DescriptionThe Regional Director of Philanthropy is responsible for increasing philanthropic support for Dogs Inc within the region of Naples, Florida, through a strategic blend of friend raising and fundraising. This role builds meaningful relationships with individuals, community leaders, business executives, and philanthropists, creating a strong local network of advocates and donors.
A core responsibility of this role is to establish, recruit, and manage a Naples Mission Advancement Council, modeled after Dogs Inc’s existing council structure, to expand awareness, engagement, and financial support for the organization.
This is a highly relational, externally facing role best suited for a confident connector who thrives in community settings and understands how to move relationships from awareness to investment.
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Key Responsibilities
Relationship Building & Fundraising
- Develop and execute a regional engagement and fundraising strategy aligned with Dogs Inc’s overall development goals.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors and prospects with the capacity for major and leadership gifts.
- Leverage personal, social, and professional networks to introduce new supporters to Dogs Inc.
- Represent Dogs Inc at local events, social gatherings, business functions, golf outings, and small group meetings.
- Identify and host small, high-touch engagement opportunities such as small hosted events, tours, and donor briefings.
Mission Advancement Council Development
- Recruit, launch, and manage a regional Naples Mission Advancement Council, modeled on Dogs Inc’s established council framework
- Identify and engage influential community members who can serve as ambassadors and connectors.
- Plan and facilitate council meetings and engagement activities.
- Partner with council members to introduce new friends, prospects, and donors to Dogs Inc.
- Ensure council members are informed, inspired, and actively engaged in friend-raising initiatives.
Collaboration & Stewardship
- Partner closely with in-house directors of philanthropy, marketing, and leadership to ensure alignment.
- Maintain accurate donor and prospect records in Raiser’s Edge.
- Provide thoughtful stewardship and ongoing communication to donors and council members.
- Participate in organization-wide campaigns, initiatives, and events as needed
Qualifications
- 7+ years of progressive experience in fundraising, relationship management, sales, or business development.
- Demonstrated success cultivating and soliciting individual donors or high-net-worth relationships.
- Strong community presence and comfort operating as a visible ambassador for an organization.
- Experience recruiting, managing, or working with advisory councils or boards preferred.
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and storytelling skills.
- High degree of self-motivation and comfort working independently in a remote environment.
- Willingness to travel locally and periodically to Dogs Inc campus and events.
Why Join Dogs Inc?
At Dogs Inc, we don’t just change lives—we transform them. When you join our pack, you’ll get:
- Comprehensive Benefits: Full dental and vision insurance premiums covered, competitive medical coverage, and a $15,000 life insurance policy.
- Retirement Match: A discretionary retirement plan match for all benefit-eligible employees after one full year of employment.
- Campus Perks: Free access to our fitness center and chef-prepared lunches served on campus (Monday-Friday).
- Time to Recharge: Generous Paid Time Off policies (12-20 days/year based on tenure). Enjoy 14 paid holidays—including your birthday!
- Reward-Based Programs: Our Learn and Earn education program and Pawsitive Strides walking program offer many opportunities to earn additional Paid Time Off.
- Dog-Friendly Workplace: Bring your well-behaved, pre-screened dog to work and enjoy the ultimate companion-friendly environment.
