  • Strengthen development infrastructure, including donor pipelines, prospect strategies, CRM utilization, and stewardship practices.
• Capital Campaign Leadership
  • Partner with the President/CEO and Board of Directors to plan and lead a $30 million capital campaign.
  • Manage campaign strategy, prospect movement, volunteer engagement, and gift tracking.
  • Prepare executive and volunteer leaders for donor conversations, solicitations, and stewardship.
  • Personally manage and solicit a portfolio of top campaign prospects, including six‑ and seven‑figure opportunities.
• Major & Leadership Giving
  • Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward high‑capacity donors.
  • Build and sustain a strong leadership annual giving pipeline.
  • Lead disciplined moves‑management strategies to maximize donor engagement and long‑term relationships.
• Board & Executive Partnership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the President/CEO on fundraising strategy and donor relationships.
  • Engage and support Board members in fundraising efforts, donor introductions, and stewardship activities.
  • Develop briefing materials, talking points, and engagement strategies for senior leaders and volunteers.
• Team Leadership & Culture
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing development team, including fundraising and grants staff.
  • Foster a collaborative, donor‑centered culture grounded in accountability, professionalism, and growth.
  • Clearly define roles, align resources, and support staff development to achieve ambitious fundraising goals.
• Community Visibility & Partnerships
  • Represent Goodwill Southwest Florida with donors, foundations, civic leaders, and corporate partners.
  • Build and strengthen community relationships that elevate mission awareness and philanthropic investment.

Qualifications:

• Required:
  • Minimum of eight (8) years of progressive fundraising leadership experience.
  • Demonstrated success securing major and leadership annual gifts.
  • Proven experience leading or serving in a senior role on a capital campaign or large‑scale fundraising initiative.
  • Strong track record in prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and closing gifts.
  • Experience managing, mentoring, and developing fundraising teams.
  • Proven success partnering with CEOs, Boards, and senior‑level volunteers.
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship‑building skills.
  • Strong command of CRM systems, prospect pipelines, and fundraising analytics.
• Preferred:
  • Experience in human services, workforce development, education, healthcare, or complex community‑based nonprofits.
  • Familiarity with the Southwest Florida philanthropic landscape.
  • CFRE or other advanced fundraising credentials.

Why Goodwill?

• Mission-driven nonprofit organization
• Collaborative merchandising team
• Opportunity to impact multiple store locations across Southwest Florida

Benefits & Perks

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee discounts
• Tuition Reimbursement