Development Director

The Development Director is a newly created leadership role responsible for overseeing fundraising and external relations for the Sarasota Housing Authority’s affiliated 501(c)(3). This position is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fund development strategy, including grant writing, major donor cultivation, and community engagement, with a focus on expanding support for key initiatives such as Youth Thrive.

The Development Director operates with a high degree of independence, serving as a primary ambassador for the organization, building strategic relationships, and driving revenue growth. This role contributes to organizational sustainability by identifying funding opportunities, strengthening donor partnerships, and enhancing SHA’s visibility within the community.

Requirements

Education/Certification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field.

CFRE (Certified Fund-Raising Executive) credential or active pursuit (Preferred).

Experience Requirements

Three (3) to six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, stewardship, grant administration, or resource development, including demonstrated success in securing funding and managing donor or stakeholder relationships. Existing donor relationships preferred.

Qualifications

Requires strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and compliant funding proposals and reports. Must demonstrate sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment.

Experience with donor or grant management systems (e.g., CRM platforms) is desired. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, external partners, and community stakeholders is essential.

This position also requires a valid Florida driver’s license and the ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening. Must be be insurable under the agency's fleet auto insurance.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of grant funding processes, including research, application, compliance, and reporting requirements
• Ability to develop and implement structured fundraising plans aligned with organizational goals
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and documentation in accordance with reporting and audit standards
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and sustain partnerships with donors, agencies, and community organizations
• Ability to prepare written materials, including proposals, reports, and correspondence, in a professional and compliant manner
• Organizational and project management skills with attention to detail and follow-through
• Ability to represent the Authority in a professional manner in public and community settings

Duties/Responsibilities of Position

• Research, prepare, and submit grant applications to foundations, corporations, and government funding sources in support of Youth Thrive and other 501(c)(3) initiatives
• Administer the full grant lifecycle, including prospecting, application development, submission, reporting, and stewardship, ensuring adherence to all funding requirements and deadlines
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with program officers, foundation representatives, and funding partners

Major Donor Development

• Identify, cultivate, and steward a portfolio of current and prospective donors within the Sarasota region
• Coordinate and facilitate donor engagement activities, including site visits, program tours, and stakeholder meetings
• Plan and execute donor events in collaboration with agency leadership
• Develop and implement donor stewardship strategies, including targeted communications and engagement plans

Marketing & Agency Promotion

• Serve as a representative of the Authority and Youth Thrive program within the community, including civic organizations, partners, and media outlets
• Collaborate with internal staff to develop materials that communicate program impact, including reports, case statements, and donor-facing content
• Represent the Authority at public events, meetings, and speaking engagements as assigned
• Support the development and maintenance of development-related communications across appropriate platforms including social media
• Develop, implement, and monitor an annual fund development plan with defined goals, timelines, and performance measures
• Maintain accurate and complete records of donor activity, contributions, and grant requirements within the designated CRM system
• Prepare and provide periodic reports on fundraising activities and outcomes to executive leadership and governing bodies, as applicable
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure proper receipt, documentation, acknowledgment, and compliance related to all funds received

General Responsibilities

• Ensure all activities are conducted in alignment with Authority policies, applicable regulations, and sound internal controls
• Perform other duties as assigned

Work is primarily performed in an office and community-based environment, with regular interaction with donors, stakeholders, and community partners. The role requires attendance at events, meetings, and networking functions that may occur outside standard business hours. Regular travel within the community is expected.

The position involves extended periods of sitting, computer use, and communication, as well as active participation in external engagements and presentations. Some work outside of standard business hours may be required.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the major responsibilities and requirements of this job classification. Not all incumbents may perform all listed job duties, and some may perform duties not listed; incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks beyond those stated in this description.