Overview

Director of Donor & Government Relations Jobs in Miami, FL at Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida’s largest and oldest not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired. Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of nearly 30,000 program participants annually, from babies to seniors. The impact of our 12 accredited programs is statewide, nationwide, and international. Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired is ranked by Charity Navigator among the top 1% of charities scoring 100% on all parameters and 13 continuous 4 Stars, the top rating possible.

Miami Lighthouse is proud to provide one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the not-for-profit industry. Our benefits package includes life insurance, accident insurance and long-term disability at no cost to our employees; voluntary benefits, including health insurance with Aetna for which Miami Lighthouse subsidizes a significant portion of the premium, dental, vision, short term disability and supplemental insurance; generous employer funded 401(k); and above average paid days off.

Position Summary: The Director of Donor & Government Relations is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships that support Miami Lighthouse’s mission, financial sustainability, and growth. The position focuses on impactful individual and governmental relationships that sustain and grow our programs. Primary effort involves strategic external engagement in collaboration with the President and CEO, cultivating prospective donors and strengthening government and community relationships to sustain and secure funding and sponsorship opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following, but not limited to:

Donor Development & Fundraising

  • Develop and implement strategies to increase individual, major, corporate, foundation, and other philanthropic support.
  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and existing donors.
  • Build and maintain a strong pipeline of donors and funding prospects.
  • Coordinate face-to-face solicitations, donor meetings, written appeals, and other fundraising activities.
  • Work closely with the President & CEO and Board members on major donor cultivation and solicitation.
  • Develop and maintain corporate sponsorships and philanthropic partnerships.
  • Identify opportunities to diversify revenue and increase long-term financial sustainability.
  • Ensure appropriate donor recognition, stewardship, and follow-up.

Government Relations

  • Develop and maintain relationships with state and local elected and appointed officials.
  • Identify opportunities for government funding, contracts, grants, appropriations, and partnerships.
  • Arrange meetings between the President & CEO and key government officials, community leaders, and other influential stakeholders.
  • Represent Miami Lighthouse at selected government, civic, and community meetings and events.
  • Coordinate, as appropriate, with government relations lobbyists.

Executive & Community Relations

  • Support the President & CEO in developing and maintaining relationships with philanthropists, government officials, corporate leaders, healthcare and social service executives, and other community leaders.
  • Identify strategic networking and relationship-building opportunities.
  • Develop partnerships and collaborative opportunities that advance Miami Lighthouse’s mission and programs.
  • Develop targeted opportunities for prospective donors and community leaders to tour Miami Lighthouse and learn about its programs.
  • Accompany and support the President & CEO at selected donor, government, and community engagements.

Fundraising Events & Special Initiatives

  • Along with internal staff and committees, plan and implement fundraising and donor engagement events, including White Cane Day, the “See the Light” luncheon, and other development events.
  • Coordinate with the Gala Committee, Helen Keller Legacy Society, Young Professionals of Miami Lighthouse, and other groups supporting fundraising activities.
  • Maintain and grow event sponsorships and community partnerships.
  • Evaluate event results and make recommendations for future activities.
  • Serve as liaison to the Board External Relations Committee.

Administration & Leadership

  • Maintain accurate records of donor, government, corporate, and community relationships.
  • Track fundraising activity, donor prospects, sponsorships, government opportunities, and results.
  • Provide regular reports and recommendations to the President & CEO.
  • Work collaboratively with program and administrative staff to understand and communicate Miami Lighthouse’s programs and impact.
  • Participate in strategic initiatives and special projects as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the President and CEO.

Experience Required:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in the fields of Non-Profit Management, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or similar REQUIRED.
  • Minimum of three + years of experience with Miami donor relations, including demonstrated success in meeting and obtaining annual donation goals. Past job roles such as Manager of Donor Relations, Development Manager, or similar.
  • Proficiency in CRM software, specifically Raiser’s Edge.
  • Proven history of developing multichannel campaign managements, major gift solicitation, and grant writing.
  • Proven history in strong relationships with community leaders, foundation officers, corporate social responsibility (CSR) heads, and vendors.
  • Outstanding verbal and written communication skills and extensive fundraising interaction and closing of gifts with the Miami-Dade Donor Community
  • Accompany President and CEO for specific targeted engagement or solicitation
  • Ability to create and nurture relationships with donors, using exceptional storytelling abilities, interpersonal communication, and the ability to cultivate long-term partnerships between Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and new donors.
  • Must have a valid Florida Driver’s license and pass employee driving class, as administered by FDOT.
  • Ability to plan, organize and manage a range of activities that involve extensive coordination with individuals in and outside the Miami Lighthouse.
  • Ability to work independently with flexibility and sensitivity to deadlines.
  • Excellent business communication and presentation skills, both written and oral.
  • Ability to work under pressure with superior client service instincts and skills in a complex environment.
  • High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
  • Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.

Pay: $100,000.00 – $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

  • 401(k) matching
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Education:

  • Bachelor’s (Required)

Experience:

  • Miami donor relations: 3 years (Required)
  • major gift solicitation: 3 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Title: Director of Donor & Government Relations

Company: Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Location: Miami, FL

Category:

 

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