What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fundraising and Development Specialist position at Ardmore?
The Fundraising and Development Specialist at Ardmore is a strategic and relationship-focused role, essential for advancing our mission to empower people with disabilities. This position will play a key part in cultivating strong connections with donors, developing targeted outreach strategies, managing impactful fundraising campaigns, and securing critical grant funding.
You’ll be instrumental in identifying new supporters, fostering ongoing donor relationships, preparing grant proposals, coordinating events, and building a culture of giving and volunteerism.
Key Responsibilities:
Donor Engagement and Fund Development
- Build and maintain relationships with individual, corporate, and foundation donors to deepen their commitment to Ardmore’s mission.
- Identify and research new donor prospects to expand Ardmore’s funding base, using a strategic approach to engage and retain them.
- Develop personalized donor cultivation strategies, including targeted communications and engagement opportunities.
- Support and manage Ardmore’s grant-writing efforts by researching, preparing, and submitting grant proposals to secure funding aligned with organizational goals.
- Coordinate and execute annual giving campaigns and appeal letters, ensuring alignment with donor interests and organizational milestones.
Events and Volunteer Coordination
- Lead in planning and executing fundraising events, from concept through follow-up, including managing guest outreach, sponsorship procurement, and event logistics.
- Organize meaningful volunteer events in partnership with Ardmore’s Communications Team, focusing on building long-term volunteer engagement and recognition.
- Support donor appreciation events, fostering a sense of community among donors, staff, and the people we support.
Prospect and Donor Cultivation
- Implement systems to track and manage engagement with prospective and current donors, ensuring clear follow-up and documentation.
- Lead and oversee the annual campaign calendar, ensuring timely execution of all campaigns, events, and communications with donors.
Communications and Reporting
- Draft and distribute compelling letters, updates, and other communications to keep donors informed of Ardmore’s achievements and needs.
- Collaborate with team members to prepare media materials, leveraging each communication as a touchpoint for donor engagement.
Database and Administrative Management
- Liaison with the Board Development Committee to manage and implement outreach strategies, provide updates on donor engagement, and help facilitate discussions on prospective supporters.
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records on donations, donor interactions, and related documentation to support strategic decision-making.
- Work closely with the finance team to ensure accurate reconciliation of donations, managing reporting requirements, and tracking key metrics.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business Administration, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
- 5-7 years of experience in development, fundraising, grant writing, or nonprofit work.
- Proven experience in relationship-building and donor engagement, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated grant-writing ability, with a record of securing funding.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and donor management software (e.g., Raiser’s Edge).
- Strategic thinker, organized, and skilled at managing multiple projects to meet deadlines.
- Passion for Ardmore’s mission to advance the lives of people with disabilities.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE ARDMORE
We offer an exceptional benefits package including:
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance (CareFirst)
- 403B Retirement Plan Match - Mutual of America (Up to 6%)
- Group Life Insurance - Guardian (up to $50,000)
- Voluntary Life and AD&D Insurance
- Short Term Disability Insurance (Guardian)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Pet Insurance
- Legal Insurance
- $1000 Sign-On Bonus
- $250 Employee Referral Program
- Starting Two Weeks Vacation and Two Weeks Sick Leave (full-time and part-time eligibility)
- 10 Paid Holidays and 2 Floating Holidays
- Employee Discounts (Groupon, Six Flags, Touro University, Hertz car rentals, AMC Theaters Dell computers, etc.)
- Paid On-site Trainings!
- Work in a hybrid environment combining in office and remote work is required. Current requirements are at least 3 days in office.
Salary: $70,000 - $75,000
Salary : $70,000 - $75,000
