Juan Escobar
St. Augustine,FL
Summary
Results-oriented leader in philanthropy with extensive experience in business development and fundraising campaigns. Successfully managed high-net-worth donor portfolios and executed initiatives that significantly increased philanthropic support, contributing to organizational growth and community impact.
Currently serving as Vice President of Philanthropy for First Tee, leading major gift fundraising efforts and managing relationships with top-tier donors and stakeholders. Extensive experience overseeing donor portfolios, identifying and advancing seven-figure giving opportunities, developing high-performing fundraising initiatives, and partnering with executive leadership and boards to achieve ambitious philanthropic goals.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President, Philanthropy
First Tee
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
03.2026 - Current
- Actively secured philanthropic investments ranging from $25,000 to more than $1 million from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
- Identified, cultivated, and stewarded Trustee-level prospects with giving potential exceeding $1 million.
- Manage a portfolio of 75 high-net-worth donors and prospects with giving capacities above $100,000.
- Developed and executed donor engagement strategies resulting in increased philanthropic support and long-term donor retention.
- Planned and hosted cultivation events to strengthen relationships with major gift prospects and key stakeholders.
- Collaborated with executive leadership and board members to advance fundraising priorities and organizational goals.
- Executed annual fund efforts leading to $200,000+ in annual revenue generation.
Senior Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
03.2022 - 02.2026
Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
St. Augustine, FL
03.2019 - 02.2022
Assistant Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
St. Augustine, FL
01.2016 - 02.2019
Development Associate, Outreach
First Tee
St. Augustine, FL
01.2014 - 12.2015
- Managed expansion initiatives for the First Tee National School Program and First Tee DRIVE across 12 states.
- Expanded First Tee programming into more than 450 new schools and youth-serving organizations.
- Generated over $1.4 million in revenue through strategic program expansion and partnership development.
- Cultivated and maintained partnerships with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies.
- Designed and implemented strategies to fulfill large-scale partnership commitments with Southern Company and the Florida Junior Golf Council.
- Coordinated outreach efforts that increased program visibility and community engagement throughout multiple regions.
Coordinator, Outreach and Chapter Relations
First Tee
St. Augustine, FL
04.2012 - 12.2013
- Supported chapter development initiatives and strengthened relationships with local First Tee chapters nationwide.
- Assisted with outreach program implementation, training, and organizational support activities.
Intern, Outreach and Chapter Education
First Tee
St. Augustine, FL
01.2012 - 04.2012
Intern, Coaching and Administration
First Tee of St. Johns County
St. Augustine, FL
04.2011 - 12.2011
Education
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
Flagler College
Saint Augustine, FL04-2012
Skills
- Relationship building
- Decision-making
- Critical thinking
- Business development
- Event planning
- Fundraising campaigns
- Blackbaud raisers edge
Languages
Spanish
English
Timeline
Vice President, Philanthropy
First Tee
03.2026 - Current
Senior Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
03.2022 - 02.2026
Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
03.2019 - 02.2022
Assistant Director, Philanthropy
First Tee
01.2016 - 02.2019
Development Associate, Outreach
First Tee
01.2014 - 12.2015
Coordinator, Outreach and Chapter Relations
First Tee
04.2012 - 12.2013
Intern, Outreach and Chapter Education
First Tee
01.2012 - 04.2012
Intern, Coaching and Administration
First Tee of St. Johns County
04.2011 - 12.2011
Bachelor of Science - Sport Management
Flagler College