Science Advocacy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Company Overview

The Everglades Foundation is committed to the restoration and protection of America’s Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1993 by two outdoor enthusiasts – Paul Tudor Jones II and the late George Barley – The Everglades Foundation works tirelessly to bring people together and provide a powerful bipartisan voice for Everglades restoration. We advocate for solutions rooted in science while empowering people with the knowledge of the importance of the Everglades ecosystem.

The Foundation’s team includes renowned scientists, experienced educators, policy experts, and professionals in communications, human resources, finance, technology, and fundraising. By coupling this breadth of expertise with a passion for restoration, The Everglades Foundation is leading the effort to restore and protect the flow of clean freshwater to the Everglades. The Everglades Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and a responsible employer that seeks to recruit and retain outstanding, high-performing professionals who are at the top of their fields to thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven culture committed to excellence, innovation, collaboration, and diversity.

Join us in our pursuit of completing the world’s largest ecosystem restoration project.

Job Overview

The Everglades Foundation is seeking an experienced and results-oriented Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts across Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast. This is an exciting opportunity for a talented development professional to cultivate meaningful donor relationships, secure transformational gifts, and advance a mission dedicated to restoring and protecting America's Everglades through science, advocacy, and education.

The Director of Development will manage a portfolio of major donors and prospects, collaborate with Foundation leadership and Board members, and help drive fundraising strategies that support one of the largest ecosystem restoration efforts in the world.

Responsibilities

Major Gifts & Donor Engagement

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and high-capacity prospects.
• Secure gifts of $25,000 and above, including multi-year and six-figure commitments.
• Develop individualized cultivation and stewardship plans and implement strategic moves management activities.
• Build and strengthen long-term relationships with donors, foundations, and corporate partners.

Fundraising Strategy & Portfolio Management

• Partner with the Associate Vice President of Development to implement donor acquisition and retention strategies.
• Manage a regional portfolio focused on Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
• Track fundraising activity, donor engagement, and outcomes through Salesforce CRM.
• Prepare fundraising reports and provide updates to senior leadership and the Board of Directors.

Events & Stewardship

• Support planning and execution of the annual ForEverglades Palm Beach fundraising benefit.
• Coordinate donor stewardship opportunities, special events, and air-boat tours that deepen engagement and support philanthropic goals.
• Collaborate across departments to ensure donors receive timely and accurate updates on Foundation programs and initiatives.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Minimum of five years of successful fundraising experience in a mid-sized to large nonprofit organization or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success securing and stewarding major gifts of $25,000 or more.
• Experience managing all phases of the donor cultivation and solicitation cycle.
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency utilizing fundraising databases and CRM systems for donor management and reporting.

Preferred Qualifications

• CFRE certification or equivalent.
• Experience with grant writing, prospect research, and estate-based charitable giving.
• Knowledge of South Florida philanthropic communities, particularly Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
• Proven ability to lead initiatives through collaboration and influence.

The Director reports directly to the Associate Vice President of Development and coordinates closely with members of the Development team and other Foundation staff.

Location and Schedule

This is a full-time, regional position based in the Palm Beach/Treasure Coast region of Florida. The employee in this role will work from home and is required to travel throughout the region for donor meetings, Foundation events, tours, and related activities, as well as periodic travel to the Foundation's headquarters in Palmetto Bay and other Florida locations. Evening and weekend work is occasionally required.

Why Join The Everglades Foundation?

At The Everglades Foundation, you'll work alongside scientists, educators, policy experts, and conservation leaders united by a shared mission to restore and protect one of the world's most unique ecosystems. Our culture values excellence, innovation, collaboration, and impact.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive salary
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Maternity and parental leave
• Opportunities to make a meaningful difference through mission-driven work

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that affords equal protection against discrimination to job applicants and employees. The Foundation seeks to ensure that qualified applicants will have an equal opportunity with respect to all employment practices regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, source of income, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.”

How to Apply

To apply, send a cover letter and resume to Human Resources, at hr@evergladesfoundation.org