Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Arts Bonita, a leading cultural organization and community-centered arts nonprofit in Southwest Florida, seeks an experienced Donor Relations and Special Events Manager to play a central role in advancing its fundraising and engagement strategies. This position requires a professional with a demonstrated history of success in donor relations, stewardship, and gift support, as well as the ability to lead complex events and contribute meaningfully to development goals.

Arts Bonita has achieved 25% year-over-year growth and is moving forward with ambitious plans that will significantly expand its impact across the region. The organization is expanding its artistic programming, increasing its regional and national visibility, and advancing major expansion projects across both the Visual Arts Campus and the Performing Arts Campus. With a nationally recognized art school, professional theater and concert series, and comprehensive youth and adult education programs, Arts Bonita continues to invest in new facilities, enhanced galleries, and expanded studios to meet growing demand.

An online application through the Arts Bonita Portal is required to be considered for this position. Please visit artsbonita.org/careers to apply

This is an organization powered by an exceptional creative staff, a collaborative culture, and a clear vision for the future. Arts Bonita is building programs, facilities, and partnerships that are actively transforming the cultural landscape of Southwest Florida. Reporting to senior development leadership, the Donor Relations and Special Events Manager will be responsible for developing and executing donor engagement strategies, managing high-impact fundraising and cultivation events, and supporting institutional fundraising initiatives, including individual giving, sponsorships, and membership.

If you are looking to contribute at a high level and grow with an organization positioned for strong long-term growth, Arts Bonita offers an opportunity to make a measurable impact while advancing your professional expertise.

Core Responsibilities

Donor Relations

Develop and implement strategies to cultivate, support solicitation, and steward individual donors across all giving levels. Create personalized donor communications and ensure timely acknowledgments and recognition aligned with stewardship best practices. Maintain accurate donor records and reporting in CRM systems to ensure data integrity and effective tracking and partner with leadership on donor cultivation strategies, sponsorship development, and relationship planning.

Special Events

Plan and manage fundraising and donor cultivation events, including an annual signature benefit and additional key community gatherings. Oversee event logistics, vendor and contractor management, timelines, budgets, and post-event follow-up and reporting. Collaborate with communications staff to support event marketing and donor messaging. Recruit, coordinate, and manage volunteers and event committees as needed.

Membership Support

Manage day-to-day aspects of a growing membership program, including renewals, upgrades, retention efforts, and member communications. Coordinate fulfillment of member benefits and delivery of member-exclusive programs. Analyze and report on membership data and engagement trends to support growth and retention strategies.

Community Involvement

Serve as a public-facing representative of Arts Bonita at community events, performances, and cultural programs. Build and maintain relationships with local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to strengthen outreach and visibility. Collaborate internally to help develop programs or engagement opportunities that deepen participation and reflect community interests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, arts administration, or a related field • Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor relations, event planning, or audience development, with a clear history of donor stewardship and gift support • Proven ability to build, manage, and sustain strong donor and stakeholder relationships • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with confidence engaging diverse audiences • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously • Experience working with donor databases or CRM systems and maintaining accurate donor records • Ability to work collaboratively across departments while exercising independent judgment • Passion for the arts and a commitment to inclusive, community-centered engagement

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in arts, culture, or education-focused nonprofit organizations • Strong fluency in donor stewardship best practices and fundraising event strategy • Familiarity with the Southwest Florida philanthropic and cultural landscape