Development Specialist-Individual Giving Operations

Summary Of Overall Purpose

The Development Specialist, Individual Giving Operations manages the donor acknowledgment process, analyzing donor data to drive insights, and implementing stewardship strategies to build and retain donor relationships. This role ensures timely and personalized communication with donors, conducts donor prospect research, assists in coordinating donor engagement events, and develops innovative ways to express appreciation and strengthen donor connections. This Development Specialist manages the donor and prospect profiles, maintains donor pipelines and supports grant writing and reporting.

Key Accountabilities

Donor Stewardship and Acknowledgment

• Manage the process, flow, and mailing of donor letters, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and personalization for all acknowledgments.
• Coordinate the production of donor recognition materials, including milestone letters, thank-you notes, and impact updates.
• Collaborate with the Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to implement stewardship plans that align with donor segments, retention goals, and giving levels.
• Research and develop new ideas for donor appreciation to enhance the donor experience and inspire continued support.
  
  

Data Management and Reporting

• Conduct regular data analysis and reporting in Salesforce to track donor activity, engagement, and retention trends.
• Provide actionable insights to the Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts, supporting the development of donor cultivation and stewardship strategies.
• Maintain donor records in Salesforce with accuracy and consistency to ensure up-to-date communication and reporting.
• Generate and analyze stewardship reports to evaluate the effectiveness of donor appreciation efforts.
• Build targeted donors and prospect lists in Salesforce to support campaigns, appeals, events and stewardship communications.
• Partner with Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts and the Marketing team to ensure lists are segmented appropriately and aligned with campaign goals.
  
  

Prospect Research and Pipeline Support

• Prospect research to identify and qualify new potential individual and major donors aligned with organizational priorities.
• Prepare donor and prospect profiles and briefings using internal data and external research tools to support cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Assist in building and maintaining a donor pipeline by tracking prospect movement, engagement, activity and next steps.
• Partner with Director of Individual Giving & Major Gifts to support portfolio development, prospect assignment and strategic outreach planning.
  
  

Grant Writing

• Assist with grant research and prospect identification to support fundraising efforts.
• Support the development of grant proposals and supporting materials, including narratives and budgets.
• Manage aspects of the grant lifecycle, including tracking deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements to ensure compliance.
• Maintain organized records of grant activity and pipeline tracking within Salesforce or other systems.
  
  

All Other Duties As Assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OUTSIDE NORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required for events and campaigns.
• Ability to lift and move auction items up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to stand, bend, and coordinate on-site auction logistics during events.
• Flexibility to work in outdoor or indoor event settings in varying weather conditions.
  
  

Qualifications

SKILLS, COMPETENCIES, EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Background in non-profit fundraising/individual giving or mission-driven organization.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with experience coordinating workplace giving programs or corporate partnerships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including donor and partner outreach.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with corporate representatives, partners, and donors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience working with donor databases (e.g., Salesforce) for tracking and reporting purposes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external teams to achieve revenue goals.
• Able to operate a motorized vehicle, including battery-operated golf cart.
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record.
• Must meet acceptable attendance and punctuality requirements, which are essential functions for the position.
• Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of two years of relevant work experience; or a combination of education and relevant work experience equal to six or more years.
• 3 years of experience in fundraising, prospect research or donor relations.
  
  

Preferred Requirements

• Strong knowledge of donor engagement strategies and fundraising best practices.