Manager of Philanthropic Engagement
Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, Resilient Retreat is seeking a full time, dynamic and mission-driven Manager of Philanthropic Engagement to play a key role in advancing our fundraising efforts and deepening relationships with our community of supporters.
This position is responsible for managing donor engagement strategies, overseeing signature fundraising events, cultivating sponsorships, and supporting grant development efforts. This is an in-person position.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, collaborative, and brings strong writing, critical thinking, and technical skills to support a growing development program.
Key Responsibilities Event Planning & Volunteer Engagement
Serve as the primary staff liaison to special events committees, working closely with volunteers to plan and execute at least three annual signature fundraising events
Oversee all event logistics, timelines, and vendor coordination to ensure seamless execution
Lead meetings for special events including scheduling, developing agendas, recording minutes, and assignment of duties post meeting
Support committee members in peer-to-peer fundraising efforts and sponsorship outreach
Collaborate with internal teams to ensure events align with organizational goals and brand standards
Solicit gifts and other types of auction items and packages for special events, in coordination with committee members when possible. Manage post event distribution of auction items to winners, including scheduling, as necessary.
Sponsorship Development
Develop compelling sponsorship proposals, presentations, and benefit packages well in advance of events
Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors to encourage ongoing support
Annual & Campaign Giving
Lead the planning and execution of annual giving campaigns
Spearhead special fundraising initiatives, including large-scale efforts such as the
biennial 24-hour online Giving Challenge
increased donor participation
Grant Coordination
Partner with the Director of Leadership Giving and Program staff to manage the grant application process and write grants
Coordinate grant timelines, submissions, and reporting requirements
Track grant activity and maintain accurate records to ensure compliance and
follow-through
Donor Stewardship & Cultivation
Develop and implement donor stewardship strategies to enhance engagement and retention
Assist in cultivating relationships with individual donors, sponsors, and key stakeholders
Support donor communications including acknowledgments, impact reporting, and personalized outreach
Marketing & Communications Responsibilities
Work closely with the CEO and Director of Community Outreach and Training to develop and execute annual giving campaigns through compelling storytelling and mission-centered communications across direct mail, digital, and social platforms
Assist in the creation of engaging content for e-blasts, e-newsletters, donor communications, annual reports, fundraising campaigns, and community outreach materials
Draft press releases and cultivate relationships with local media outlets to increase community awareness and visibility
Support branding and visual communications through graphic design and content creation using Canva and other tools
Data Management & Technology
Maintain and utilize the organization’s fundraising CRM to track donor activity, event participation, and campaign results
Generate reports and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies
Utilize tools such as Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Canva, Constant Contact, and
emerging AI platforms to support development efforts
Qualifications
Minimum of 3–5 years of fundraising experience in the nonprofit sector
Proven experience in event planning, sponsorship development, and donor
engagement
Strong writing and communication skills with attention to detail
Excellent organizational, project management, and critical thinking abilities
Proficiency in fundraising CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience with
Canva, Constant Contact, and AI tools preferred
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
survivors
Preferred Attributes
Collaborative team player who works well with volunteers and cross-functional teams
Creative thinker with ability to bring new ideas to fundraising initiatives
Relationship-driven with strong interpersonal skills
Physical Requirements
The ability to walk and sit for extended periods of time.
The ability to lift, move and carry up to forty pounds .
The ability to withstand physical and emotional stress.
Why Join Resilient Retreat?
At Resilient Retreat, you will be part of a compassionate and purpose-driven team dedicated to helping trauma survivors heal through no-cost programs and meaningful community support. This role offers the opportunity to make a tangible impact while growing professionally in a collaborative and mission-focused environment.
Resilient Retreat has an extensive array of benefits including a monthly stipend for health & dental insurance (which is offered [but not required] through Resilient Retreat), zero co -pay TelaDoc, MyStrength (an emotional support platform), company paid life insurance, company paid short-term and long-term disability insurance, four weeks of paid leave annually, paid holidays and a four day work week. Further, employees are encouraged to participate in wellness programming offered by Resilient Retreat. Resilient Retreat puts the wellness of employees at the forefront of all operations.
Resilient Retreat’s offices are located on an 18,000 square foot Retreat Center, 7.5 miles east of I-75 on Fruitville Road. Professionally designed and well appointed, the space is warm, cozy and inviting, and hosts staff as well as participants in lovely buildings on a campus made up of 84 acres of conserved land.
Resilient Retreat was recognized as Sarasota’s Best Nonprofit in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024, and has been nominated as Sarasota’s Best Place to Work, Sarasota’s Best Local Nonprofit, Sarasota’s Best Local Health Nonprofit and Sarasota’s Best Wellness Center.
Resilient Retreat works with survivors of trauma, helping professionals and first responders daily, and with a trauma informed lens. All employees at Resilient Retreat receive extensive training on trauma informed care.
This is a salaried (exempt) position. The pay range is $55,000 – $70,000, depending on qualifications and experience.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Jennifer Ourednik, Chief Operating Officer, at careers@resilientretreat.org with the subject line: Philanthropic Engagement Manager Application. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Resilient Retreat is a new and innovative approach to help those impacted by trauma and abuse. Free evidence-based PROGRAMS are provided to heal the mind, body, and spirit on 84 acres of conservation land in Sarasota, FL. Resilient Retreat also offers a Kind Line (941-343-0039) to provide support for those who need help navigating their trauma. All of our trauma-trained staff are available to offer a kind listening ear and assistance finding resources. Resilient Retreat also offers TRAININGS on trauma and Compassion Fatigue on a sliding scale fee for organizations.
Resilient Retreat has an advisory council called Voices. Voices is comprised of a dedicated group of survivors and first responders/helping professionals. Through their own lived experience, the Voices committee offers guidance and input to ensure that Resilient Retreat programs and services are created by the community for the community.
Resilient Retreat was incorporated as a Florida not for profit on August 10th, 2018. IRS tax-exempt status was approved on March 19, 2019. The retreat center broke ground in 2020 and was completed in 2022. Resilient Retreat is currently offering evidence-based day programs available online and in person at our center and overnight retreats.