JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Director of Advancement & Engagement
Department: Development
Reports To: Chief Development Officer
FLSA Status: Exempt
Updated: June 24, 2025
Classification: Administrative
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the Team Member occupying this position. Team Members may be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties as requested, subject to all applicable state and federal laws. Certain job functions described herein may be subject to possible modification following applicable state and federal laws.
Summary Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Major Gifts Officer to lead efforts in securing and growing individual philanthropic support at the $10,000 and above level. The Director of Advancement and Engagement will be responsible for qualifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding prospective and current major donors, with the goal of expanding the donor pipeline and deepening engagement.
The Director of Advancement and Engagement will also play a key role in executing multi-year fundraising strategies that reflect the mission of Ronald McDonald House-inviting new major donors ($10,000+) into meaningful philanthropic partnerships that help keep families close to the care they need. This role will oversee a targeted portfolio of donors contributing between $10,000 and $100,000, representing approximately 10% of the major donor base. The Director will cultivate, solicit, and steward these relationships through tailored engagement strategies designed to deepen donor commitment and grow long-term support.
Working in close partnership with the President & CEO, Chief Development Officer, Board Members, and other senior leaders, this position ensures donors are meaningfully connected to Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida's mission.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker and persuasive communicator with a strong track record in major gift fundraising. They possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, understand donor motivations, and can craft compelling proposals and engagement strategies. A collaborative spirit, attention to detail, and high emotional intelligence are essential to success in this role.
Essential Job Functions - Lead and execute multi-year fundraising strategies that align with the heart of Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida's mission-inviting new major donors ($10,000+) into meaningful partnerships that keep families close to the care they need.
- Manage a dedicated portfolio of major donors contributing between $10,000 and $100,000, representing approximately 10% of the overall major donor base. Cultivate, solicit, and steward these relationships with personalized engagement strategies to deepen commitment and elevate giving.
- Design and champion a comprehensive donor stewardship and cultivation program for individual donors, including recognition levels, impact reporting, and relationship-building touchpoints that inspire long-term support.
- Provide strategic leadership in the planning and implementation of Development and Operations initiatives that sustain and grow donor support.
- Oversee the donor database to ensure accurate records, timely reporting, and effective, personalized donor acknowledgments and communications.
- Collaborate with Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida's marketing partners to develop and execute targeted campaigns and messaging strategies that increase donor engagement and giving.
- Conduct donor visits and tailored solicitations in partnership with organizational leadership to strengthen and expand philanthropic relationships.
- Support the identification, qualification, and solicitation of major donor sponsorships for annual events, including the preparation of compelling proposals for ongoing and increased support.
- Assist with planning and executing donor-focused events, providing support in the lead-up and on the day of each event.
- Implement a structured program for building and maintaining strong relationships with high-potential individual donor constituencies.
- In partnership with the Chief Development Officer, establish and evaluate annual goals, objectives, and strategies for major gift fundraising.
- Proactively qualify new prospects through strategic outreach efforts, including cold calls and emails, to identify and cultivate future major gift donors.
- Clearly and compellingly articulate Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida's vision and funding priorities in both written and verbal communications with prospects and donors.
Ancillary Job Functions - Will be asked to support community fundraising events and Ronald McDonald House® Central Florida special events at off-site locations.
Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered.
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum 3 - 5 years' related experience and demonstrated success in donor identification, cultivation, and stewardship.
- Documented success in personally implementing sophisticated, multi-year cultivation strategies that use relationship-building and moves management approach leading to successful gift closure.
- Knowledge of databases and their capabilities; Raiser's Edge NXT preferred
- Possess strong office skills and knowledge of general office equipment
- Excellent calendar management skills
- Strong proficiency of MS Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Valid Florida driver's license and operable vehicle.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.
- Ability to initiate and build relationships with prospective individuals and foundation donors and interact via telephone and in-person.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, with a talent for building strong and productive relationships across constituencies.
- Demonstrated success in organizing work, meeting strict deadlines, and setting priorities.
- Self-motivation and discipline to regularly set and exceed work goals.
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and networking skills with individuals and large groups.
- Demonstrated analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to maintain highly sensitive and confidential donor information.
- Ability to travel when necessary to engage and solicit prospects.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills - verbal and written.
- Tactful, flexible, diplomatic, and trustworthy with a positive attitude.
- Proactive problem solver who works collaboratively with others to support a positive and productive work environment.
- Extremely detail-oriented and strives for accuracy.
- Can effectively work with all organizational levels
- Can be counted upon to be honest, trustworthy, and uphold the highest levels of confidentiality
Work Environment - Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.
- Exposed to moderate noise levels.
- Frequent interruptions, ability to multitask key.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required.
- Must be available to work irregular hours, shifts, weekends, and holidays as needed
Physical Abilities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
- Light sedentary office work. Frequently required to sit
- Must be willing and able to travel between necessary locations using a personal vehicle or alternative
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel; talk or hear.
- Must be physically capable of carrying 35 lbs.
Reasonable accommodations will be made for individuals and disabilities.
0% - 24%
25% - 49%
50% - 74%
75% - 100%
Sitting: Will remain in a seated position.
X
Dexterity: Will perform repetitive tasks including keyboarding, handwriting, and equipment operation.
X
Standing/Walking: Will move about from one area of the workplace to another.
X
Climbing/Stooping/Reaching: Will bend, twist, squat, stoop, kneel, crouch, and reach at or above shoulder level.
X
Lifting: Will to lift and carry objects up to 25 lbs.
X
Pulling/Pushing: Will transport loads of up to 40 lbs.
X
Work Environment: Will work in an office environment, not substantially exposed to adverse conditions.
X
