Description

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is a National Historic Landmark and accredited museum in Miami, Florida (www.vizcaya.org). Vizcaya is owned by Miami-Dade County and is operated by the nonprofit Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Trust, Inc. Our mission is to preserve the estate's cultural and environmental resources to engage people in connecting with the past, understanding the present and shaping the future. Our vision is to create A Home for Miami, an Inspiration for All.

The Donor Engagement and Events Officer is a key member of Vizcaya’s Advancement team, responsible for creating exceptional donor experiences that generate over $2 million annually through Vizcaya’s signature events while deepening relationships with Vizcaya’s most committed supporters. This role brings together strategic thinking, donor engagement and hands-on execution—leading signature fundraising events, identifying new opportunities to introduce Vizcaya to supporters and community partners, and sustaining meaningful engagement with sponsors, volunteers, and donors throughout the year. 

Vizcaya is in the planning stages of a comprehensive fundraising campaign of $100+ million which will encompass annual giving growth, capital projects across the campus and endowment and legacy giving. The Donor Engagement and Events Officer will play a central role in this effort, helping to build donor relationships and community champions that will power Vizcaya’s next chapter.

The position reports to the Chief Advancement Officer. The position manages contractors supporting event logistics and administration but has no direct reports.

Essential Functions

• Lead planning and execution of Vizcaya’s signature fundraising events—the Vizcaya Ball and Preservation Luncheon—with direct accountability for fundraising goals of more than $2 million in annual revenue.
• Partner with event Co-chairs and volunteer committee leadership to design and execute compelling donor experiences; guide peer-to-peer outreach, manage meeting schedule, track progress and sustain strong volunteer engagement throughout the event cycle.
• In collaboration with the Director of Corporate and Foundation Giving, design and execute comprehensive sponsorship proposals —securing new corporate partners and individual underwriting while deepening existing relationships; actively pursue and steward in-kind donors to enhance events and reduce costs.
• Manage all event logistics, including timelines, budgets, vendor negotiations, contracts, and onsite coordination, ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience within Vizcaya’s historic setting.
• Collaborate with internal departments to coordinate on-site requirements and navigate the unique considerations of programming within a National Historic Landmark.
• Drive revenue growth by continuously evaluating ticketing structures, sponsorship levels, and engagement approaches to increase results year over year.
• Leverage events strategically to advance donor relationships—ensuring consistent follow-up, stewardship touchpoints, and integration into moves management and solicitation plans beyond event day.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Team to develop compelling event communications and materials aligned with Vizcaya brand and fundraising goals.
• Plan and execute campaign-related cultivation, milestone and recognition events.
• Maintain an active, year-round portfolio of event attendees, sponsors, and high-capacity prospects—deepening relationships through intentional cultivation and stewardship.
• Partner with Advancement team members to support donor and member events, including the annual Lunch and Learn Series, Gilded Edge Next Gen events and membership appreciation initiatives.
• Identify and develop new opportunities, including community-facing experiences, to introduce prospective supporters to Vizcaya and expand the institution’s base of support.

General Responsibilities 

• Advance Vizcaya’s mission, vision and strategic priorities through fundraising and donor engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate across the Advancement Team to support campaign, membership and annual fund goals outlined in the strategic plan.
• Foster strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage budgets responsibly and comply with organizational policies.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and organizational activities.
• Represent Vizcaya at industry meetings and community events as appropriate.

This job description is not designed to be comprehensive; duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Position Requirements

• At least 5+ years of work experience in nonprofit fundraising with a demonstrated track record in both revenue generation and donor relationship management.
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit administration, hospitality management, or Marketing preferred.
• Experience planning and executing large-scale fundraising events with revenue targets exceeding $1 million.
• Proven success securing sponsorships, including corporate, individual and in-kind support.
• Experience working closely with volunteer committees and leveraging peer networks to achieve fundraising goals.
• Demonstrated project management, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Positive attitude, commitment to collaboration and excellent customer service, problem solver with poise and grace under pressure.
• English fluency required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Factors Vizcaya Will Consider When Evaluating Applicants and Determining Compensation

• Additional relevant work experience, training and education.
• CRM and event management software experience helpful.
• Spanish, Haitian Creole and other language skills.

Compensation

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers competitive compensation with generous paid leave, retirement benefits, and robust medical and other insurance for full-time employees. Salary will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and skills. The anticipated salary for this position is approximately $75,000; final compensation will be based on the selected candidate’s experience and qualifications and may be higher or lower than this amount.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

The majority of work is done in an office setting, with some portion involving interaction with the public, community members, partners, donors, vendors, contractors and other constituents on and off site. Vizcaya is a non-smoking environment.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work/Schedule

This is a full-time (40 hours per week), exempt position, typically Monday-Friday. This is a hybrid position with a combination of on-site and remote work. Periodic evening and weekend work is required.

To Apply

Please submit a resume and a cover letter expressing your interest in this position to:

https://vizcaya.org/about/careers/. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is committed to equity and inclusion and is engaged in a strategic process to ensure that our staff, Board and volunteers reflect our community’s diversity. Vizcaya welcomes applicants from groups that are underrepresented in cultural organizations and seeks to recruit, develop and retain a diverse workforce.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is an equal opportunity employer. Vizcaya respects people of all backgrounds and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, pregnancy, childbirth, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, familial status, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, status as a victim of domestic violence, dating violence or stalking, or other applicable legally protected characteristics protected by law.