Position Summary
The Development Director is responsible for structuring and executing the fundraising strategy for the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, Inc., which supports the county’s public parks system -- one of the largest accredited park systems in the nation -- including recreation and capital programs, environmental stewardship, conservation initiatives, and community engagement efforts. This position develops and manages relationships with donors, corporate partners, foundations, government agencies, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support that advances the Foundation’s mission and impact.
The Foundation is entering an exciting period of growth and is repositioning itself to expand its fundraising infrastructure, strengthen Board engagement, and deepen donor and community relationships.
The Development Director will play a central role in building the Foundation’s organizational capacity, including establishing a comprehensive fundraising infrastructure, supporting Board administration and governance, overseeing budgets, compliance and reporting. This is an exceptional opportunity for an entrepreneurial fundraising professional to help shape and grow a mission-driven organization charged with securing the funding and resources necessary to enhance the community’s quality of life through world-class parks and recreation.
The Development Director works closely with the Board of Directors, the Parks Director, other Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces leadership, and community partners to build a culture of philanthropy and enhance the Foundation’s visibility, sustainability, and fundraising capacity.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising & Revenue Development
Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals.Lead all fundraising initiatives, including:Major gifts, annual giving, and planned giving campaignsCorporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government fundingSpecial events, capital campaigns, and targeted initiativesIdentify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and philanthropic partners.Build and maintain a robust donor pipeline and prospect management system.Prepare fundraising proposals, sponsorship packages, donor communications, and impact reports.Monitor fundraising performance metrics and progress toward revenue goals.
Donor & Community Relations
Serve as a key ambassador for the Foundation throughout the community.Develop relationships with civic leaders, philanthropists, corporations, elected officials, and community organizations.Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities to foster long-term engagement.Represent the Foundation at public meetings, community events, and fundraising functions.
Board & Volunteer Engagement
Partner with the Board of Directors in fundraising efforts and donor cultivation.Coordinate all Board operations, including scheduling meetings, developing agendas, recording minutes, and managing governance follow-ups.Assist board members with prospect identification, relationship management, and solicitation strategies.Recruit and engage fundraising volunteers and committees.
Strategic Communications & Marketing
Enhance the Foundation’s visibility and strengthen fundraising communications.Ensure consistent messaging that highlights the impact of parks, conservation efforts, and community outcomes.Develop annual reports, newsletters, donor materials, and other communications.Lead the Foundation’s website redevelopment and ongoing maintenance.
Grants Management
Research grant opportunities from foundations, corporations, and government entities.Prepare and submit grant applications and required reports.Track grant compliance, timelines, and deliverables.
Event Oversight
Conceptualize, develop, and lead fundraising events, donor receptions, galas, community activations, and campaign launches.Coordinate sponsorship development and donor engagement associated with events.Evaluate event effectiveness and return on investment and report results.
Operations & Reporting
Maintain accurate donor records and fundraising data within customer relationship management (CRM) systems and donor databases.Develop and manage Foundation budgets and revenue projections.Provide regular reports to leadership and the Board regarding fundraising progress.Ensure ethical fundraising practices and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree. Nonprofit management, business administration, communications, public administration, marketing, or a related field preferred.Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible fundraising or nonprofit development experience.Proven success in securing major gifts, sponsorships, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.Experience managing donor portfolios and cultivating high-level relationships.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Experience planning and executing fundraising campaigns and events.Proficiency with donor databases/CRM systems, Donor Perfect and Microsoft Office Suite.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with parks, conservation, environmental, cultural, recreational, and/or or community-based organizations.Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential.Experience supporting capital campaigns and/or public-private partnerships.Knowledge of municipal or government-related nonprofit environments.Familiarity with Miami-Dade county’s philanthropic landscape, donor networks, and regional corporate and community giving environment
Essential Attributes
The ideal candidate will be:
Strategic and highly self-directedComfortable working independently with minimal supervisionConfident in donor-facing environments and public presentations· Results-driven with strong initiative and accountability
Skilled at navigating public- and private-sector relationshipsPassionate about parks, public spaces, recreation, and their community impactOrganized, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Work Environment
· This is a full-time, on-site position in downtown Miami, with substantial time spent in parks and throughout the community meeting with donors and sponsors.
· Attendance at evening and weekend events may be required.
Local travel for meetings, donor engagement, and park and community events is expected.
Compensation, Benefits and Employment Status
· Full-time position
· Miami-Dade County, FL
· Base salary is competitive and commensurate with experience: $115,000 - $125,000 total annual compensation, including benefits.
Company DescriptionThe Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade was established in 2004 during the Building Better Communities Bond initiative, when visionary community leaders recognized that robust private and public sector support is essential to sustain and expand Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces—the essential park system that our growing community relies on for its quality of life. Today, as one of the nation’s largest and most diverse park systems, Miami-Dade Parks stewards approximately 40,000 acres of parklands, natural areas, and environmentally endangered lands, including a vast infrastructure of over 300 heritage, regional, and neighborhood parks.
