About us

Founded in 1986, Project HELP is Collier County’s certified sexual assault and victim services center. We provide free, confidential, trauma-informed support to survivors of sexual assault, human trafficking, child abuse, and all other crimes as well as to families experiencing traumatic loss due to a crime. Our team responds with dignity, compassion, and professionalism to help survivors regain safety, stability, and hope.

What we do

• 24/7 crisis helpline & response for sexual assault survivors
• Forensic exams for sexual assault survivors
• Ongoing advocacy, safety planning, and case management
• Criminal & civil justice advocacy and court accompaniment
• Sudden death notification and support
• Individual and group counseling/therapy for all victims of crime
• Grief counseling for survivors of traumatic loss
• Guidance through the criminal/civil justice systems
• Assistance with victim compensation and referrals for medical care, temporary housing, clothing, and employment resources
• Information and referral to community partners
• Case management and coordination for additional services such as temporary housing, medical care, clothing and job assistance

Project HELP is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse, inclusive, and survivor-centered workplace. If you’re mission-driven and ready to make a meaningful impact in our community, we’d love to hear from you.

Job Description

As Development Coordinator Advocate/Counselor you will play a unique dual role that blends direct client service with fundraising and donor engagement to advance Project HELP’s mission of restoring hope and healing for survivors of trauma and crisis.

This position provides compassionate support to victims of crime while also helping to sustain and grow the organization’s impact through donor cultivation, fundraising initiatives, and community outreach.

The ideal candidate is both empathetic and strategic and is equally comfortable sitting beside a survivor in court or sharing the organization’s story with donors and community partners.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Victim Advocacy & Direct Service 

• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and advocacy to victims of crime, including survivors of sexual assault, sudden death, or other trauma, in accordance with Marsy’s Law and all grant requirements.
• Facilitate intake, safety planning, and referrals to appropriate community resources.
• Accompany survivors to court hearings, injunction filings, or forensic exams as needed.
• Participate in SART (Sexual Assault Response Team) and SDRT (Sudden Death Response Team) rotations, providing 24/7 on-call coverage on a shared schedule.
• Respond to community crises as needed and represent Project HELP during emergency response events.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client files, statistics, and documentation consistent with grant compliance standards.
• Provide services and outreach in Immokalee, Golden Gate, East Naples, and surrounding communities.

Development, Fundraising & Community Engagement 

• Collaborate with the CEO and Board to develop and implement an annual fundraising plan that includes individual giving, grants, events, and corporate partnerships.
• Plan and execute fundraising campaigns and events such as galas, auctions, and community outreach initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, sponsorships, and volunteer engagement.
• Manage donor and event data within the organization’s fundraising software and ensure timely acknowledgments of gifts.
• Support the creation of compelling stories, newsletters, and marketing materials that connect donor giving to survivor impact (maintaining confidentiality at all times).
• Assist with social media and communications efforts to highlight success stories, community partnerships, and giving opportunities.

Donor Relations & Stewardship 

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors — including individuals, businesses, and foundations.
• Conduct research to identify potential major donors and funding opportunities.
• Manage a portfolio of donor relationships, ensuring personalized engagement and regular updates on the impact of their contributions.
• Organize and execute donor appreciation and cultivation events to strengthen community support.
• Implement stewardship plans that include personalized communication, recognition, and retention strategies.
• Ensure accurate donor record-keeping and data protection in accordance with best practices.
• Coordinate with leadership to prepare materials for donor presentations, board engagement, and community partnerships.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Deep empathy, emotional resilience, and the ability to support individuals in crisis with compassion and professionalism.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including storytelling, public speaking, and donor correspondence.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Comfortable with database management, event planning, and digital communications.
• Team-oriented, mission-driven, and proactive in building both client and community relationships.
• Commitment to confidentiality, ethics, and trauma-informed care.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, communications, nonprofit management, or related field preferred (or equivalent relevant experience).
• Experience in either victim advocacy or nonprofit development, with willingness and ability to cross-train in the other area.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations and/or in a trauma-informed environment preferred.
• Familiarity with fundraising software, CRM systems, or donor databases.
• Completion of Florida advocacy certification/training may be required (can be obtained after hire).
• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation required.

Work Environment

• Combination of office, field, and community-based work.
• Requires occasional evenings and weekends for crisis response, events, and outreach.
• Must be available for rotating on-call coverage (SART/SDRT).

Compensation & Funding

This is a grant-funded position, designed to strengthen both program services and organizational sustainability. The role directly supports the agency’s mission by ensuring that every dollar raised translates into meaningful services for survivors.

Why This Role Matters

This position bridges heart and strategy — offering immediate support to survivors while helping build the resources that ensure Project HELP can continue serving the community for years to come. The successful candidate will embody compassion, creativity, and a commitment to impact.

Interested applicants can apply here:

https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=a718ccf62e4a31a8&from=shareddesktop_copy