About the Organization

The James Madison Institute (JMI) is a Florida-based think tank committed to advancing economic freedom, limited government, and the rule of law. As a nonpartisan research and educational organization, we focus on practical solutions to the public policy issues affecting Floridians today. Since its inception in 1987, the Institute has remained independent, non-profit, and non-partisan, making no attempt to aid or hinder the passage of legislation and accepting no government funds.

About the Role

JMI is seeking a relationship-driven fundraising professional to join its growing Advancement team. Reporting to the Vice President of Advancement, this individual will focus primarily on cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding mid-level donors while building and managing a pipeline of prospective donors with the capacity to become major and planned giving supporters. Working closely with the VP of Advancement, Advancement Manager, and Senior Director of Grants and Editing, this person will help expand and deepen JMI’s donor base across the state.

This is a highly relational, face-to-face role. The ideal candidate is a mature, self-motivated, and driven professional with polished communication skills across a wide range of audiences. Someone who is naturally relatable, personable, and comfortable building trust quickly, whether in a donor’s living room, on the phone, or at a JMI event, would be a strong fit for this position.

This position can be based in Tallahassee or virtually anywhere in Florida. It requires frequent statewide travel and residency within the state.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management

  • Build and manage a personal portfolio of mid-level donors and prospects, developing individualized cultivation and solicitation strategies for each.
  • Conduct frequent in-person visits, including home meetings, as well as phone and virtual outreach to cultivate, solicit, and steward donors across Florida.
  • Serve as a warm, trusted point of contact for assigned donors, ensuring they feel known, valued, and connected to JMI’s mission.
  • Identify and qualify prospects with the capacity and inclination to become major or planned giving donors, and manage their progression through the pipeline.
  • Develop and execute personalized stewardship touchpoints (calls, notes, visits, event invitations) that deepen donor loyalty and giving over time.

Travel & In-Person Engagement

  • Travel frequently and regionally throughout Florida to meet donors and prospects in their homes, offices, or other preferred settings.
  • Represent JMI at cultivation events, regional gatherings, and JMI’s major annual events (Tallahassee Annual Dinner, Naples Annual Dinner, Tech Summit, and others).
  • Coordinate travel and meeting schedules efficiently to maximize in-person donor meetings while managing a multi-region portfolio.

Pipeline Strategy & Collaboration

  • Partner with the VP of Advancement to set portfolio goals, moves-management strategies, and solicitation timelines.
  • Work with the Advancement Manager to ensure donor interactions, notes, and next steps are accurately logged in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
  • Collaborate with the Senior Director of Grants and Editing on donor-facing materials, proposals, and impact updates as needed.
  • Provide regular portfolio updates and pipeline reports to the VP of Advancement.

Communications

  • Draft and personalize donor correspondence, proposals, and follow-up communications.
  • Represent JMI’s mission clearly and persuasively in both spoken and written communication with donors, board members, and community stakeholders.
  • Assist with donor-facing content for stewardship communications as needed.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, sales, business development, or another relationship-driven field; nonprofit development experience preferred
  • Must reside in the state of Florida
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently and regionally throughout the state, including overnight travel as needed
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to connect authentically with a wide range of audiences — donors, board members, elected officials, and community leaders
  • A mature, self-motivated, and driven professional who is comfortable working independently and managing a full travel-based schedule
  • Charming, relatable, and personable, with the natural ability to build trust and rapport quickly, including in one-on-one home settings
  • Strong alignment with and understanding of JMI’s mission and free-market public policy principles
  • Comfortable with both structured (scheduled visits) and unstructured (phone/relationship-based) outreach
  • Familiarity with donor database/CRM systems (Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge NXT preferred)
  • Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required, with the ability to travel approximately 40-50%
  • Bachelor’s degree required

Compensation

Salary is competitive and negotiable based on experience and qualifications, with incentive opportunities. The range is $75k-$85k. JMI offers a competitive benefits package.

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing your interest in the position, JMI’s mission, and travel availability.

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.