Development Specialist / Individual Giving

Development Specialist / Individual Giving 

Job Description 

DEPARTMENT: Development 

SUPERVISED BY: Director of Individual Giving 

Summary of Responsibilities: The Development Specialist reports to the Director of Major Gifts and is responsible for prospecting, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding individual donors to generate additional funding and resources to support Forgotten Harvest operations. 

Duties/Essential Functions: 

· Uphold Mission, Vision and Values of Forgotten Harvest 

· Attend all required meetings 

· Strategic execution and management of a comprehensive individual mid-level giving program (annual gifts of $250-$999), including development of a coordinated matrix of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone/mail, personal visitation, and volunteer engagement, all focused on increasing individual donor’s annual support. 

· Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors who are potential major donors. Work closely with the Major Gifts Director on strategies for donor retention and increasing giving levels. Manage a portfolio of 150 donors and prospects. 

· Implement a communication/retention plan for monthly donor “sustainer” program 

· Research and identify new individual donors and partnerships. 

· Develop and deliver presentations as required and provide input and suggestions. 

· Work closely with all members of Development Team to coordinate solicitation strategies and timelines, specifically integrating identified communication pieces for mid-level donors with other direct mail and digital appeals and newsletters. 

· Develop several donor articles annually to be used in newsletters or website. 

· Utilize the fundraising software, Raiser’s Edge, to create, update, and maintain donor records and activities 

· Analyze and report upon new donors, sustainers, and donors ($250-$1,000 ). Fundraising goal of $250,000 or more annually. 

· Prepare personalized acknowledgements when needed 

· Assist with donor cultivation events, follow up and on-going engagement, and other duties as assigned 

· Work closely with Chief Development Officer, Major Gifts Director and Donor Relations teams to ensure coordination of solicitation activities. Plays a key role in development of robust prospect pipeline of individual donors. 

· Participate in fundraising events and activities for the organization as assigned. 

· Promote a culture of stewardship and stewardship best practices across donor groups and the overall organization 

· Assist with Community Engagement activities when applicable. 

Qualifications: 

· Minimum of a bachelor’s degree 

· 3-4 years plus experience in annual giving and fundraising event activities, or proven sales or financial account management experience 

· Demonstrated passion for fundraising 

· Demonstrated competence in Microsoft Office Suite and Raiser’s Edge 

· Excellent oral and written communication skills 

· Willingness to travel in own vehicle throughout Southeast Michigan 

· Some work requires non-business hour activities including nights, weekends, and holidays 

· Must have valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record as determined by FH insurance company, and valid personal auto insurance. 

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: 

· General office working conditions 

· Positioned at desk/office approximately 60% of working time 

· Occasional travel to meetings, appointments, other FH locations, etc. 

· Occasional overtime hours 

· No unusual physical exertion 

This job description does not list all the duties of the job. Supervisors or mangers often assign other additional duties. This job description may be revised at any time. The job description is not a contract for employment and does not alter the at-will status of employment with Forgotten Harvest. Either FH or the employee may terminate employment at any time, for any reason.