Development Specialist

Description

The Development Specialist role is an exciting opportunity to play a key part in the fundraising efforts of one of the oldest animal welfare organizations in the country. This position will help East Bay SPCA continue to grow its donor base, strengthen community relationships, and secure vital resources to support all the organization’s programs.

The Development Specialist serves as a critical member of the Development team, supporting East Bay SPCA’s fundraising goals by implementing donor stewardship strategies, coordinating appeals, and managing key development activities. This position is responsible for creating and executing effective fundraising campaigns, maintaining donor records, and assisting with donor cultivation and events. Through collaboration with the Vice President of Philanthropy and other members of the Philanthropy team, the Development Specialist will help enhance East Bay SPCA’s fundraising impact and contribute to the overall mission.

East Bay SPCA is a 501(c)3 non-profit committed to the welfare of dogs and cats in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Our mission is to transform the lives of cats and dogs by enriching the human-animal bond through respected and accessible expertise. East Bay SPCA is one of the nation’s oldest humane organizations, in operation since 1874, and receives no funding from any national organizations. You can find more information about East Bay SPCA on our website at www.eastbayspca.org.

Category: Part-time; Hourly

Location: Oakland and Dublin, as needed

Reports to: Vice President of Philanthropy

Benefits: East Bay SPCA offers a wide range of benefits to full-time employees including full medical, dental, and life insurance, a 401K retirement plan, discounted veterinary care and more.

Qualifications

Responsibilities

• Oversee Annual Fund Programs: In partnership with the Philanthropy team, develop, implement, and manage comprehensive Annual Fund donor relations programs, including personalized gift acknowledgments, membership levels, benefits, recognition strategies, and exclusive donor tours to strengthen engagement and loyalty.
• Innovate and Grow Donor Revenue: Execute innovative strategies to increase donor contributions, including upgrades to monthly giving programs, mid-level giving opportunities, and donor retention initiatives.
• Cultivation and Stewardship Planning: Collaborate with the philanthropy team on donor cultivation and stewardship activities year-round, such as personalized communications, board member thank-you outreach, affinity group programs, targeted events, and promotions for Legacy Giving opportunities.
• Donor Engagement Coordination: Schedule and facilitate cultivation and stewardship meetings between donors, leadership staff, and board members, ensuring alignment with strategic fundraising goals as appropriate.
• Collaborate with Marketing for Strategic Communications: Partner with the Marketing team to synchronize messaging, ensure brand alignment, and strategically time development communications across digital, print, and direct mail platforms.
• Database Management and Reporting: Work closely with the Database Administrator to maintain accurate donor records in The Raiser’s Edge. Ensure timely production of donor lists, activity reports, and follow-up tracking to support fundraising goals.
• Major Gift and Legacy Prospecting: Research Annual Fund donors and monthly donors to identify and qualify prospects for major giving and planned gift opportunities.
• Donor-Centered Representation: Serve as a central point of contact and ambassador for East Bay SPCA, fostering meaningful relationships with donors and ensuring exceptional customer service at all touchpoints.
• Event Coordination and Representation: Support the planning and execution of donor cultivation and appreciation events, representing the organization’s mission and vision to current and prospective donors.
• Continuous Process Improvement: Regularly assess donor engagement strategies, leveraging data and feedback to refine approaches and maximize the impact of the Annual Fund program.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of professional experience in fundraising, donor relations, or development within a nonprofit organization.
• Proven track record of success in managing Annual Fund campaigns, donor stewardship, and cultivation strategies. Proficiency in donor database systems (e.g., The Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, or similar CRMs).
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and email marketing platforms.
• Familiarity with data analysis, reporting, and using insights to inform strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft compelling donor-facing content.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with donors, board members, and internal teams.
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining accurate donor records.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, events, and leadership.
• Must have transportation and availability to work some nights, early mornings, and weekends as needed.
• Pre-employment background and drug screening are required; we do not screen for cannabis use
• Reliable transportation, a valid CA driver’s license, and proof of insurability are required. Travel with both personal and company vehicles is required.

The Ideal Candidate will have:

• A strong commitment to the mission of East Bay SPCA.
• Experience working in animal welfare or a related nonprofit field.
• Familiarity with the East Bay or broader Bay Area philanthropic landscape.
• Experience in working on donor stewardship events or initiatives.
• Knowledge of planned giving and major gift fundraising strategies.
• High level of professionalism, discretion, and ethical standards when handling sensitive donor information.
• Innovative thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and donor engagement.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily performed in an animal shelter environment with exposure to detergents, cleaning products, wet and humid environments, and seasonal outdoor conditions
• Must be willing to work occasional irregular hours, weekends, and holidays.
• Animal contact and related injuries, including bites and scratches, may occur. Will occasionally handle sick, injured, and deceased animals
• Noise exposure varies and often includes uncontrolled barking and other animal vocalizations
• Animal waste contact, smells, and visual exposure are prevalent
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds frequently and occasionally lift to 75 pounds with assistance. Must be able to push and/or pull over 50 pounds occasionally
• Frequent standing, walking, typing, bending, twisting, crouching, kneeling, and stooping.

Salary : $30 - $33