Overview:
Join Lighthouse Central Florida, an organization dedicated to transforming lives through empowerment and independence for individuals with vision loss. As a key part of our development team, the Fund Development Coordinator & Grants Specialist will ensure our mission is fully realized by securing the resources necessary to drive our impactful programs. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across multiple departments, ensuring cohesive messaging, strategy alignment, and seamless execution of development initiatives.

This role offers opportunities for growth, innovation, and creative problem-solving in the dynamic field of nonprofit development. You’ll have the chance to pioneer new initiatives, enhance our grant portfolio, and expand your expertise while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grant Coordination:
  • Researching grants: Identify potential grant sources, assess qualification criteria, and maintain a calendar of submission deadlines.
  • Writing applications: Draft and complete grant applications, ensuring timely submissions that meet all requirements of the grant.
  • Monitoring grants: Track the status of pending applications, ensure compliance with fiscal and operational requirements, and provide timely reporting to funders.
  • Providing technical assistance: Support grantees with funding requirements, compliance, and using online portals for procurement and invoice submission.
  • Communicating: Collaborate with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members to manage grant opportunities and processes effectively.
  • Analyzing data: Create and analyze data reports to manage grant portfolios and monitor grant impact.
  • Making recommendations: Recommend improvements to financial and administrative policies, procedures, and systems for better grant management.
• Fund Development:
  • Develop and execute fundraising campaigns and events, including researching, creating, and managing timelines, budgets, and related materials.
  • Manage donor data, gifts, and pledges while ensuring records are accurate, timely, and secure.
  • Ensure donor acknowledgments and other correspondence are sent in a timely manner.
  • Prepare and deliver donor reports, presentations, and other materials as required.
  • Assist in the preparation of grant applications and other fundraising proposals.
  • Coordinate and manage the organization’s online presence and social media campaigns for development purposes.
  • Plan and facilitate meetings, events, and special projects, managing guest lists, registration, and other event logistics.
  • Support programs and marketing by taking photos, creating summaries and reports, and developing content related to events and programs.
• Collaboration & Cross-Departmental Work:
  • Collaborate with various teams, including Marketing, Program Services, and Finance, to ensure alignment in strategy and cohesive messaging in all fundraising and grant-related initiatives.
  • Act as a liaison between departments to ensure the smooth execution of donor and grant-related activities and accurate reporting on program impacts.
• Additional Responsibilities:
  • Assist in planning and coordinating internal and external fundraising and mission-driven events.
  • Participate in event committees, taking on organizational duties like scheduling, note-taking, and follow-ups.
  • Collaborate with the Marketing team to create communication materials, such as presentations, newsletters, social media content, and donor outreach, and more.
  • Maintain the department calendar, files, and donor database, ensuring accurate records for events and grants.
  • Provide logistical support for meetings, community presentations, and tours.
  • Coordinate preparation of audit materials, assist in audit meetings, and prepare data for the Annual Impact Report.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of the organization's mission.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or social services.
• One to three years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, or a related field.
• Familiarity with issues related to blindness and broader disabilities is a plus.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives that engage donors and stakeholders.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with excellent project management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, donor management databases, and digital tools. Experience with Bloomerang a plus.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with donors, partners, and the community.
• High level of integrity, confidentiality, and professionalism in handling sensitive information.
• Passion for mission-driven work and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and stand or sit for extended periods as needed.
• Must possess reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license.

Additional Requirements:

• Successful completion of Level II background checks.
• Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work for events.