Donor Development Specialist I - II

JOB SUMMARY:

The Donor Development Specialist leads fundraising initiatives and donor engagement strategies that advance Mount Rogers Community Services’ (MRCS or Agency) mission and expand community impact. Reporting to the Director of Grant Writing and Agency Advancement, this position manages the full cycle of development activities from identifying and qualifying prospective donors and corporate partners to cultivating relationships, executing campaigns, and stewarding gifts. The position manages the donor database and gift acknowledgment process, leads annual and special fundraising events, and serves as a visible ambassador for the Agency’s mission, vision, and values among individual, corporate, and community stakeholders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (Maximum of Eight)

• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward prospective and current donors and corporate sponsors. Develop and manage a portfolio of top prospects and established donors, advancing relationships towards solicitation and closure in a timely manner.
• Cultivate meaningful, mission-aligned relationships with donors, prospects, and community partners. Maintain consistent contact through quarterly newsletters, appreciation events, special invitations, and personalized stewardship touchpoints that reflect the Agency’s values and deepen long-term donor investment.
• Drive corporate and individual giving through direct solicitation of local and national corporations, corporate foundations grant efforts, and project/program sponsorships. Establish strategies for identifying high-potential donors using wealth screening, giving history, and engagement indicators.
• Lead and execute comprehensive fundraising campaigns that advance Agency goals in charitable giving and corporate support, including direct mail appeals, online giving initiatives, semi-annual donor appeals, and capital campaigns. Engage Board Members, volunteers, and community stakeholders in support of fundraising priorities.
• Write, edit, and submit competitive funding proposals, gift proposals, and letters of interest. Track proposal progress, strategize follow-up, and manage intermediate moves between submission and decision. Provide reporting as required.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising and donor appreciation events, including but not limited to golf tournaments, fishing tournaments, annual special events, and major donor engagements. Manage event logistics, volunteer coordination, and post-event follow-up.
• Manage the structure and implementation of the donor database and gift processing system. Accurately track donors, donations, grantors, and development activities. Produce monthly development reports and assist in developing stewardship materials including fund agreements, stewardship reports, and donor marketing pieces.
• Represent the Agency at community engagement and outreach opportunities aligned with its mission and strategic growth. Understand and effectively communicate the Agency’s mission, vision, values, and priorities to promote donor interest, inspire support, and build long-term philanthropic partnerships.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of fundraising principles, move management, and the full donor lifecycle from identification and cultivation through solicitation and stewardship.
• Ability to thrive in complex, fast-paced environment by establishing priorities, setting clear objectives, and driving multiple projects forward simultaneously.
• Strong written, verbal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to craft compelling donor correspondence, funding proposals, and stewardship materials; comfortable and confident representing the Agency in external-facing settings including donor meetings, community events, and formal presentations.
• Proven ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, high-net-worth individuals, and community stakeholders; skilled at translating Agency goals and priorities into compelling narratives that resonate with diverse external audiences.
• Exercises sound judgement, discretion, and professionalism in handling confidential information; demonstrate independent initiative, strong problem-solving, and consistent follow-through across all aspects of the role.

EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION REQUIRED:

• 
  I EX 12 Bachelor’s degree with 3-5 years of progressive experience in fundraising, donor relations, development, or closely related experience such as sales or community engagement required.
• II EX 13 Master’s degree in communications, public relations, nonprofit management, business, or related field preferred.