Development & Donor Engagement Specialist

Community Action Council Of Howard County Md; Columbia (MD); On-site; USD 67,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is seeking a Development Specialist to enhance CAC’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. You will manage donor portfolios and collaborate with the Director of Development to grow philanthropic support and visibility for CAC’s mission.

The role involves donor engagement, grant and campaign activities, event coordination, and maintaining confidential donor records. Strong writing and communication skills are essential to success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Three or more years of fundraising or development experience with direct donor contact.
• Demonstrated success managing a donor portfolio or similar relationship management function.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills; ability to inspire and engage donors.
• Strong writing, proposal development, and presentation skills.
• Organized, goal-oriented, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Microsoft Teams.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle during work hours.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of 80-100 donors, with annual revenue and activity goals.
• Conduct proactive outreach, meetings, and stewardship touchpoints (in-person, phone, email, events).
• Develop customized engagement strategies and proposals for portfolio donors.
• Document all portfolio activity in the donor database (moves management).
• Assist in fundraising strategies including annual fund, major gifts, and capital campaigns.
• Research, identify, and qualify prospective donors (individuals, corporations, and foundations).
• Draft donor correspondence, stewardship reports, and impact communications.
• Maintain accurate donor records and track moves management activity in CRM database.
• Partner with the Director of Development to cultivate and solicit mid-level and major gift donors.
• Support capital campaign prospecting and pipeline development.
• Prepare donor briefings, proposals, and stewardship materials.
• Coordinate and participate in donor site visits and Food Bank/Head Start tours.
• Ensure timely acknowledgement, recognition, and follow-up with donors.
• Provide logistical and communications support for fundraising and community events.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Donor engagement

Public speaking

Proposal writing

Organization

Goal orientation

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

CRM databases

Canva / design skills

Job description

Community Action Council of Howard County (CAC) is seeking a Development Specialist to enhance CAC’s fundraising and community engagement efforts. You will manage donor portfolios and collaborate with the Director of Development to grow philanthropic support and visibility for CAC’s mission.

The role involves donor engagement, grant and campaign activities, event coordination, and maintaining confidential donor records. Strong writing and communication skills are essential to success.