Job Title: Development Specialist
Position Summary
The Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, securing, and supporting funding opportunities that advance the organization’s mission and financial sustainability. This role focuses on grant research, proposal development, donor cultivation support, and strategic funding initiatives. The Development Specialist works closely with executive leadership to increase revenue through grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
Key Responsibilities🔹 Funding Research & Strategy
Qualifications
Core Competencies
Work Structure
Compensation Structure
Position Summary
The Development Specialist is responsible for identifying, securing, and supporting funding opportunities that advance the organization’s mission and financial sustainability. This role focuses on grant research, proposal development, donor cultivation support, and strategic funding initiatives. The Development Specialist works closely with executive leadership to increase revenue through grants, partnerships, sponsorships, and fundraising initiatives.
Key Responsibilities🔹 Funding Research & Strategy
- Identify and research federal, state, local, corporate, and foundation funding opportunities.
- Maintain a funding calendar with deadlines and submission requirements.
- Analyze eligibility requirements and alignment with organizational programs.
- Draft, edit, and submit high-quality grant proposals, letters of inquiry (LOIs), and funding applications.
- Collaborate with program managers and finance staff to gather data, budgets, and outcome metrics.
- Ensure proposals are accurate, compelling, and compliant with all funding guidelines.
- Assist in cultivating relationships with funders, sponsors, and community partners.
- Support development of sponsorship packages and partnership proposals.
- Track donor communications and follow-up activities.
- Monitor grant deliverables and reporting deadlines.
- Prepare progress and impact reports for funders.
- Maintain organized records of submissions, awards, and compliance documentation.
- Assist leadership in developing long-term funding strategies.
- Identify opportunities for revenue diversification.
- Support fundraising campaigns, events, or corporate sponsorship initiatives as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, Communications, Public Administration, or related field (or equivalent experience).
- 2+ years of experience in grant writing, fundraising, development, or related field preferred.
- Strong research, writing, and editing skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.
- Strong organizational and analytical skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online grant submission portals.
- Experience with CRM or donor management systems is a plus.
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking
- Strong written communication
- Detail-oriented and deadline-driven
- Financial literacy (basic budgeting knowledge)
- Professional discretion and integrity
Work Structure
- Reports to: Program Manager / Executive Director / CEO
- Employment Type: (Hourly or Salary depending on Budjet)
- Schedule: Standard business hours; occasional flexibility for deadlines
- Performance Metrics:
- Number of submissions per quarter
- Funding secured
- Compliance accuracy
- Timely reporting
Compensation Structure
- Base salary or hourly rate
- Performance incentives tied to funding secured
- Professional development opportunities
