Description
Major Gifts Officer – Job Posting
The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee (JFSM) is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to build and nurture meaningful connections with individuals who are passionate about our mission. In this role, you will leverage your expertise in relationship management, strategic engagement, and high-touch client/sales experiences to create opportunities for supporters to connect deeply with our work. You will collaborate with leadership, program, and marketing teams to align donor engagement with our organizational priorities and impact, ensuring every interaction is personalized, compelling, and mutually rewarding.
Why This Role Is Perfect for You!
If you have built a career in sales, account management, or client services and are looking to apply your skills in a mission-driven setting, this role offers a unique opportunity to:
Leverage your relationship-building expertise to create lasting impact.
Transition from transactional sales to transformational partnerships.
Use your consultative approach to align supporter interests with meaningful outcomes.
Join a collaborative team where your ability to connect, persuade, and deliver results will drive our success.
Our Mission
“To strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel.”
At JFSM, we strive to strengthen Jewish life and identity in our community, provide for Jewish people in need, and promote support for Israel. We seek to build a safe and secure Jewish community and counter antisemitism through education. We honor our traditions yet are unrelenting in our pursuit of progress.
We are at a transformative moment in the life of our growing Federation, full of opportunity and significance for us and for generations to come. Our vision is a safe, innovative, and inclusive campus that engages community members of all ages and backgrounds in meaningful educational and recreational opportunities. Our campus is a vibrant location which serves as a safe and secure hub of community building, an oasis of learning and respectful exchange, and an incubator space for arts and ideas.
The hub of our campus is The Ora at the Morganroth Event Center, our region’s newest and most versatile event venue.
Our state-of-the-art facility features the 10,000 square foot Kaplan Ballroom, as well as the gorgeous Mitchell Welcome Lobby, light-filled Moravitz Terrace Room, spacious Event Plaza, Stuhlburg Gallery and more. The Ora offers the best in technology, acoustics, and lighting, with enough flexibility to make it the ideal location for life celebrations, corporate events, and live entertainment whether you are hosting 10, 100, or 1000 guests. The multi-use complex will have over 400 parking spaces, providing ease of use for guests. Our exclusive catering partner, Michael’s On East, will provide both stellar cuisine and impeccable service in our 28,000-square-foot Center.
Job Summary
The Major Gifts Officer is responsible for planning, organizing, and executing the annual fundraising plan with the direction and guidance of the Chief Impact and Engagement Officer in support of JFSM’s mission and strategic plan. The individual in this role provides both strategic expertise and operational support in all areas of development, including annual, major, and planned giving, grants, and fundraising events. S/he develops dynamic fundraising and communications strategies to deepen donor relationships and expand the base of support. S/he collaborates with all partnerships, stakeholders, and foundation constituencies, including staff, board members, donors, staff, and community partners. S/he ensures best practices throughout fundraising operations. The successful candidate thrives being part of a vibrant, multi-faceted team and enjoys wearing multiple hats on any given day.
Learn more about us and view the full job description and qualifications on our website at Careers - The Jewish Federation of Sarasota-Manatee.
Location of position: 580 McIntosh Rd., Sarasota, FL 34232
Please note: This is a full-time, on-site position; non-local candidates would be expected to relocate.
Salary and benefits:
Salary and benefits: Base salary range of $85,000 - $105,000. Final salary commensurate with experience. JFSM offers competitive health, wellness, and retirement benefits (4% for each employee regardless of whether they contribute to the 401k, plus an employer match up to 3%. Potential total employer contribution = 7%). A relocation bonus may be provided, as appropriate.
To apply, please submit:
Cover Letter
Resume/CV
Submit Applications to: JFSMJobs@outlook.com
Additional project or writing samples may be requested during the selection process.
Application Deadline: We are seeking to fill this position immediately. Candidates are asked to submit their material as soon as possible.
Requirements
Passion for our mission: A genuine interest in our organization’s values and community impact.
3+ years of experience in relationship management, VIP sales, account management, or client services—especially in roles requiring high-touch engagement, consultative selling, or partnership development.
Exceptional interpersonal skills: Ability to connect authentically with diverse individuals, understand their priorities, and tailor your approach accordingly.
Proven success in securing high-value partnerships, closing deals, or managing VIP client relationships—translating complex needs into actionable opportunities.
Strong communication skills: Excellent written, verbal, and presentation abilities, with a knack for storytelling and crafting persuasive messages.
Organized and detail-oriented: Adept at managing multiple relationships, tracking interactions, and following through on commitments.
Entrepreneurial mindset: Self-motivated, creative, and solution-focused—thriving in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
Collaborative team player: Comfortable working closely with colleagues across departments to align strategies and deliver results.
Tech-savvy: Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite.
Proven record of raising major gifts along with experience in annual fund, events, and some knowledge of planned giving.
Bachelor’s degree and a demonstrated history of progressively successful fundraising experience.
Stays current with fundraising best practices and policies.
Preferred Experience
Background in nonprofit, mission-driven, or community-focused organizations (a plus but not required).
Experience with event planning, strategic partnerships, or high-net-worth client management.