Development Officer

Job Title: Development Officer

FTE Status: Full time

Years’ Experience: Minimum 5 years

FLSA Status: Exempt

Education Level: Bachelor’s degree

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Job Summary

The Development Officer serves as the organization's primary fundraising and community engagement leader. This individual is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy that supports Hospice of Southern Kentucky's mission while strengthening relationships throughout our nine-county service area.

The ideal candidate is an energetic, relationship-driven professional who is passionate about serving the community. This position requires exceptional networking skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships with donors, businesses, civic organizations, foundations, healthcare partners, and community leaders. The Development Officer serves as an ambassador for Hospice of Southern Kentucky and works closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and community stakeholders to secure philanthropic support and increase awareness of the organization's mission.

Mission

We are United by being Radically Available to Honor life through Exceptional service and Compassionate care.

Essential Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate annual and long-term fundraising plans.
• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, businesses, healthcare organizations, and civic groups.
• Represent Hospice of Southern Kentucky at community events, networking functions, Chamber activities, speaking engagements, and donor meetings.
• Increase community awareness through presentations and relationship-building opportunities.
• Coordinate major gift and planned giving initiatives.
• Create and distribute a quarterly newsletter for the Donors to provide updates on fundraising efforts, organizational accomplishments, community partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities while assisting with grant writing and reporting.
• Plan, organize, and oversee fundraising events and donor appreciation activities.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Board of Directors to identify fundraising opportunities and engage board members in development efforts.
• Provide leadership and support to fundraising committees and volunteers.
• Maintain donor records and utilize donor management software to track gifts, relationships, and fundraising performance.
• Prepare reports for leadership and the Board regarding fundraising progress and key performance indicators.
• Assist with the preparation of the organization's Annual Report and other donor communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in fundraising, business development, sales, marketing, or relationship management.
• Outstanding interpersonal, networking, and relationship-building abilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable speaking before community organizations, businesses, and large groups.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with leadership, staff, volunteers, and Board members.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and CRM or donor management software.
• Valid driver's license with reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout the service area.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with nonprofit boards and fundraising committees.
• Experience with grant writing and grant management.
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising software.
• Knowledge of the South Central Kentucky business and philanthropic community.
• Experience planning and executing successful fundraising events.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

This position requires prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, driving, and occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequent travel throughout the organization's service area is required, along with attendance at occasional evening and weekend meetings, networking events, fundraising activities, and community functions. The employee must be able to operate standard office equipment, communicate effectively with individuals and groups, and work in a professional office and community environment. May require contact with individuals with communicable diseases consistent with the organization's healthcare setting.