Development Director

Inside Philanthropy; Sarasota (FL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-day condensed work week (Mon-Thu)

Generous paid time off

Twelve paid holidays

100% company-paid medical, dental, and

Vision for employee

Employer match 100% up to 5.4% of pay

7.5% match if deferrals ≥5.5%

Professional development support

Job summary

Sarasota Housing Authority invites you to join our development team as Development Director, leading fundraising and external relations for our 501(c)(3). Build and grow a comprehensive program that advances Youth Thrive and community impact.

The ideal candidate is a strategic, results-driven fundraiser with a strong track record securing grants and cultivating major donors. You will supervise grant lifecycle, build partnerships, and collaborate across departments to tell our story and attract

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or related field.
• CFRE credential or active pursuit preferred.
• Proven track record securing grant funding and/or philanthropic contributions.
• 3–6 years of fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit development experience.
• Experience building donor relationships and securing funding.
• Strong project management and deadline skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication.
• Experience with donor CRM software preferred.
• Exceptional relationship-building and organizational skills.
• Valid Florida driver's license and ability to be insured.
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an annual fundraising and development strategy.
• Research and submit competitive grant applications to foundations, corporations, and government sources.
• Manage grant lifecycle from prospect research to reporting and compliance.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and philanthropic partners.
• Coordinate donor meetings, tours, recognition events, and stewardship activities.
• Represent SHA and Youth Thrive at community meetings and events.
• Build partnerships with community organizations, foundations, and civic leaders.
• Collaborate with staff to create fundraising materials and reports.
• Maintain donor and grant records in the CRM.
• Prepare fundraising reports for leadership and boards.
• Coordinate with Finance on documentation and compliance.
• Support development-related marketing and outreach.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Grant writing

Donor relations

Communication

Project management

Networking

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

CFRE credential

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Make a difference in our community and join the Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) Team!

Since 1938, Sarasota Housing Authority (SHA) has been committed to

providing quality affordable housing to enhance the lives of our residents and

promote their independence. Our professional team members provide housing

assistance to over 2,000 low-income families in Sarasota. In addition to

affordable housing, SHA endeavors to help our families access appropriate

services to improve their lives and is an award-winning industry leader in

early childhood education. SHA is also a HUD High Performer in every category,

for several years running. For more information on SHA, visit

www.sarasotahousing.org.

SHA is committed to providing our team members with a flexible work-life balance that increases their quality of life and well-being.

Become part of the SHA team and enjoy:

• • A four-day (40-hour) condensed work week, Monday–Thursday schedule
  • Generous paid time off program
  • Twelve paid holidays annually
  • 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision for employee only, starting on day one!
  • Employer Match Deferred Compensation Plan of 100% of deferrals up to 5.4% of pay; if deferrals are 5.5% of pay or more, the match will be 7.5% of pay
  • A commitment to team member professional development, training, or continuing education subject to CEO approval

What We Are Looking For:

SHA is seeking an experienced and relationship-driven Development Director to lead fundraising and external relations for our affiliated 501(c)(3). This newly created leadership position offers the opportunity to build and grow a comprehensive development program that advances the Authority's mission and expands support for transformative initiatives such as Youth Thrive.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and exceptional communicator with a proven ability to secure grants, cultivate major donors, and build lasting partnerships throughout the community. This individual is self-motivated, highly organized, and passionate about connecting philanthropic investment with meaningful community impact.

In this Role, You Will:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising and resource development strategy
• Research, prepare, and submit competitive grant applications to foundations, corporations, and government funding sources
• Manage the complete grant lifecycle, including prospect research, application development, reporting, and complianceIdentify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and philanthropic partners
• Coordinate donor meetings, program tours, recognition events, and stewardship activities
• Represent SHA and Youth Thrive at community meetings, networking events, and public engagements
• Build strategic partnerships with community organizations, businesses, foundations, and civic leaders
• Collaborate with internal staff to develop compelling fundraising materials, impact reports, and donor communications
• Maintain accurate donor and grant records utilizing the organization's CRM system
• Prepare regular fundraising and development reports for executive leadership and governing boards
• Coordinate with Finance to ensure proper documentation, acknowledgment, and compliance for all contributed funds
• Support development-related marketing efforts, including social media and community outreach
• Perform other related duties as assigned

What You Need:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, public administration, or a related field required
• CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential or active pursuit preferred
• Demonstrated track record of securing grant funding and/or philanthropic contributions, with examples of successful fundraising outcomes.
• Three (3) to six (6) years of progressively responsible fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit development experience
• Demonstrated success securing grant funding and cultivating donor relationships
• Experience managing multiple projects and competing deadlines
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills
• Experience with donor management or CRM software preferred
• Exceptional relationship-building, networking, and organizational skills
• Valid Florida driver's license with the ability to be insured under SHA's fleet insurance policy
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

If you are interested in joining the SHA team and contributing to our mission to provide quality, affordable housing while enhancing the lives of our residents,