Relations Manager, Non-Profit & Social Impact

The James Madison Institute
Tallahassee, FL or Virtual in Florida

September 30, 2026

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.

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.

• 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 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.
• 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.

• 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.

• 5+ years of experience in…