Director of Development & Major Gifts

The COVID-19 Longhauler Advocacy Project, Inc (C19LAP) is seeking a dynamic, experienced, and results-driven Director of Development & Major Gifts to lead and elevate our fundraising efforts. This pivotal role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of a mission-driven nonprofit dedicated to advancing public health, supporting Long COVID, COVID-19 prevention, infection-associated chronic conditions (IACCs), and disability communities, and driving systemic change.

As the Director of Development & Major Gifts, you will be instrumental in achieving our ambitious goal of raising and sustaining an annual budget of at least $1 million annually and expanding our impactful programs and initiatives. You will lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising strategy, cultivate meaningful donor relationships, secure transformative major gifts, and build a robust culture of philanthropy.

This position is ideal for a strategic and innovative fundraising professional who thrives on making a measurable difference in public health and within patient communities.

This position is ideal for a strategic and innovative fundraising professional who thrives on making a measurable difference in public health and within patient communities.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy and Planning

• Design and execute a robust, comprehensive development strategy to surpass annual fundraising goals while ensuring alignment with C19LAP’s mission, vision, and strategic objectives.
• Strategically identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors—including individuals, foundations, and corporations—securing transformational contributions that drive organizational growth.
• Lead the creation and implementation of diverse, innovative fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, planned giving, and targeted initiatives that resonate with C19LAP’s stakeholders.
• Collaborate proactively with the leadership team and department leads to integrate fundraising goals into the organization’s broader priorities, ensuring synergy across all initiatives.

Major Gifts Development

• Build and actively manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors, employing tailored engagement strategies to secure substantial contributions, with a focus on gifts of $10,000 or higher.
• Conduct in-depth donor prospecting and research to identify individuals and organizations whose philanthropic priorities align with C19LAP’s work in healthcare, public health, disability advocacy, Long COVID, and infection-associated chronic conditions.
• Develop compelling, customized case statements, funding proposals, and presentations that highlight the impact of C19LAP’s initiatives.
• Host and coordinate high-value donor engagement opportunities, including cultivation events, personalized meetings, and virtual sessions, to deepen relationships and advance gift discussions.

Grant Writing and Foundation Support

• Lead grant development efforts, including the drafting and submission of high-impact proposals to secure funding from private foundations, corporate giving programs, and government agencies.
• Establish and nurture relationships with foundation program officers and corporate funders to explore innovative partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Oversee grant compliance and reporting processes, ensuring accurate, timely submissions that demonstrate the measurable impact of funded initiatives.

Donor Relations and Stewardship

• Create and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy to maintain sustained donor engagement and loyalty.
• Collaborate with the communications team to produce donor-focused content, such as newsletters, personalized updates, and impact reports, that convey gratitude and demonstrate accountability.
• Ensure all contributions are promptly and meaningfully acknowledged through high-quality correspondence and recognition efforts.

Partnership Development

• Identify, cultivate, and secure strategic partnerships with corporate sponsors, healthcare organizations, public health entities, and academic institutions to enhance C19LAP’s influence and impact.
• Develop collaborative initiatives and co-branded campaigns with organizations that share C19LAP’s commitment to Long COVID, disability advocacy, and public health advancement.
• Serve as an ambassador for C19LAP at key events, conferences, and industry gatherings, building goodwill and expanding the organization’s network of champions and supporters.

Data Management and Reporting

• Oversee donor management systems to streamline prospecting, engagement, and gift pipeline tracking, ensuring accurate, up-to-date data.
• Conduct regular performance analyses to assess fundraising effectiveness and adjust strategies to optimize results.
• Provide detailed, actionable reports to the executive team and Board of Directors on fundraising activities, progress, and challenges, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Qualifications and Skills

Experience

• Fundraising Expertise: Minimum of 5–7 years of demonstrated success in nonprofit fundraising, including a proven ability to secure major gifts and consistently meet or exceed annual revenue goals exceeding $1 million.
• Strategic Development: Deep expertise in cultivating donor relationships and developing comprehensive fundraising strategies from concept to execution, with a focus on scalability and long-term sustainability.
• Sector-Specific Experience: Extensive experience with organizations focused on chronic illness, disability, public health, and infectious disease advocacy. A nuanced understanding of navigating these complex and evolving sectors is essential.
• Public Health Awareness: Strategic insight into the shifting public health and political landscape, particularly regarding COVID-19, Long COVID, and infection-associated chronic conditions.

Certifications and Skills

• The selected candidate must complete and submit the Professional Solicitor Registration (Form 10110) or Professional Fundraising Consultant Registration (Form 10120) to the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). (FL Law)
• Revenue Generation: Proven ability to build up to and consistently generate fundraising revenue to support organizational initiatives and operations, both immediate and long-term
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree (required) in a relevant field; a master’s degree (preferred) in Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, Public Health, or a related discipline.
• Fundraising Credentials: Certification in Fundraising, such as CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive), is highly preferred.
• Technical Proficiency: Advanced expertise in donor database management systems, analytics tools, and fundraising technologies, leveraging data-driven strategies to optimize outcomes.
• Exceptional Communication: Highly skilled in crafting compelling narratives and donor-centric proposals that inspire emotional and financial commitments.
• Relationship-Building: Demonstrated ability to foster trust and loyalty with donors, stakeholders, and partners through strategic engagement and authentic connections.
• Strategic Alignment: Adept at navigating complex healthcare, public health, and policy landscapes, ensuring donor priorities align with C19LAP’s mission and goals.

Attributes

• Mission-Driven: Unwavering commitment to C19LAP’s mission and passion for driving systemic change in public health, research, policy, clinical care, and patient advocacy.
• Strategic Vision: Ability to balance high-level vision with detailed tactical execution, ensuring both short-term and long-term success.
• Organized and Detail-Oriented: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-Driven and Adaptable: Highly motivated, goal-oriented, and capable of thriving in dynamic settings while maintaining focus on achieving impactful outcomes.

Compensation:

This is a ten-month, part-time independent contractor position expected to start between mid-February and early March 2025. Total compensation will be approximately $62,500, paid at $6,250 per month, 5% commission on excess of monthly goal, 10% commission on excess of annual goal. As a 1099 independent contractor, the selected individual will be responsible for their own taxes, insurance, and benefits and will have autonomy over their work schedule and deliverables within agreed-upon timelines.

How to Apply

This position has a targeted start date of mid- February/ early March to maximize fundraising opportunities leading up to Long COVID Awareness Day which occurs annually on March 15th. If you are an experienced and passionate fundraising professional who meets the requirements outlined above and are ready to make a measurable impact, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, please send the following to apply@longhauler-advocacy.org with the subject line “Director of Development and Major Gifts Application”:

• A tailored cover letter outlining your experience, skills, and why you’re the perfect fit for this role (no more than 2 pages)
• Your resume/CV
• Contact information for at least three professional references who can demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed monthly and annual fundraising goals, with target budgets exceeding $1 million annually, and that demonstrate experience in the fields needed to fulfill C19LAP’s mission
• Copies of degrees, certifications, licenses relevant to this position

For any questions or to learn more about this opportunity, please contact apply@longhauler-advocacy.org with the subject line “Employment Questions.”

Join us in advancing public health, supporting patient advocacy, and driving meaningful change for Long COVID and IACC communities. We thank you for your interest in applying.