Development Specialist

Save-A-Pet, Inc.; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 49,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Save-A-Pet, Inc. is seeking a Development Coordinator to support fundraising efforts, donor cultivation, and marketing activities. The role focuses on event planning, donor communications, and coordinating campaigns to generate resources for lifesaving animal care.

The position requires collaboration with the Development Manager, volunteers, and committees, and may include evening and weekend hours to support events and campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university; related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Act as the SAP liaison to fundraising committees.
• Oversee staff/volunteers for data entry and gift processing.
• Develop and track budget scenarios & reports for fundraising activities.
• Assist with data for the annual Donation Stats report.
• Create bi-weekly donor acknowledgment letter lists for the board.
• Coordinate with the Donation Can Leader.
• Assist with remote credit card processing.
• Coordinate with third-party fundraisers.
• Collaborate with Volunteer Manager on Community Events.

Skills

Excellent written & verbal comms

Interpersonal & networking

Multitasking & organizational

Experience with donor databases

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

DonorPerfect

WordPress

Square

Microsoft Office Suite

CRM Databases

Job description

Reports to:Development Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Hours: 40 hours per week - $24.04 per hour (approximately $50,000 annually)

Must be available to work evenings and weekend hours, when needed.

Summary:

Working collaboratively with the Development Manager, this position supports the development efforts of Save-A-Pet, focusing on organizing special events, increasing and maintaining fundraising events, donor cultivation, marketing, social media and branding while promoting Save-A-Pet’s mission and helping generate the resources needed to provide lifesaving care for homeless animals.

Responsibilities:

1. Administrative:

• Act as the SAP liaison to committees related to fundraising, when requested.
• Help oversee staff/volunteers responsible for data entry and gift processing.
• Develop and track budget scenarios and reports for all fundraising and development activities.
• Assist in obtaining data for the annual Donation Stats report.
• Complete administrative tasks related to, but not limited to:
  • Memorial and honorarium gift orders (garden bricks, engraved leaf/stone, etc.)
  • Giving programs such as Guardian Angels
• Create a bi-weekly thank you letter list for the board members.
• Serve as liaison with Donation Can Leader.
• Assist with remote credit card processing.
• Liaison/coordination with third-party fundraisers.
• Work closely with the Volunteer Manager and assist in Community Events with the Volunteer team lead.

2. Planning and Fundraising (Development):

• Establish, coordinate, and maintain annual fund initiatives, (i.e. partnerships, appeals, etc.).
• Create event and donation pages. Extensive experience working with Canva is preferred,as Save-A-Pet uses Canva to create flyers and promotional material.
• Organize and implement special events throughout the year, including logistics and sponsor, vendor, and attendee relations.
• Demonstrate proficiency with event software, including Microsoft Office Suite, DonorPerfect, (or other CRM Databases),WordPress, Square, etc.
• Take the lead for the planning and execution of the annual Furry Friends 5K and work extensively with the Furry Friends 5K Committee.
• Assist the Development Manager with all fundraising initiatives and implementation of events, including but not limited to the Annual Mum Sale, online raffles, and annual holiday fundraising initiatives.
• Assist Development Manager and Animal Welfare & Marketing Manager to create Challenge Dollar initiatives.
• Assist with the online store with regard to inventory, sales reports, and payments.
• Maintain media contacts and write press releases when requested.
• Update and maintain the annual Event Calendar.
• Work with the Development Manager and Office Administrator on the donation process flow chart.
• Work collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and various committees to identify avenues of economic support for the organization to align with Save-A-Pet’s goals and mission.
• Work fundraising events, which may include evening and weekend hours.

3. Donor Relations:

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
• Proficient in the donor management database and recognition process.
• Assist with the coordination of direct mail campaigns, appeals, and newsletters.
• Create, write, and post communications such as “In the Know While You Go” and the lobby TV presentations.
• Maintain the Guardian Angel program including donor relations, communications, and monthly reporting.

4. Social Media/Community and Public Relations:

• Promote positive public relations with members of the community, donors, volunteers, etc.
• Serve as an essential member of the Social Media Committee along with the Animal Welfare & Marketing Manager and volunteers to maximize Save-A-Pet’s fundraising potential through social media and marketing efforts.
• Update and maintain Save-A-Pet’s email signature for staff.
• Write and/or contribute material for Save-A-Pet’s various weekly, biweekly, or quarterly newsletters.
• Assist with updating and scheduling on the Save-A-Pet’s website, Facebook, Instagram, Linktree, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in Communications and/or a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Must have at least three years of experience in development, fundraising, and marketing/social media with one to two years working with volunteers. Knowledge of not-for-profit organizations is preferred.
• Comprehensive understanding of the responsibilities associated with all aspects of development, fundraising, and marketing is required.
• Proven ability to organize and implement special events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with staff and both on-site and off-site volunteers.
• Must possess the ability to learn, navigate and become proficient in various fundraising and organizational software systems. Must demonstrate comfort and experience working with very large databases and records.
• Possess a high level of professionalism with the ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Possess highly developed interpersonal and networking skills, in addition to multitasking and organizational skills, with the ability to work under pressure while managing many priorities and deadlines.
• A collaborative, mission-focused approach and an understanding that successful fundraising directly supports Save‑A‑Pet’s ability to care for animals in need.
• Perform any and all duties as assigned by the Development Manager, Executive Director, or, in their absence, the President of the Board of Directors.

Disclaimer:

The above statements/document is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by a person assigned to this position.This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.Save-A-Pet management and the board of directors reserve the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.