What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Specialist (Reno) position at Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada, Inc.?
Overview
WHO WE ARE: We are more than a nonprofit organization. We are a ministry of service that includes nearly 400 paid, professional employees dedicated to helping those in need to rebuild their lives and reach their full potential. Founded locally in 1911, the Northern California & Northern Nevada affiliate of Volunteers of America (VOA-NCNN) is one of the largest providers of social services in the region, operating more than 40 programs including housing, employment services, substance abuse, and recovery services to families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and youth. In fact, VOA-NCNN provides shelter or housing to over 3,500 men, women, and children every night.
OUR MISSION: To change individual lives, instill hope, increase self-worth and facilitate independence through quality housing, employment, and related supportive services. Volunteers of America Northern California & Northern Nevada inspires self-sufficiency, dignity, and hope by providing critical health and human services to thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across Northern California & Northern Nevada.
PROGRAM AND LOCATION: VOA-NCNN, a Certified Great Place to Work, is recruiting for a full-time Development Specialist position in Northern Nevada. This position is a hybrid role with some days in the Reno office and some days working from home. Full-time employees (working 30 or more hours a week) are eligible for a benefits package that includes paid holidays, vacation, sick pay, health, dental, vision, life, and short-term disability insurance coverage.
Responsibilities
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Development Specialist is a motivated, mission-driven professional who will help grow fundraising and community engagement efforts across Northern Nevada. This role focuses on developing business partnerships, securing sponsorships and in-kind donations, and deepening relationships that expand our impact. The ideal candidate is organized, outgoing, and passionate about nonprofit work, with a strong interest in cross-sector collaboration. Working closely with the Gift Administration Manager, the VP of Development and Marketing and the Reno Major Gifts Officer, this position supports a donor-centered strategy for cultivating companies, businesses, and some individual donors. This is a hybrid role. Occasional travel and evening work may be required.
DUTIES AND RESPONSABILITIES
A. Partnership Development & Community Engagement (65%)1. Research and identify potential corporate, small business, and community-based partners aligned with our mission.2. Initiate outreach to new prospective partners to explore sponsorship, volunteerism, and in-kind giving opportunities.3. Schedule and attend partnership meetings; prepare materials and assist with presentations as needed.4. Support the cultivation and stewardship of existing business relationships.
5. Responsible for raising funds for a targeted goal.
B. In-Kind Giving & Donor Support (20%)1. Coordinate and track in-kind donations, including inventory management, donor acknowledgments, and reporting.2. Work with program and outreach teams to identify and communicate ongoing in-kind needs (e.g., hygiene kits, food, seasonal items).3. Maintain accurate or updated donor database records and ensure all in-kind and business donors are properly thanked and recognized.
C. Administrative & Event Support (15%)1. Support donor mailings, thank-you letters, and sponsor packets.2. Assist with coordination of fundraising or community events, including sponsorship outreach, volunteer management, and setup.3. Maintain organized files and documentation for all outreach efforts and donations.4. Collaborate across departments to align partnership goals with programmatic needs.
Qualifications
EQUIVALENT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:Requires two years of proven success in outside sales or identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, however, an additional four years of progressively responsible work experience may be substituted in lieu of the degree. Experience with face-to-face relationship building and solicitation is required. Ability to conduct cold outreach and working with diverse audiences. Experience using Neon One donor database or similar managing donor relationships and identifying opportunities for increased giving. Demonstrated ability in asking for and obtaining financial support. Experience with human services nonprofits is desired. The candidate must have a strong desire to work for an organization dealing with issues unique to homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health. A valid driver’s license and the ability to meet the organization’s insurance guidelines are required.
SPECIFIC SKILLS REQUIRED:
Excellent oral and written communication Technologically savvy Strong organizational skillsStrong interpersonal skillsAbility to multi-task and to respond quickly and positively to solve unexpected problemsAbility to meet goals and deadlinesAbility to use Microsoft 365 applications Ability to interact professionally with donors and clientsAnalytical and decision-making abilityHighly organized with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
Other duties as assigned
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Lift and move up to 30 poundsPhysically able to safely maneuver weight distribution for event setups Stand, walk, bend, stoop, and sit frequently Kneel occasionally
Pay Range
USD $29.00 - USD $31.00 /Hr.Salary : $29 - $31