Philanthropy Officer

About Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote Marine Laboratory, located in Sarasota, Florida, was founded in 1955 as an
independent marine research institution and has since become a distinguished and
integrated research enterprise with a focus on education, public outreach, and public
policy programs.

Position Overview

The Philanthropy Officer at Mote Marine Laboratory will be responsible for securing
significant revenue for Mote Marine Laboratory. He/She will be expected to develop dynamic fundraising strategies focused on engaging, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding an assigned portfolio of major donors as well as developing new prospects focused on leadership level giving for the organization. The Philanthropy Officer will report directly to the Director of Development and work independently and as part of the Development Team.

The Philanthropy Officer will:

• Manage an assigned portfolio of donors and prospects with intent to form deep relationships and identify specific areas of interest. Cultivate, solicit and steward donors at the $5,000 level or higher, with an emphasis on maximizing revenue for Mote. Personally solicits assigned donor portfolio through face-to-face visits, including preparation of personalized materials.

• Establish personal relationships with major donors, identifying their interests and articulating programmatic aspects of Mote Marine Laboratory’s work that appeal to them.

• Leverage individual donor relationships to expand and deepen giving from connected individuals.

• Personally solicit a specific portfolio of 100-200 prospects, with an emphasis on leadership level annual gifts as well as multi-year pledges. Meet minimum annual fundraising goal tied to individual donor portfolio. Develop donor solicitation plans for entire portfolio resulting in strategic, targeted asks.

• Identify, cultivate and solicit planned gifts within the portfolio.

• Develop strong funding proposals with Mote education, aquarium and research staff.

• Draft and coordinate correspondence to donors, including gift agreements, letters, email updates and reports.

• Represent Mote at community events to increase Mote’s visibility, establish new prospects and create donor stewardship opportunities.

• Ensure correct and timely records are maintained for all donor communication in Mote’s database.

• Enhance the culture of philanthropy at Mote Marine Laboratory.

• Become an expert on Mote Marine Laboratory and convey that knowledge to the donors in a manner that encourages their philanthropic support.

Requirements:

• The Philanthropy Officer is an energetic, goal-driven, customer service-oriented team member.

• The successful candidate should possess a broad knowledge of the principles of fundraising, moves management and the ability to participate in all aspects of the gift cycle.

• Candidate must also possess a proven track record in individual gift fundraising, managing a large portfolio including experience closing gifts of $25,000 and higher.

• The Philanthropy Officer must possess an understanding of the principles and vehicles of Planned Giving.

• Candidate must have at least three years of professional major gift experience. Preference will be given to candidates who have demonstrated qualitative success in working with member-based organizations and volunteers.

• Must demonstrate strong listening skills, strong oral and written communication skills, sophisticated interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and be literate in standard office software.

• Experience maintaining donor records in the database.

• Attention to detail and excellent organizational skills.

• Bachelor degree or equivalent experience is required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Interested applicants should apply online at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before August 6th, 2021. Select candidates will generate writing samples as part of the interview process. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category.