Director of Development

Aviva Senior Living • Sarasota, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Development is a frontline fundraising leader responsible for managing and growing Aviva Senior Living’s major and mid-level giving programs, as well as leading signature fundraising and donor stewardship events. As the organization’s second dedicated fundraising position, this role is both strategic and hands-on, balancing relationship-based major gift work, mid-level donor growth, and event-based fundraising and engagement. The Director of Development will play a key role in strengthening donor relationships, elevating Aviva’s philanthropic profile, and building the systems and experiences needed for long-term fundraising success. The ideal candidate is a relationship-driven fundraiser who is energized by building meaningful donor partnerships, comfortable working in a growing organization, and motivated by mission-driven impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5+ years of progressive nonprofit fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in major and/or mid-level giving.
• Experience planning and executing fundraising or donor engagement events, preferably including a signature or gala-style event.
• Proven ability to manage donor portfolios and close relationship-based gifts.
• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence and comfort working with donors of diverse backgrounds.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and donor storytelling.
• Experience with CRM systems, donor data, and moves management.
• Passion for Aviva’s mission and a commitment to serving older adults with dignity and compassion.

Responsibilities

• Manage a personal portfolio of major and mid-level donors and prospects, with a focus on personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop and execute tailored strategies to increase donor engagement, gift size, and long-term commitment.
• Identify and qualify mid-level donors with capacity for major gifts and guide their progression through the donor pipeline.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on major gift strategy, solicitations, and stewardship planning.
• Design and implement thoughtful stewardship and donor experience strategies that deepen loyalty and demonstrate impact.
• Create and deliver compelling donor communications, including personalized proposals, impact reports, and acknowledgments.
• Coordinate donor visits, tours, and mission-based experiences that connect supporters to Aviva’s residents and programs.
• Participate with CDO in planning and execution of Aviva’s annual fundraising gala, ensuring it is a meaningful donor experience that advances fundraising goals and elevates Aviva’s mission and brand.
• Plan and implement at least one annual donor stewardship event designed to thank, recognize, and deepen relationships with key supporters.
• Collaborate with internal teams, leadership, vendors, and volunteers to manage event timelines, budgets, logistics, and donor engagement strategies.
• Leverage events as strategic cultivation and stewardship tools, with intentional follow-up to strengthen donor relationships and support future giving.
• Lead the continued development and refinement of Aviva’s mid-level and major giving strategies, including segmentation, goals, and donor journeys.
• Partner with marketing and communications to ensure consistent, donor-centered messaging and storytelling across appeals, events, and donor communications.
• Support annual fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and special projects as needed.
• Track donor interactions, moves management activity, event participation, and progress toward goals using the CRM system.
• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, and portfolio documentation.
• Analyze giving trends and engagement data to inform strategy and identify opportunities for growth.
• Serve as a collaborative partner to internal teams, fostering a culture of philanthropy across the organization.
• Support leadership and volunteer engagement in fundraising and events as appropriate.
• Contribute to the ongoing growth and maturation of Aviva’s development program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director