Position Summary

Reef Renewal USA is seeking an enthusiastic, relationship-driven Development Director to strengthen and grow the organization’s fundraising program during an important period of expansion.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Development Director will help develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy that includes annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, fundraising events, donor stewardship, and planned giving over time. This is a hands-on leadership position that combines strategic planning with day-to-day execution, with priorities set in partnership with the Executive Director.
This is a highly collaborative role that requires frequent communication with the Executive Director, Board members, staff, donors, and partners. The Development Director will help facilitate shared fundraising strategy by bringing the right people into donor conversations, preparing thoughtful approaches, and working with others to determine the most effective path forward.

The right candidate will enjoy building relationships, creating systems, telling compelling stories, and helping donors connect their passion for ocean conservation with meaningful opportunities to make a lasting impact.

This role is well suited for a versatile development professional who can move comfortably between donor cultivation, grant writing, events, campaigns, stewardship, and the systems-building needed to support long-term fundraising growth.

About Reef Renewal USAReef Renewal USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring resilient coral reefs 
through innovative science, large-scale coral propagation, and strategic partnerships. We are committed to producing and outplanting resilient corals at an unprecedented scale while engaging communities, donors, and partners who share our vision of healthy reefs for future generations.

Primary Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Program Development

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan in partnership with the Executive Director and Board. 
• Build a balanced fundraising program over time, with initial emphasis on annual giving, individual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundation giving, donor stewardship, and recurring giving.
• Support capital campaign planning and readiness in partnership with the Executive Director, Board, and advisors, including donor strategy, prospect research, case development, and preparation for campaign conversations.
• Develop annual fundraising campaigns and appeals. 
• Establish fundraising goals, metrics, and reporting. 
• Help create the systems and processes necessary to support long-term fundraising growth. 
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend improvements. 

Donor Relations & Major Gifts

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors at all giving levels. 
• Manage an active portfolio of donor and prospect relationships. 
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board members to develop prospect strategies, prepare for donor meetings, determine appropriate meeting participants, and shape thoughtful asks.
• Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities. 
• Ensure timely follow-up with donors and prospects. 
• Maintain accurate donor records and activity within the organization's CRM. 
• Develop strategies to increase donor retention, recurring giving, and donor engagement. 

Grants & Institutional Giving

• Research grant opportunities that align with organizational priorities. 
• Write compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports. 
• Develop and manage the organization's grant calendar. 
• Coordinate with scientific and operations staff to gather technical information and program outcomes. 
• Assist with grant budgets in collaboration with finance and leadership. 
• Track grant reporting deadlines and compliance requirements. 
• Build relationships with foundation and institutional funders. 

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Identify and cultivate new corporate sponsorship opportunities. 
• Develop customized sponsorship proposals. 
• Manage sponsor relationships and fulfillment. 
• Collaborate with partners to maximize engagement and visibility. 

Fundraising Events

• Plan and execute fundraising events in partnership with staff, volunteers, vendors, and organizational leadership.
• Help secure event sponsors and auction items. 
• Coordinate volunteer support for events. 
• Attend fundraising events, donor receptions, and community outreach activities. 
• Support event logistics before, during, and after events as needed, while ensuring each event advances fundraising, stewardship, and visibility goals.
• Lead post-event stewardship and follow-up with sponsors, donors, and attendees. 

Communications & Storytelling

Working collaboratively with the Executive Director and communications team:

• Develop donor-focused communications and fundraising appeals. 
• Assist with newsletters and impact reports. 
• Help identify compelling stories from Reef Renewal USA's restoration work. 
• Ensure donors understand the impact of their support. 
• Support fundraising content for digital and print campaigns. 

Organizational Leadership

• Become knowledgeable about Reef Renewal USA's science, restoration work, strategic priorities, and organizational goals. 
• Participate in strategic planning and organizational initiatives. 
• Build collaborative relationships across departments. 
• Represent Reef Renewal USA professionally throughout Florida and at conferences, community events, and partner meetings. 
• Serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the organization's mission. 
• Work closely with the Executive Director and support board members, advisors, and volunteers in donor cultivation, introductions, sponsorship outreach, and event engagement.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience. 
• Three to seven years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising or development. 
• Demonstrated success in multiple areas of fundraising, such as annual giving, major gifts, grants, corporate sponsorships, donor stewardship, or fundraising events. 
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Strong organizational and project management abilities. 
• Experience managing multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Proficiency with donor databases or CRM systems. 
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Florida, including frequent travel to the Florida Keys and the Tampa Bay region. 
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation. 

Preferred

• Experience writing successful grant proposals. 
• Experience planning and managing fundraising events. 
• Experience working with nonprofit boards and fundraising committees. 
• Experience with Givebutter or similar donor management platforms. 
• Knowledge of marine conservation or environmental nonprofit organizations. 
• Certified scuba diver or willingness to become scuba certified. 
• Residence in the Tampa Bay region or Florida Keys, or willingness to relocate. 

The Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a relationship builder who enjoys creating something meaningful from the ground up. They are comfortable moving between donor conversations, grant writing, sponsorship materials, event support, and the practical details that come with building a growing development program. They are curious, proactive, adaptable, and willing to learn the science behind Reef Renewal USA's work so they can authentically share the organization's story with donors, partners, and the community.

They thrive in a collaborative environment, communicate openly and often, and understand that successful fundraising is a team effort. This is not a lone-wolf role; the Development Director will work closely with the Executive Director, Board, staff, and partners to build relationships and move opportunities forward together.

What Success Looks Like

Within the first 12 months, and in partnership with the Executive Director and team, the Development Director will:
• Develop and begin implementing a comprehensive fundraising strategy. 
• Build strong relationships with existing donors, sponsors, and partners. 
• Expand the pipeline of prospective donors and funding opportunities. 
• Increase donor stewardship and recurring giving. 
• Strengthen grant funding through proactive research and quality proposal development. 
• Support successful fundraising events and sponsorship growth. 
• Establish sustainable fundraising systems and processes that position Reef Renewal USA for continued growth. 

Compensation and Classification

Salary range: $85,000–$100,000, commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position. Benefits, paid time off, and other employment details will be shared with candidates during the interview process.

Work Environment & Travel
This position requires regular travel throughout Florida, particularly between the Tampa Bay region and the Florida Keys. Attendance at fundraising events, donor meetings, community functions, and occasional evening or weekend activities is expected, with advance planning whenever possible.
Because building strong relationships with donors, partners, and staff is essential to this role, the Development Director must reside in either the Tampa Bay region or the Florida Keys. Candidates currently living outside these areas must be willing to relocate within an agreed-upon timeframe.

Why Join Reef Renewal USA?
This is more than a fundraising position—it's an opportunity to help build one of the country's most innovative coral restoration organizations. As Development Director, you will play a key role in expanding the philanthropic support that makes our mission possible while helping shape the future of an organization making a tangible impact on ocean conservation.

Equal Opportunity Employer
Reef Renewal USA is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other status protected by applicable law.