Join Lighthouse Central Florida, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through empowerment and independence for individuals with vision loss. As a key part of our executive team, the Vice President of Fund Development will play a pivotal role in ensuring our mission is fully realized by securing the resources necessary to support our mission. This role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with colleagues across multiple departments, aligning strategies and ensuring cohesive messaging and seamless execution of development initiatives. As a senior leader, you will have the chance to pioneer new fundraising initiatives, elevate our grant portfolio, and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve through growth, innovation, and creative problem-solving in the dynamic field of nonprofit development.

Organizational Vision from Leadership:
For nearly five decades, Lighthouse Central Florida (LCF) has been committed to empowering individuals of all ages with vision impairment to live independently and thrive through nationally accredited rehabilitation services. Our impact over the past decade has been significant, with LCF serving 6,795 individuals through our programs—72% of whom were adults and 28% youth. In 2011, we launched Lighthouse Works (LW), a social enterprise that extends this mission by creating meaningful career opportunities for the blind and visually impaired. To date, Lighthouse Works has contributed over $12 million in wages to blind employees and was credited in 2023 with creating 25% of all new jobs for blind individuals nationwide. Together, LCF and LW are building a stronger, more inclusive community—one where individuals with vision impairments can fully participate, achieve independence, and help shape the vibrant future of Central Florida and beyond.

Basic Function:
The Vice President of Fund Development will lead the strategic planning, execution, and oversight of all fundraising and grant development initiatives at Lighthouse. This senior leadership role is instrumental in securing sustainable revenue streams to support the organization’s mission and vision. The ideal candidate will be a results-oriented, visionary fundraising professional with an exceptional track record in major gifts and grants, high-level team leadership, and cross-departmental collaboration. As a member of the executive team, the VP of Fund Development will contribute to the strategic leadership of the organization and serve as a key representative among funders and in the community. This position requires the ability to think strategically and act tactically, managing a small team.

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development:

• Provide transformative leadership to elevate the organization's fundraising capabilities, instilling a culture of excellence and accountability across the development team.
• Strategize and execute tactical actions to effectively manage and inspire a small, high-performing team.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top-tier talent within the Fund Development team, fostering a collaborative, supportive environment that enhances productivity and job satisfaction.
• Inspire and mobilize board members and executives to actively contribute to fundraising initiatives, enhancing the organization’s reach and impact.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making within the executive team, aligning fundraising goals with broader organizational objectives and priorities.

Strategic Fundraising & Execution:

• Design and implement a forward-looking fundraising strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission and growth objectives, incorporating clear goals, timelines, and metrics for success.
• Develop and oversee a robust schedule of signature and cultivation events, including two annual signature events and monthly tours designed to deepen donor engagement and attract new supporters.
• Diversify fundraising efforts across major gifts, annual giving, corporate and foundation grants, planned giving, board giving, and special events, ensuring a balanced and resilient revenue portfolio.
• Lead comprehensive campaigns—from personalized solicitations and events to digital fundraising and corporate partnerships—to expand the organization’s donor base and drive significant growth in philanthropic support.
• Utilize data-driven prospect and donor research to guide engagement strategies and optimize fundraising outcomes.

Donor Relations & Stewardship:

• Manage a portfolio of high-impact major donors, focusing on relationship-building, donor retention, and growth in gift amounts through tailored engagement and stewardship.
• Oversee a robust donor stewardship program to ensure meaningful and consistent recognition, enhancing donor satisfaction and long-term loyalty.
• Ensure the effective use of donor management systems to maintain accurate, up-to-date records and generate essential reports for ongoing strategy refinement.

Financial Planning & Budget Oversight:

• Collaborate with executive leadership to develop the annual fund development budget, setting realistic yet ambitious revenue targets.
• Monitor and report on budget performance, ensuring financial transparency and accountability, and make strategic adjustments as needed to achieve organizational goals.

Community Engagement & Advocacy:

• Serve as a key organizational representative among funders, community partners, and stakeholders, strengthening relationships and identifying new opportunities for collaboration.
• Act as a highly visible ambassador for Lighthouse Central Florida, championing its mission and goals at community events, speaking engagements, and other public forums.
• Foster partnerships with local stakeholders, nonprofits, and businesses to enhance organizational visibility and uncover new fundraising opportunities.

Marketing & Communications:

• Partner with the communications team to craft compelling, mission-focused materials for campaigns, digital channels, and outreach efforts that effectively support and amplify fundraising goals.
• Leverage current trends in digital marketing and social media to maximize outreach, engaging new and existing supporters across multiple platforms.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required, master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.

Experience:

• 7+ years of progressive experience in nonprofit fundraising, including demonstrated success in major gift solicitation and high-level team leadership.
• Proven track record in grant management and collaboration with board members and executive teams.
• Experience in building and leading high-performing teams and developing innovative fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in overseeing large-scale events and donor cultivation activities.
• Knowledge of blindness and/or disability services is beneficial.

Certifications:

• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is a plus.

Key Competencies:

• Visionary Leadership: Demonstrates proactive, strategic thinking with accountability for outcomes.
• Strategic and Tactical Thinking: Able to plan long-term while taking immediate, practical steps to implement initiatives effectively.
• Collaboration and Partnership Building: Strong commitment to team-based success and inter-departmental collaboration.
• Organizational and Financial Acumen: Skilled in planning, prioritizing, and overseeing complex budgets.
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding written and verbal skills; adept in digital communication platforms.
• Technological Proficiency: Proficient in donor management software, CRM systems, and online research tools.
• Adaptability and Independence: Self-starter who can work flexibly in a multi-disciplinary team environment.
• Cultural Alignment: Embodies and promotes the organization’s core values, making ethical and prudent decisions.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 15 lbs.
• Extended periods sitting at a workstation or in meetings.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for occasional travel.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Successful Level II background check clearance required.