Development Specialist

Miami Lighthouse for the Blind is Florida's largest and oldest not-for-profit organization serving the needs of the blind and visually impaired.
Through education, training, research and vision enhancement, Miami Lighthouse provides hope, confidence, and independence to people of all ages, transforming the lives of nearly 95,000 blind and visually impaired people annually, from babies to seniors, and their families.
Our programs' impact is statewide, national, and international.
Miami Lighthouse is proud to provide one of the most comprehensive benefits programs in the not-for-profit industry.
Our benefits package includes life insurance, accident insurance and long term disability at no cost to our employees; voluntary benefits, including health insurance with Florida Blue for which Miami Lighthouse subsidizes a significant portion of the premium, dental, vision, short term disability and supplemental insurance; generous employer funded 401(k); and above average paid days off.
*Position Summary: *This position is responsible for the coordination of all events and development of sponsorships of the organization.
The candidate must be detail oriented and will have direct involvement in events and marketing of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind.
*Essential Duties and Responsibilities *include the following, but not limited to: * Implements, plans and organizes all special events in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
* Coordinates all aspects of special events with assistance from Development staff & Facilities team –these tasks include, but are not limited to: * Prepares event budgets including anticipated event revenue and related expenses * Manages invitation design, printing, and mailing to ensure quality and timeliness * Manages RSVP list; make follow up calls * Coordinates food/catering * Coordinates rentals when needed (i.
e.
linens, serving/clean-up staff, tables, chairs, lighting, etc.
) * Coordinates sponsorship solicitations * Prepares nametags for guests (when needed) * Designs programs and prepares program copy * Coordinates all staff assignments * Handles event follow-up correspondence * Processes invoices * Assists in developing and stewarding corporate sponsorships and relationships for events in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
* Meets regularly with Development staff to gather and share information to efficiently expedite projects and reports.
* Develops and stewards corporate sponsorships and relationships for events and programs in coordination with Development and Executive offices.
* Stewards, cultivates and upgrades individual and prospective donors (up to $5,000) personally or by coordinating with senior development staff.
* Assists in the management and organization of the Development office.
* Organizes and conducts tours to media and potential donors as needed.
* Attends, supports and participates in outreach and networking events (e.
g.
chamber events, special community committees, community relations and social events, etc.
) as needed.
* Relates appropriately with donors, clients, peers, volunteers, administrative staff, Board members and the general public.
* Works towards the goal of having all development projects completed on time by serving as liaison with appropriate persons and scheduling follow-up and coordination of Development projects.
* Meets regularly with Development staff to gather and share information to efficiently expedite projects and reports.
* Keeps Senior Vice President fully informed at all times regarding matters essential to administration.
* Composes development business correspondence and proofreads for grammar, spelling and punctuation with a high degree of accuracy according to writing guides such as AP Style and Elements of Style.
* Provides support and coordination to Miami Lighthouse fundraising and community outreach events (i.
e.
represent Miami Lighthouse at various health expos & events).
* Assists in other departments when needed.
Provides back-up support for Receptionist as needed.
* Performs other duties as assigned.
*Qualifications:* · Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education re quired.
· Three years of significant experience in events and/or development.
· Knowledge of Miami-Dade philanthropic community required.
· Candidate must be very detail oriented.
· Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
· Normal work schedule is from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, working a minimum of 37.
5 hour per week.
Must be available for selected breakfast and/or evening, and weekend events.
· Demonstrated ability to develop and sustain positive relationships with donors.
· Able to speak effectively before board of directors, agency employees, community groups and other stakeholders; skilled at persuading and influencing others.
· Strong planning and organizational skills, including ability to manage complex responsibilities.
· Self-motivated, organized, and able to work with good judgment and with unquestioned confidentiality with regard to Lighthouse information and donor records.
· Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and other databases; The Raiser’s Edge preferred.
· Reliable transportation, and ability and willingness to travel to meet with donors and prospective donors.
· Affinity with the overall mission of Miami Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
· Personal characteristics associated with successful development professionals, including sound judgment, impeccable integrity, demonstrated initiative, appropriate professional appearance, and attitude and personality to work effectively with colleagues, Miami Lighthouse staff members, volunteers, and constituents.
· High degree of discretion when dealing with confidential information.
· Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background and a drug test screening.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $48,000.
00 per year Benefits: * 401(k) * 401(k) matching * Dental insurance * Health insurance * Health savings account * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Schedule: * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Ability to Relocate: * Miami, FL 33130: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person