Development Specialist

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Position: Development Specialist

Classification: Full-time 12-month position, Exempt

Reporting to: Director of Development & Communications

Created Date: April 1, 2022

Position Summary: The Development Specialist will support the mission as an integral part of the development and communications team and as an active member of the OSB community. The successful candidate will take ownership of their job's essential functions with initiative and creativity, combining an appreciation for existing institutions with the ability and willingness to innovate. The Development Specialist will play a key role in the philanthropic development of individuals, corporations, events and foundations.

Essential Functions:

• Work closely with the Director of Development & Communications to formulate an overall development strategy to increase support from individuals, foundations, corporate donors, and special events
• Create and execute fundraising strategies and plans that leverage best practices to meet fundraising goals
• Conceptualize, plan and implement individual giving appeals
• Maintain and grow a dynamic portfolio of individual donors (up to $1,000 level) using diversified fundraising strategies through the full donor cycle: identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Responsible for providing leadership and professional expertise in the planning and implementation of high-quality strategic events and functions throughout the course of the year
• Manage the proposal submission process and maintain a grants calendar in the fundraising database to ensure timely submission of all required materials
• Develop written proposals/grant applications for foundations and corporate donors; developing written case statements, narrative responses, and budgets, as well as compiling necessary attachments and meeting all other submission requirements.
• Develop and maintain relationships with foundation program officers
• Closely monitor progress of the annual grants strategy to meet fundraising goals, working with the Director of Development & Communications to adjust the strategy as needed
• Other job-related responsibilities as assigned

Required Education and Experience: A Bachelor's degree with 4 to 7 years of demonstrated fundraising experience. Knowledge and experience with Constituent Relationship Management (CRM) software.

Qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to coordinate complex logistics internally and externally while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to show increase in philanthropic dollars raised year over year.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organization, prioritization, and judgment. Strong detail orientation and follow-through
• Ability to problem-solve and make thoughtful decisions
• Proven track record developing and maintaining relationships with foundation and corporate representatives
• Initiative and ability to work independently as well as to work collaboratively as part of a team
• Excellent writing and editing skills in various formats
• Proficient use of Word or Google office management platforms for developing documents and spreadsheets as well as social media and communications platforms such as Facebook, Constant Contact, etc.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends when necessary

Physical Requirements: The following physical demands are representative of those necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the Development Specialist position. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the job.

Expected Hours of Work: Primarily daytime hours but some evenings and weekends during department events.

Additional Duties: This Position Description contains only the primary activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the Development Specialist. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Overbrook School for the Blind Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The Overbrook School for the Blind (OSB) has, and will continue to follow, a policy of recruiting, employing, and promoting individuals best qualified for any position by reason of education, training, and experience without regard to race, color, ancestry, genetic information, familial or marital status, domestic or sexual violence victimization, ethnicity, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or a related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or non-job-related disability or the use of a guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness or physical disability. OSB shall not discriminate against an individual who has exercised his/her rights against discrimination in accordance with applicable federal, state or local laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person