Development Specialist

Save-A-Pet, Inc.; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Save-A-Pet, Inc. in Grayslake, IL is seeking a Development Specialist to advance fundraising and donor engagement efforts on-site. You will support campaigns, cultivate donors, and help prepare proposals while coordinating communications and events with staff and volunteers under leadership direction.

The role emphasizes donor database management, reporting, and building relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations to grow revenue for a no-kill rescue organization.

Qualifications

• Analytical skills to interpret fundraising data and trackCampaign performance.
• Clear donor materials writing and effective collaboration with staff and volunteers.
• Experience with development tools and reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Support fundraising campaigns and donor engagement efforts.
• Cultivate and steward donors, and prepare proposals.
• Coordinate communications such as emails and newsletters.
• Plan and execute special events and community outreach initiatives.
• Maintain donor databases and generate reports for leadership.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Sales Skills

Donor Engagement

Education

Nonprofit management/communications/business education or equivalent experience

Tools

Donor Perfect

CRM systems

Job description

Company Description

Save-A-Pet, Inc., founded in 1972, is a non-profit, no-kill adoption center dedicated to finding loving, quality homes for every cat and dog in its care. Over more than five decades, the organization has rescued, rehabilitated, and rehomed more than 68,000 animals, enriching thousands of families through pet adoption. As a no-kill rescue, Save-A-Pet does not discriminate based on age, health, breed, or temperament when choosing which animals to save, allowing many pets to receive a second chance they might not otherwise have had. The organization relies on a strong community of over 200 active volunteers who support animal care, fundraising, events, and administration. This collaborative environment allows Save-A-Pet to operate a large facility and maximize lifesaving efforts.

Role Description

The Development Specialist is a full-time, on-site role based in Grayslake, IL, focused on advancing Save-A-Pet's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. Day-to-day responsibilities include supporting fundraising campaigns, cultivating and stewarding donors, and proposal preparation. The role involves analyzing donor and campaign data, preparing reports and presentations, and collaborating with staff and volunteers to plan and execute special events and community outreach initiatives. The Development Specialist will also help maintain donor databases, coordinate communications such as emails and newsletters, and contribute to strategies that grow revenue and strengthen relationships with individuals, corporations, and foundations. This position works closely with leadership to align development activities with the organization’s mission and goals.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Analytical Skills to interpret fundraising data, track campaign performance, and support informed decision-making.
• Candidates should possess excellent Communication skills to write clear donor materials, present information effectively, and collaborate with staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Candidates should possess Programming and Software Development skills sufficient to work with or customize development-related tools, databases such as Donor Perfect, and reporting systems as needed.
• Candidates should possess Sales-related skills to engage prospective donors, articulate the value of supporting Save-A-Pet, and help secure sponsorships and gifts.
• Most have at least 3 years experience with fundraising, development, donor database management (e.g., CRM systems), and event coordination.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a nonprofit environment.
• Commitment to animal welfare and alignment with the mission of a no-kill rescue and adoption center.
• Relevant education or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, or a related field is preferred.