Development Coordinator

Position: Development Coordinator

General Description:

Save the Dunes Conservation Fund, Inc. (Save the Dunes) is a non-profit conservation organization located in Michigan City, Indiana, serving the three counties of Northwest Indiana. For more than 70 years, Save the Dunes has protected and advocated for the Indiana dunes, Lake Michigan, and surrounding natural areas. As a nonprofit partner of Indiana Dunes National Park, Save the Dunes works across Conservation, Advocacy, and Community Engagement to protect these globally significant landscapes.

The Development Coordinator is a full-time fundraising support position responsible for coordinating and implementing a wide range of development activities and special events. Reporting to the Development Director, this role supports all fundraising initiatives, including raising funds for Indiana Dunes National Park, annual fundraising efforts, and special events. The Development Coordinator plays a key role in donor engagement, member communications, event logistics, and fundraising administration, helping ensure a positive and professional experience for donors, members, sponsors, and partners.

Primary Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Campaign Support

• Support coordination and execution of Save the Dunes’ fundraising initiatives on behalf of the Indiana Dunes National Park, including donor outreach, tracking, and logistics.
• Assist with implementation of Save the Dunes annual fundraising plan, including individual giving, corporate support, events, and appeals.
• Assist with prospect management for tracking of Major Gifts.
• Coordinate fundraising timelines, materials, and follow-up activities in collaboration with the Development Director.
• Assist with drafting and assembling written appeals, solicitation materials, and donor communications.

Special Events & Earned Revenue

• Coordinate logistics and implementation for Save the Dunes’ two signature annual fundraising events, Jammin’ at the Dunes and Dunes Dash.
• Support planning and execution of donor appreciation events and cultivation gatherings.
• Coordinate, staff, and support private event rentals, including on-site event management, scheduling, logistics, and internal communication.
• Work with staff, vendors, volunteers, and partners to ensure successful event execution.

Membership & Donor Engagement

• Support administration of Save the Dunes’ membership program, including renewals, acknowledgments, and member benefits.
• Assist with writing and coordinating monthly member updates and related communications.
• Help steward donors through timely acknowledgments, event follow-up, and engagement activities.

Communications & Digital Support

• Coordinate social media content related to fundraising, events, and member engagement in collaboration with staff.
• Assist with development-related communications, including email updates, eblasts, and promotional materials.
• Ensure messaging aligns with Save the Dunes’ mission, brand, and fundraising priorities.

Development Operations & Administration

• Assist the Office Manager with processing donations, data entry, and maintaining accurate donor records.
• Coordinate timely thank-you letters, acknowledgments, and donor correspondence.
• Support database management and reporting related to fundraising and events.

Additional Duties

• Attend fundraising events, meetings, and donor activities, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Assist with preparation of reports for staff leadership and the Board of Directors.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support Save the Dunes’ fundraising and organizational goals.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, events, communications, or related roles preferred.
• Experience coordinating events and working with donors or members is strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Collaborative, team-oriented approach with strong interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and comfort learning donor databases and CRM systems.
• Experience with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and basic design platforms (e.g., Canva) preferred.
• Ability to work independently while taking direction and feedback from multiple supervisors.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• This position is full-time.
• Typical work hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm CST, with flexibility as needed.
• Occasional evening and weekend work required for events and donor activities.
• Hybrid work model with time balanced between the office, remote work, and field-based activities.
• Work may involve outdoor activities, standing for extended periods, carrying equipment (up to 30 lbs), and navigating varied terrain. Reasonable accommodations can be made.

Additional Requirements:

• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check and verification of employment eligibility through the E-Verify Program.
• Access to a vehicle or reliable transportation; valid driver’s license preferred.
• Save the Dunes is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Salary /- $50,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits package includes paid time off and retirement benefits (details provided during hiring process).

Save the Dunes is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment. We value diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, and believe our work is strongest when it reflects the communities we serve.

• Email resume and cover letter no later than June 30, 2026 at 11:59pm Central Time to Lisa@savedunes.org. Please use the subject line “Development Coordinator Application”.