Benefits:

401(k)

401(k) matching

Bonus based on performance

Dental insurance

Employee discounts

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Vision insurance

Position Overview

Arts Bonita, a vibrant cultural hub and community-centered arts nonprofit in Southwest Florida, is seeking a talented and relationship-driven Donor Relations and Special Events Manager to join our growing team. This is an exciting time for the organization as we undergo a period of remarkable growth—broadening our artistic programming, increasing our regional and national visibility, and launching a major physical expansion of our campuses and facilities.

With two dynamic campuses, a nationally recognized art school, professional theater and concert series, and robust youth and adult education programs, Arts Bonita is at the forefront of Southwest Florida’s cultural renaissance. The organization is currently investing in new performance and teaching spaces, enhanced galleries, and expanded studios to meet the growing demand for high-quality arts experiences.

This role offers significant potential for professional growth within an innovative organization that values collaboration, creativity, and leadership from within. The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic communicator with a passion for cultivating relationships, creating memorable donor experiences, and producing engaging events that support our mission and celebrate the arts.

The ideal candidate will be an enthusiastic communicator with a passion for building relationships, elevating donor experiences, and creating engaging events. This is a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen a development program in an organization that values innovation, inclusion, and leadership from within.

Core Responsibilities

Donor Relations

Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors at all levels.

Create personalized donor communications and ensure timely acknowledgments and recognition.

Maintain accurate donor records and tracking in CRM software.

Partner with leadership on donor cultivation plans and sponsorship development.

Special Events

Plan and manage fundraising and donor cultivation events, including an annual signature benefit and other key community gatherings.

Oversee event logistics, vendor management, timelines, budgets, and post-event follow-up.

Support event marketing efforts in collaboration with the communications staff.

Recruit and manage volunteers or event committees as needed.

Membership Support

Manage day-to-day aspects of a growing membership program, including renewals, upgrades, and communications. Coordinate member benefit fulfillment and member-exclusive programs. Analyze and report on membership data and engagement trends.

Community Involvement

Serve as a public-facing representative at community events and cultural programs.

Build relationships with local organizations, businesses, and civic leaders to strengthen outreach efforts.

Help develop programming or experiences that deepen participation and reflect community interests.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, arts administration, or a related field.

Minimum 3 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, event planning, or audience development.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems.

Passion for the arts and a commitment to inclusive community engagement.

Preferred

Experience working in arts, culture, or education-focused nonprofit settings.

Fluency in donor stewardship best practices and fundraising event strategy.

Knowledge of the Southwest Florida philanthropic and cultural landscape is a plus.