Employment

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Development Director, the Major Gifts Officer serves as a frontline fundraiser within Tampa Bay Watch. They are responsible for identifying, cultivating, and maintaining relationships with high-level donors, typically individuals or corporations capable of making large financial contributions of $10K or more. They play a vital role in stewarding these donors and ensuring their continued engagement and loyalty to Tampa Bay Watch.

The position, in collaboration with the Executive, Development, and Communications team, raises funds, builds strategic partnerships, and raises awareness of Tampa Bay Watch priorities while helping our donors accomplish their philanthropic goals through our organization. The Major Gifts Officer works closely with the Development Director, CEO, Program Directors, the Board of Directors, and other stakeholders to secure major gifts and align donor opportunities with TBW’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

● Develop, identify, qualify, and cultivate major gift strategies for a portfolio of 100+ donors and prospects capable of making major gifts, and build a robust pipeline to increase revenue at the $10,000-$1M+ level.

● Lead the solicitation process for major gifts, including developing tailored solicitation proposals, presentations, and funding opportunities aligned with donor interests and TBW priorities.

● Cultivate and steward relationships with high-net-worth individuals, major donors, and family foundations.

● Must be able to foster an environment of teamwork within the development department and the organization’s management team.

● Create and deliver tailored proposals and grant applications for foundations, gift agreements, and impact reports aligned with donor interests and TBW programs.

● Partner with the CEO, Development Director, and Board members to plan and execute donor engagement and solicitation strategies.

● Manage a portfolio of major donors, ensuring timely follow-up, reporting, and personalized acknowledgment of support.

● Plan and oversee donor cultivation events, in-person visits, and site tours with TBW leadership to deepen donor engagement.

● Collaborate with the Development, Restoration, and Education Directors to identify fundable opportunities and articulate compelling cases for support.

● Maintain accurate activity records in the donor management system and communicate with and track Moves Management strategies for donors.

● Track and analyze major giving trends to inform strategy and forecast revenue.

● Prepare and present regular progress reports and updates for the CEO, Development Director, and Development Committee Chair.

● Demonstrate excellent listening, writing, and presentation skills.

● Support the execution of major fundraising events by developing compelling sponsorship proposals and monitoring the receipt of benefits.

● Coordinate with Development team members to ensure consistent communication and aligned strategies across all existing appeals and campaigns.

● Ensure correct donor recognition in all publications.

● Maintain a shared electronic calendar that outlines current fundraising activities and is accessible to the CEO and Development Director.

● Adhere to gift acceptance policies and procedures, demonstrating commitment to transparency, accountability, and direct communication.

● Performs other duties as assigned by the Development Director.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, sales, communications, public relations, business, or other related areas. CFRE desired.

Experience:

● Minimum five years’ experience in development and fundraising.

● Demonstrated experience in securing major gifts, meeting fundraising goals, developing, and implementing an annual fund campaign.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Tampa Bay Watch is an equal opportunity employer. Applications are considered for positions without regard to veteran status, uniformed service member status, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, Life and AD & D, employer-paid short-term disability, Employee Assistance Program, and 403(b) plan with a company match

• Paid holidays and Vacation days that accrue based on years of service. Paid Parental Leave.

HOW TO APPLY

Tampa Bay Watch has retained Catalyst Consulting Services to conduct this search on their behalf. To be considered for this opportunity, please click this link to submit a cover letter and resume.

St Petersburg, FL or Tierra Verde, FL

Learn how to develop and teach interactive environmental education programs in a science classroom setting!

This position is available at either of our locations - Tierra Verde or St. Petersburg.

Click here to learn more about and apply for the Tierra Verde position.

Click here to learn more about and apply for the St. Petersburg position.

St Petersburg, FL

Learn how to develop and teach outstanding environmental education programs on the water!

Click here to learn more and apply.

St Petersburg, FL

Discovery Center at the St. Pete Pier

Gain valuable experience caring for a variety of native and non-native species. Did we mention we have adorable diamondback terrapins?

Click here to learn more and apply!

Tampa Bay Watch, Tierra Verde, FL

The Habitat Restoration Internship at Tampa Bay Watch provides a variety of experience in field related activities, restoration efforts, and public engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Native Planting Program with Bay Grasses in Classes events which include the building of nurseries, harvesting plants, transplanting at restoration sites, educational curriculum development, and classroom presentations

• Assist with the Oyster Reef Ball Building, Oyster Shell Recycling and in the construction and installation of oyster reefs at projects throughout Tampa Bay

• Assist with Living Shoreline Creation project coordination and installations

• Assist with marine debris prevention and removal projects such as coastal cleanups, fishing line recovery and recycling, and stormwater programming as needed

• Create community outreach and educational materials for habitat restoration projects and present to program participants

• Assist with programmatic and project specific monitoring efforts

• May assist with other restoration or educational programs as needed

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older

• Valid driver’s license

• Proof of health insurance

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Biology, Marine Biology, or a related field preferably with familiarity in Florida coastal ecosystems

• Have strong written and verbal skills

• Able to work both independently and as part of a team

• Flexible schedule is preferred

• Maintain a safe working environment for personnel and students

• Able to work year round in Florida’s climate and perform physical challenges involved in the daily duties of the department including: lifting/carrying equipment weighing approximately 50 lbs., sitting, kneeling, stooping, crawling, twisting, reaching above head, pulling, bending, and climbing stairs and ladders.

Additional Information:

This internship is unpaid and housing is not provided. This internship may provide college credit, with approval from the university and advisor. The intern will be responsible for transportation and personal health insurance. A background check, including fingerprinting, will be required, at the expense of Tampa Bay Watch.

Schedule:

Intern may work 2-4 days a week, depending on the schedule. A typical schedule may consist of M-F from 9 AM-3 PM, for the duration of the season but the weekly schedule is dependent on project scheduling and program needs. We require interns to work a minimum of 12 hours a week. Start/end dates are flexible.

• Spring: January-April

• Summer: May-August

• Fall/Winter: September-December

Location: Tampa Bay Watch, 3000 Pinellas Bayway South, Tierra Verde, FL 33715

Application: To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and two references to sherndon@tampabaywatch.org. In the subject line, please include the position you are applying to, your name, the season you are applying for, and the year in the following format:

Habitat Restoration Internship Applicant_Full Name_Season, Year

• Deadline for spring: December 20

• Deadline for summer: April 20

• Deadline for fall/winter: August 20