The Director of Philanthropy is responsible for the oversight and direction of the Individual Giving program (including major gifts, annual fund, community-based fundraising, and planned giving). Develops programmatic solutions to support the Mission Resources Strategy. Manages a team of gift officers in pursuit of increasing revenue in an
efficient and sustainable manner. Independently develops and manages a portfolio of potential high-impact donors.

Major Responsibilities:

• Implement strategy through setting the programming and direction of individual giving areas. Conduct analysis and assesses performance to identify opportunities and inform the strategic plan.
• Independently manage a complex portfolio of 75 or more prospective donors at various stages of cultivation
towards solicitation.
• Create a major gift development strategy and specific plans for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding
individual donors and family foundations.
• Create a planned giving strategy that includes specific initiatives for identifying, cultivating, soliciting and
stewarding individual donors with potential for planned gifts.
• Lead and manage a team of individual giving officers toward the successful achievement of revenue goals.
• Coordinate, communicate, and engage with chapter’s west coast Regional Directors and staff when identifying and
cultivating prospects in the area.
• In collaboration with the Brand Advancement Team, develop appropriate materials to educate and inform
donors and prospects. Utilize current and/or create briefing materials and personalized solicitations.
• Practice moves management to advance prospects towards solicitation and to continually replenish the individual
donor pipeline.
• Use existing systems and processes to track donor/prospect activity and establish shared accountability for the
Individual giving team to utilize systems.
• Direct the implementation of national individual giving programs and works collaboratively with Make-A-Wish
America on national programs that can benefit the Southern Florida chapter.
• Serve as a collaborative member of the Leadership Team, participating in overall goal and policies, and establishing
a culture of working together to achieve the mission of the Foundation.
• Ensure compliance with all related national and local policies.
• Represent Make-A-Wish at fundraising events.
• Perform other duties as required or assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:
• At least five years of experience in development, especially in major gifts and planned giving
• A superior orientation to serving donors
• An established track record of successfully identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and closing individual gifts
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to inspire and connect donors to our mission
• Highly organized and detail oriented with the ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Professional and polished image with a comfort in dealing with high-net-worth individuals
• Knowledge of effective database management using Salesforce
• Individual must be self-motivated and driven

To apply for this position, please send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. No phone calls please.

Internships are available during the Fall, Spring & Summer semesters and applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis. Interns are expected to work between 15 to 20 hours a week during an 12 to 16 week period. Internships are also available for course credit (contingent upon university approval). All internships are non-paid.  

Qualified applicants will possess strong written and oral communication skills, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite which includes Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and demonstrate maturity and responsibility. Ability to handle multiple tasks and possess strong organizational skills is also encouraged. 

To apply for an internship in the Ft. Lauderdale office, potential candidates should email a resume and cover letter to: Melanie Holley at [email protected] or fax (954) 967-2468. No phone calls please. 

To apply for an internship in the Bonita Springs office, potential candidates should email a resume and cover letter to: Renee DePinto at [email protected] or fax (239) 992-2833. No phone calls please. 

To apply for a fall semester internship in the Tampa office, potential candidates should email a resume and cover letter to: Lisa Andrews, Regional Director at [email protected]. No phone calls please.  
 
To apply for an internship in our Sarasota office, potential candidates should email a resume and cover letter to: Taylor Marini, Regional Director at [email protected]. No phone calls please. 

This individual will assist the Program Services Department in planning and follow-up of wishes for eligible children. This intern will maintain communication with wish families, communicate with medical professionals, assist with referral calls, complete file close-outs, and update the wish database. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Social Work, Psychology, Child Life or related fields. All majors are welcome. Applicants that are bilingual in Spanish or Creole are needed and encouraged to apply. Ft. Lauderdale office only.

The Development - Fundraising Intern will assist in all areas related to fundraising and will support major fundraising programs. General responsibilities include strategic planning to grow programs such as Kids For Wish Kids, Wishes in Flight, Corporate partners, and Workplace giving; research and solicit local companies, schools, clubs and civic organization etc.; cultivate new donors; set up speaking engagements for new donors; form and manage a youth advisory board to grow our Kids for Wish Kids program; and help update and maintain files for donors and events. Ideal for applicants with ease and comfort speaking with others, organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks, proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, working knowledge of social media, excellent writing and communications skills and a positive attitude. Bonita Springs, Sarasota, and Tampa offices only.

The Development/National Alliances Intern will provide assistance and support to annual fundraising campaigns that include, but are not limited to, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individual and corporate donors to help build relationships with our local and national alliances. Intern will play a role in the coordination and implementation of fundraising initiatives including promotions with national corporate partners, and learn how for-profit corporations partner with nonprofits to further their initiatives. Additionally, there will be some event planning assistance, including an opportunity to participate in and organize logistics for wish celebrations and donor cultivation events. This role will directly participate in the coordination of key national partnership campaigns including Subaru’s Share The Love & Macy’s Thanks For Sharing campaigns. Applicants should have strong organizational and time management skills, excellent customer service skills and be passionate about learning non-profit work. Through a combination of learning experiences, work projects and group collaborations, the intern will gain an understanding of nonprofit fundraising, community outreach and marketing. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Business, Public Relations or Non-profit Management. All majors are welcome to apply. Ft. Lauderdale office only.  

The Development/Stewardship Intern will provide assistance and support to the Development department with annual fundraising efforts that include, but are not limited to, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding individual, corporate and foundation donors. Responsibilities will include cause-related marketing projects, community outreach, grant research, help in coordinating donor stewardship that includes, but is not limited to, gathering wish story information to share with donors, coordinating donor mailings  etc. - all in an effort to raise funds needed to grant wishes.  
 
Applicants should have strong organizational and time management skills, excellent customer service skills and be passionate to learn about  this aspect of non-profit work . Through a combination of learning experiences, work projects and group collaborations, the intern will gain an understanding of nonprofit fundraising, community outreach and marketing. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Business, Public Relations or Non-profit Management.  All majors are welcome to apply. Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa office only.  

This intern will support the Brand Advancement Team in a variety of areas including story writing/researching, social media, and public relations. During this internship you will learn to work within a team, develop oral and written communication skills, improve problem solving skills through task management, and gain knowledge of a career in the non-profit field.  

Applicants should be self-motivated and have strong communication skills and attention to detail. Experience with social media (Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Google+), web research, and story writing is strongly encouraged. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Communications, Journalism, or other fields with an emphasis on writing skills. You may be asked to submit a writing sample for further consideration. All majors are welcome to apply. Ft. Lauderdale office only.  

The Special Events Intern supports Make-A-Wish's major special events. The primary responsibilities include assisting with marketing of events, facilitating the donation of high-end auction items and designing and implementing the visual aspects of silent auction displays. The Special Events Intern will also provide general assistance and office support to Development Team, and interact with donors and vendors relating to the events. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Business or related fields. All majors are welcome. Available in all offices.

The Volunteer Relations Intern will assist the Volunteer Coordinator in all aspects of the Volunteer Program including but not limited to recruitment and training volunteers, managing volunteer files, processing applications, and communicating with volunteers. Must be comfortable and confident communicating over the phone. Ideal for applicants pursuing a degree in Human Resources, Public Administration, or other related fields. All majors are welcome. Ft. Lauderdale office only.