Development Specialist

Gifts of Music NW; Bellingham (WA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

Gifts of Music NW in Washington State seeks a Development Specialist to support growth through donations, memberships, and community partnerships. This contract, hybrid role in Bellingham will coordinate fundraising efforts and track development performance.

You will collaborate with leadership to design campaigns, manage donor data, and craft proposals, reports, and materials that demonstrate program impact.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to convey impact to donors.
• Some experience in grant writing or strong writing skills.
• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems or quick learners.
• Interest in music, arts education, and youth development.

Responsibilities

• Identify and reach out to potential donors to grow funding.
• Increase memberships and donations to sustain programs.
• Maintain contact lists and development records.
• Prepare impact reports and grant proposals for leadership.

Skills

Donor relations

Grant writing

CRM systems

Fundraising

Social media

Education

Nonprofit management

Business

Communications

Tools

CRM software

Donor databases

Job description

Company Description

Gifts of Music NW is dedicated to enhancing joy and self-confidence through accessible music education and performance opportunities for people of all ages. The organization focuses on meaningful, low-pressure music experiences, whether working with underserved youth in juvenile detention, or senior citizens in assisted living. Programs are designed to boost confidence and foster collaboration, especially for non-musicians and those new to music-making. With youth, Gifts of Music NW emphasizes building life skills such as self-awareness and creative problem-solving while nurturing a lifelong appreciation of music. Classes in ukulele, guitar, and electronic music production are offered in Bellingham, WA.

Role Description

The Development Specialist is a contract, hybrid role based in Bellingham, WA, with a mix of on-site and work-from-home responsibilities. This role focuses on supporting the growth and sustainability of Gifts of Music NW through by securing more large and sustaining donations. Day-to-day tasks include identifying and reaching out to potential donors, increasing memberships, maintaining contact lists and development records, and preparing impact reports and grant proposals. The Development Specialist will collaborate with leadership to design and execute development strategies, assist with fundraising campaigns, and support communications related to program outcomes and community impact. The role may also involve coordinating events or presentations, engaging with local organizations, and helping refine processes and tools that support sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to show donors the value of our work
• Some experience in grant writing, or strong writing skills
• Familiarity with CRM or donor management systems, or ability to quickly learn
• Interest in or experience with music, arts education, and youth development
• Strong social media skills, and ability to produce high impact reels
• Relevant education or training in fields such as nonprofit management, business, communications, or a related discipline is preferred
• This position will require asking for large and small donations from local community members. Therefore, immersion in the Bellingham community is a must

This position starts at $25/hour and will not exceed 10 hours per week until the organization can afford to increase hours. Fall is fundraising season, and there is a good chance we will be able to increase hours to 15 to 25 per week in winter and spring, but it is not gaurenteed. It depends highly on your fundraising performance.