Vice President of Philanthropy

Miami Waterkeeper (MWK) is an award-winning non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Biscayne Bay and the surrounding watershed. Launched in 2010, MWK has become a leading advocate for clean water, inspiring a movement of empowered citizens dedicated to protecting South Florida’s waterways by advocating for resilient solutions grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community. Addressing issues on multiple fronts, we use community outreach, scientific research, and civic and legal action to advance our mission. Miami Waterkeeper is a fast-paced and dynamic work environment. We are a small and hard-working team that is mission-driven and passionate about our environment and our community.

POSITION SUMMARY

Miami Waterkeeper is a champion for clean water solutions in South Florida. As Vice President of Philanthropy, you’ll drive strategic growth across Miami Waterkeeper’s donor engagement programs by building and sustaining relationships that fuel our mission. With deep experience in development and a passion for environmental advocacy, you’ll bring creativity, clarity, and care to every interaction—connecting individuals and corporations to the impact of their giving.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, you’ll lead cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies across a dynamic portfolio of donors and corporate partners. With a talent for event strategy and donor communications, you’ll create opportunities for meaningful engagement through high-impact experiences and campaigns. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building authentic relationships, enjoys working collaboratively across teams, and is excited to elevate a growing movement for clean water in South Florida.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Development

• Donor Identification and Qualification
  • Identify new donor prospects for Miami Waterkeeper’s PartnerSHIP and A.N.C.H.O.R. programs through community events, networking, etc.
  • Qualify prospects through online research and conversations
• Donor Cultivation and Stewardship
  • Build and maintain relationships with individual and corporate donors through meetings/conversations and program engagement.
  • Serves as the primary point of contact for a portfolio of assigned donors
  • Work with the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and development team to determine cultivation and solicitation strategy for qualified prospects
  • Solicit and secure major gifts (participation in the PartnerSHIP Program)
  • Follow up with major gift donors to ensure proper stewardship through recognition and program engagement
  • Manage PartnerSHIP renewal process and solicit renewals/upgrades from a portfolio of assigned prospects
  • Work with the CDO, VP of Development, Board of Directors, and Development Committee on development program strategies and implementation
• Assist in developing processes to manage donor and prospect relationships
• Oversee corporate engagement opportunities, including differentiating payments from the PartnerSHIP program

Events

• Determine development (cultivation, solicitation, stewardship) events strategy for:
  • State of the Water
  • PartnerSHIP engagement opportunities, including celebrations and private events
  • Captains Parties
  • Lunch n’ Learns
  • Boat Cruises
  • PartnerSHIP events
• Support the Development and Events Coordinator in organizing and managing all aspects of events, including but not limited to:
  • Collaborating with and preparing materials for event vendors, including speakers, photographers, videographers, A/V technicians, and caterers.
  • Collaborating with the Vice President of Development and the marketing team on materials, such as collateral and promotional materials, for events
  • Filling in, as needed, to lead event briefings and debriefs to incorporate lessons learned for future events
• Give Miami Day
  • Develop and implement a Champion fundraiser recruitment, engagement, and stewardship strategy.
  • Serves as point of contact for Champion fundraisers, staff, Board of Directors, and Board of Trustees.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Triage miscellaneous requests that come into the organization, particularly related to individuals and corporations that want to partner with MWK and connect with appropriate staff members.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Proven leadership in fundraising with at least 7–10 years of experience in nonprofit development, including major gifts, annual giving, and donor stewardship.
• Demonstrated success in securing five- and six-figure gifts from individual donors and corporate partners.
• Experience designing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that align with organizational goals.
• Strong understanding of environmental issues, climate justice, or conservation—or a clear passion for environmental advocacy and community engagement.
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills, with the ability to inspire diverse stakeholders and clearly articulate the organization's impact.
• Proficiency with CRM systems and fundraising analytics tools.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior leadership and manage or mentor development staff.
• Experience engaging with Boards of Directors and development committees.
• A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and environmental justice principles in fundraising practices.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field preferred.

Desired

• Prior experience working in a small to mid-sized nonprofit (20–50 employees), especially in a growth or scaling phase.
• Familiarity with planned giving and capital campaigns.
• Knowledge of local or regional philanthropic landscape, especially in South Florida.

Benefits

•  Medical, dental, and vision plan
•   Retirement Account (with limited 401K matching)
•   Generous time off policies
•   Remote work flexibility (2 days remote/week)
•   Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code

Salary: $90,000-$110,000

Job Type: Full-time

Reports to: Chief Development Officer

Location: Coral Gables

Apply Now

ABOUT MIAMI WATERKEEPER

Vision

We envision a resilient South Florida that is a global leader in clean water solutions, where thriving communities and nature coexist.

Mission

We protect South Florida’s waters by advocating for resilient solutions grounded in science, rooted in nature, and driven by community.

Miami Waterkeeper is an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. Learn more.