Development and Grant Specialist

Job Details: Job Location: Legal Address - Sarasota, FL, Salary Range: Undisclosed, LIGHTHOUSE VISION LOSS CENTER

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEVELOPMENT & GRANT SPECIALIST

UPDATED:                              December 2025

FLSA STATUS:                       Salary Exempt

SUPERVISOR:                       Director of Philanthropy

JOB SUMMARY:

The Development & Grant Specialist duties include grant writing, grant and donor research along with directing the grant tracking/management function.  The Donor Stewardship & Grant Specialist is responsible for developing and maintaining the grant calendar along with engaging in fundraising activities including donor relations, mail appeals, special events and any other Development activities.  Key duties also include assisting with formulating proposals and working with Program departments to determine needs. The Donor Stewardship & Grant Specialist will also work with Lighthouse staff to strengthen existing relationships with donors and build new connections to the philanthropic community. 

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions:

Develop and implement a comprehensive development program including individual annual and planned giving, foundation giving, direct mail, grant writing and special events.
Identify, solicit, cultivate and steward prospects and donors for major gifts. 
Manage development department functions including maintaining donor management software, timely acknowledgement of gifts and proper donor recognition.
Maintain an annual grant calendar, including researching opportunities, submitting timely grant applications, monitoring reporting schedules and hosting site visits.
Become familiar with donor research tools and donor perfect/donor database.
Participate in identifying appropriate donors/prospects for possible requests.
Create regular fundraising reports and other database reports as needed.
Assist with the annual appeal efforts.
Serve as a resource on a variety of fundraising activities to include fundraising appeals and related projects.
Attend community activities and professional training to gather necessary information to achieve fundraising goals. 
Participation in Associate for Fundraising Professionals events and any other pertinent gatherings.

Other Functions:

Attend meetings and trainings as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications: KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES NEEDED:

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications or English preferred.
At least three years’ experience in fund-raising, including individual annual and planned giving, grant writing, donor research, special events, community relations, communications and marketing.
Knowledge of the local community/service area.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and the ability to deal with a diverse range of donors, Board members and staff with diplomacy and tact.
Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks in order to meet deadlines.
Ability to coordinate fund-raising initiatives when necessary.
Excellent attention to detail.
Strong computer and internet skills, and knowledge of donor management software and Google (preferred) and/or Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work cooperatively as a team member to meet organizational goals.

Physical Demands:

Ability to operate basic office equipment such as computers, copiers and printers.
Ability to travel within service area (at times this can exceed two hours each way).
Ability to sit working at a computer or desk for sustained periods of time.

Other Requirements:

Access to reliable transportation enabling regular, predictable, on-time attendance.
If employee drives a car for Lighthouse business, valid Florida driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance are required.
Pass level II background check.