Development Coordinator (CSPI)

Center for Science in the Public Interest; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous benefits package

Healthy working environment

Job summary

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is seeking a Development Coordinator to provide research, administrative and logistical support to CSPI’s donor fundraising programs. This role reports to the Director of Development and collaborates with development staff and senior leadership.

Essential duties include donor outreach, calendar management, donor database administration, and preparation of fundraising materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of fundraising and development experience desirable.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; strong research skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the Director and fundraisers in outreach and donor solicitation.
• Maintain department calendar including donor mailings, foundation deadlines, and travel.
• Manage the department’s donor database and interface with communications programs.
• Provide administrative support including correspondence, alerts, filing, and scheduling.
• Assist donors with donations, subscriptions, and gift subscriptions for $500+ donors.
• Manage gift acknowledgement process for $500+ donors.
• Prepare weekly deposits with Finance for tracking and reporting.
• Coordinate fundraising mailings and events with staff and funders.
• Assist in drafting reports and proposals for funding sources.
• Support board materials preparation three times per year.
• Help research individual donors and foundations.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Research skills

Discretion and judgment

MS Office (Word, Excel)

CRM systems experience

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Tools

MS Office

CRM systems

Job description

The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non‑profit public health group based in Washington, D.C., that advocates for improved nutrition and food safety industry practices and public policies. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens' interests before governmental bodies, and serves as a watchdog over industry. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter (NAH), the nation's largest‑circulation nutrition newsletter. CSPI is supported by the subscribers to NAH, major donors, and foundation grants.

The Development Coordinator provides research, administrative and logistical support to CSPI’s mid‑level and major gift fundraising programs. This position reports to the Director of Development and works closely with other development staff and senior leadership.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Support the Director and the mid‑level and major gifts officers in the timely and professional outreach and solicitation of donors.
• Maintain department calendar of activities, including donor mailings, foundation deadlines, letters of inquiry, applications, proposals, reports, staff travel, and help ensure development systems operate efficiently.
• Manage department’s donor database. Serve as point person for the department’s database interfacing with direct mail and online communications programs.
• Provide administrative support to department including managing routine correspondence, email alerts to donors, filing, proofreading, expense reports, and scheduling appointments and travel.
• Serve as a customer service representative providing assistance with donations, subscriptions, and gift subscriptions for donors who contribute $500 or more.
• Manage gift acknowledgement process for $500-plus donors.
• Prepare weekly deposits; work with Finance department to ensure correct tracking and allocation of donations; and generate revenue reports as needed.
• Manage the production of mailings and fundraising appeals to major donors and other funders, including the monthly NAH mailing.
• Help plan and organize development‑related events and fundraising meetings.
• Maintain the development department policy and procedures manual.
• Assist in preparation of regular updates to donors, internal and external reports, and proposals to possible funding sources.
• Assist with board of director packets three times a year.
• Assist in research of individual donors and foundation prospects.
• Assist with other department projects, as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least one year of fundraising and development experience highly desirable.
• Previous administrative experience; meticulous attention to detail; strong organizational skills.
• Understanding of systems and database management.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; and strong research skills.
• Professional, diplomatic, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines.
• Ability to work independently, with supervision and as part of a team.
• Discretion and mature judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information.
• Computer proficiency with MSOffice including Word and Excel; database management experience required and working knowledge of CRM systems desirable.
• Interest in CSPI’s mission and public interest commitment.

CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment. CSPI is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities, women, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.