Development and Grants Specialist

Location: Gorham, ME

Salary: 57k-65k D.O.E

Job Summary:

The Development & Grant Specialist is responsible for the administrative and support needs of the philanthropy department. The Development Coordinator will oversee the donor database and related tasks, manage basic grant content and deadlines, oversee the year-end annual appeal, and help coordinate community special events.

• Collaborate with Director of Development to create, manage and execute year-round fundraising strategy: Fund list development, grant writing, stewardship materials, philanthropy newsletters, email campaigns, annual appeal, updating dashboards, etc.

• Oversee and optimize the donor database(s): execute gift processing and financial reporting, manage data hygiene and best practices, remain up to date with database functionality and expand use, and more.

• Research and identify potential grant opportunities in collaboration within Goodwill Northern New England’s territory of Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, as well as nationwide.

• Manage foundation application deadlines and reporting requirements and execute partnership obligations for both businesses and foundations in partnership with External Communications Specialist.

• Actively manage relationships with assigned retail stores to steward the Round Up donation program, serving as a key point of contact, supporting engagement efforts, and collaborating with internal partners to maximize participation and impact.

• Represents the Agency in all interactions with other members of the Goodwill community. Occasionally represent Goodwill Northern New England at external events, including community gatherings, partner meetings, and fundraising or outreach opportunities, to build awareness and strengthen relationships in support of the organization’s mission.

• Further the organization’s commitment to triple bottom line results outlined in the Strategic Framework: understanding Goodwill’s work and how it affects the people we serve, the planet, and Goodwill’s financial health.

Essential Functions:

Communication:

• Collaborate with Mission Services staff to develop and refine cases for support.
• Effectively communicate with Mission Services staff, finance department, and other key internal stakeholders on foundation application requirements.
• Writes compelling communication to current and potential supporters of Goodwill’s mission.
• Collaborate with Director of Development on retail Round Up communication for store managers.

Knowledge:

• Strong understanding of Agency programs and services
• Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing.
• Exercise good judgment to prioritize opportunities; research and analyze data and information to prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and supporting materials.

Administration:

• Ensures respectful, confidential treatment of all donor information and sensitive program information.
• Manage all aspects of gift coding, database gift entry, and database hygiene utilizing Raiser’s Edge database and other MS Office tools.
• Produce gift acknowledgements that are timely, accurate, personalized to donors’ wishes and inspiring.
• Collaborate with Director of Development to create annual fund lists, gift reports and other financial and constituent reports necessary from donor database.
• Field donor calls and correspondence and escalate communication when necessary.
• Coordinate logistics for in-person and online special events:
• Assist with sponsorship solicitations, distribution of supporting materials (brochures, invitations, signage, etc.), and online event support.
• Coordinate all mailed donor correspondence via mail house or in-house.

Financial:

• Contribute to annual budgeting process.
• Contribute to program budget development for foundation proposals and reports.
• Adhere to fundraising and project expense budgets.
• Be point of contact for Finance department for gift coding and Blackbaud Merchant Services.
• Ongoing gift coding, reporting, and reconciliation with Finance Department.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 2 years of related work experience.

• Ability and willingness to learn and a high level of attention to detail and deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with an ability to work with and build relationships with a wide range of people.

• Experience with understanding the foundation and philanthropic landscape in Goodwill’s territory.

• Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Raisers Edge or another CRM database.

• HS Diploma or GED equivalent.

• Criminal background check that meets Agency standards.

• Reliable transportation with proof of current automobile insurance.

• Valid Driver’s license permitting operation of a vehicle in the State of Maine with a satisfactory driving record.

• Reliable home internet if choosing hybrid work-from-home

Preferred Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree preferred.

• Strong technical writer.

• Familiarity w/ Adobe products

• Familiarity with CRM’s

In addition to employment that is fulfilling, meaningful and supportive, Goodwill employees also receive:

• Medical Insurance
• Flex Spending
• Vision and Dental offered *
• Paid Short & Long Term Disability
• Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Plan (pro-rated for Part-Time employees) *
• Paid Holidays (pro-rated for Part-Time employees) *
• 403(b) retirement plan, with employer match *
• 50% Employee discount at Goodwill stores in ME, NH & VT *
• Valuable job training with growth potential *
• Discount on personal cell phone plans *
• Local community discounts *