Development Specialist

Development Specialist

Job Description

The Development Specialist will serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser and primary relationship manager with major donors, corporations, and grantmaking institutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of achieving or exceeding annual targets and experience in conducting successful fundraising campaigns in the client.

The Development Specialist reports to the Client Talking Book Library Administrator and works collaboratively with the leadership of the Client Library, Archives & Public Records and the Client Secretary. The individual acts as a Library Liaison and advisor to the Client Friends of Talking Books, a nonprofit organization with the mission to support and enhance library services.


Job Duties:
Design, manage, and execute a comprehensive fundraising program to grow charitable contributions from foundations, corporations, and donors in support of the Client Talking Book Library.
Conduct thorough research into new donors.
Identify and research local, state, and national foundations aligned with library focus on accessibility.
Monitor and analyze fundraising campaign effectiveness and adjust strategies as needed.
Develop donor database to track relationships, giving history, and stewardship activities.
Provide regular updates on prospect management, portfolio progress, and fundraising results. Utilize data to inform decision-making.
Meet with library leadership at regularly scheduled times to evaluate fundraising efforts.
Create cultivation and stewardship strategies, including one-on-one meetings, small events, library tours and recognition opportunities.
Attend Client Friends of Talking Books board meetings. Collaborate and strategize with members to maximize the fundraising potential of each organization.
Ensure consistent messaging and branding throughout all fundraising efforts.
Create correspondence, proposals, updates, and other donor communications that reflect and align with fundraising strategies.
Develop annual donor reports, impact stories, and marketing materials to communicate mission and outcomes.

Knowledge
Knowledge of effective fundraising strategies.
Knowledge of accounting practices for recordkeeping.
Knowledge of estate planning and tax laws related to giving.

Skills
Proficiency with donor management software.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Time management skills for handling multiple priorities simultaneously.

Ability
Ability to cultivate and maintain donor relationships throughout all regions.
Ability to match donor’s interests and passions to the needs of the library.
Ability to research and write compelling grant proposals.
Ability to steward foundation relationships to secure annual and multi-year awards.
Ability to build and manage a portfolio of high-net-worth individuals.
Ability to articulate the value and impact of an organization to prospective donors.
Ability to track and report on fundraising activities.

Required Skills
Connections in the community/ building relationships
Knowledge of effective fundraising strategies
Knowledge of accounting practices for recordkeeping

Preferred Skills
Proficiency with donor management software

Notes:
Hybrid - mostly remote but will need to come in the office as needed
The 10 hours will be worked anytime throughout the week as long as it's between 8-5
The position is a part-time contract position

VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.