Advancement Officer

SENIOR FRIENDSHIP CENTERS INC•Venice, FL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Senior Friendship Centers is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Advancement Officer to join their team. For over 50 years, the organization has been making a difference in the lives of seniors in Southwest Florida. The Advancement Officer will be responsible for securing significant philanthropic support, managing a portfolio of major and planned gift donors and prospects, and developing strategic fundraising plans. This role involves identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors, as well as expanding leadership-level supporters. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, highly organized, donor-focused, and possesses strong interpersonal and communication skills. Senior Friendship Centers' mission is to build vibrant communities by advancing wellness, connection, and enrichment throughout the journey of aging, serving older adults across multiple counties in Southwest Florida with vital programs and services.

Requirements

A minimum of five years in nonprofit fundraising, or similar environment, with success in cultivation and solicitation of major gifts and/or planned gifts.
Years of experience in financial, estate and/or philanthropic planning, law, and trust administration fields may substitute.
Extensive knowledge of fundraising principles and techniques, including moves management, the ability to lead and participate in all aspects of the gift cycle, and knowledge of technical aspects of giving vehicles.
Proven track record in individual gift fundraising, managing a large portfolio, including experience closing gifts of $10,000 and higher.
Experience in public speaking, leading presentations, and use of social media.
Proficiency in prospect research (internet and software) and maintaining records in donor database.
Advanced computer skills that include Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint), and other software as needed.
Bachelor’s Degree in a related field, or commensurate professional experience to provide the requisite knowledge, skills, and ability for satisfactory performance in this position.
A valid driver’s license and proof of insurance are required for all work-related travel.
Satisfactory clearance of a fingerprint-based level II background screening and pre-employment substance abuse testing is required.
Must be authorized to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with planned giving, donor engagement strategies, and community relationship-building is strongly preferred.
CFRE certification.
Familiarity with Raisers Edge, other Blackbaud products, or similar databases.
Knowledge of or familiarity with Sarasota County community leaders.

Responsibilities

Manage an assigned portfolio of major and planned gift donors and prospects with intent to form deep relationships, identify specific areas of interest, and increase giving.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward annual donors at the $5,000 level or higher, with an emphasis on maximizing revenue.
Personally solicit through face-to-face visits, including preparation of personalized materials.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward Legacy Society members for SFC and SFC Foundation in Sarasota and Venice, as well as in Charlotte, Lee, and DeSoto Counties.
Meet minimum annual fundraising goal tied to individual donor portfolio.
Develop donor solicitation plans for entire portfolio resulting in strategic, targeted asks.
Develop and meet annual targets for donor visits, gift proposals, closed gifts, and planned gift commitments.
Collaborate with Advancement Team to secure event sponsorships.
Implement strategies to grow membership of the Legacy Society, in collaboration with the Advancement Team.
Become an expert on Senior Friendship Centers and convey that knowledge to donors in a manner that inspires philanthropic support.
Draft and coordinate correspondence to donors, including gift agreements, letters, email updates, and reports.
Ensure accurate and timely records are maintained in the database for donor communications.
Collaborate with Advancement Team to develop and manage giving circles.
Collaborate and assist as needed with planning and execution of signature fundraising events as well as donor cultivation and stewardship events, including Legacy Society events.
Enhance a culture of philanthropy at Senior Friendship Centers, and help to educate staff and board on major and planned giving.
Represent organization as required at outside events to build community awareness, cultivate, and steward donors and prospects, and strengthen community partnerships.
Participate in professional development opportunities related to major and planned giving, stewardship, and the general development field.
Attend staff meetings, training, and seminars as required.
Must comply with all Senior Friendship Centers personnel policies.
Must protect the safety and health of staff, volunteers, participants, and others by observing and following the organization’s safety and incident protocols.
Other duties as assigned.