Development Specialist

Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired; Madison (WI); Hybrid; USD 33,062 - 38,572; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Attractive benefit package

Competitive pay based on experience

Job summary

A nonprofit organization is seeking a Development Specialist in Madison, WI. This full-time role focuses on maintaining donor records, securing grants, and working collaboratively with the development team. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and a commitment to inclusivity. The position offers a pay range of $24-$28/hour, with part of the work being remote.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing donor records and securing grants is essential.
• Ability to produce clear donor correspondence and reports is required.
• Experience in a nonprofit setting is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Record and maintain donor information in the database.
• Generate correspondence related to development projects.
• Secure and manage grants aligned with Council priorities.
• Collaborate with other departments for effective fund development.

Skills

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Confidentiality

Computer proficiency

Critical thinking

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Motivation to collaborate

Commitment to inclusivity

Dedication to learning

Education

2 years of experience in database management

Prior work in fund development or equivalent

Job description

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is seeking a qualified development specialist. This is a full-time, non-exempt position located at the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired, 754 Williamson St., Madison, WI 53703. This is a partial remote position, with 3 in-office work days required each week. Work hours are 7.5 hours per day between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday, and occasional evening or weekend hours may be required.

Position Summary

The development specialist plays a vital role in maintaining donor records, securing grants, and assisting with projects related to fund development. The person in this role is a dedicated and compassionate member of the development team and reports directly to the Development Director.

Primary Responsibilities

• Promptly, accurately and confidentially record donations and donor information in DonorPerfect Online.
• Generate donor acknowledgement letters and other correspondence related to development projects.
• Secure grants that correlate with Council priorities.
• Generate information and reports to assist development efforts.
• Work collaboratively with our accountant on monthly gift reconciliation.
• Proactively maintain the integrity of the Council’s primary database and prepare mailing lists and reports.
• Collaborate in planning and executing donor cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Write compelling content for donor page of Council website, acknowledgement letters, and occasional newsletter articles.
• Recommend and implement improvements to ensure continued reliability of the database.

Required skills and attributes:

• Excellent attention to detail.
• Clear, concise and effective written and verbal communication.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Computer proficiency.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Well organized and able to manage multiple projects.
• Able to work well as part of a team, as well as independently and remotely.
• Motivation to collaborate across all levels of the organization and with community partners.
• Dedication to inclusivity in working with diverse populations.
• Commitment to ongoing learning and continuous improvement.

Preferred skills and experience:

• Prior experience working in fund development.
• Previous grant writing experience.
• Knowledge of vision rehabilitation/blindness/low vision.
• Experience working with people who have disabilities.

Education and Professional Experience Requirements

• 2 years of experience in database management.
• Prior work in fund development or equivalent

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired is an equal opportunity employer. People with disabilities, women and people of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

WCBVI offers an attractive benefit package. Pay is commensurate with duties and experience and with similar positions in the nonprofit sector. Pay range is $24-$28/hour.

To Apply

For priority consideration, submit cover letter highlighting pertinent experience and database knowledge, along with a resume and answers to the questions below, by Monday, September 22, 2025. Applications are to be submitted in MS Word and emailed to [e-mail] . Anticipated start date is November 5, 2025.

Please respond to the following three questions in complete sentences, with proper grammar and punctuation. Each response should be approximately 200 to 300 words.

• The Council’s core values are inclusivity, uncompromising respect, and integrity. Choose one of these values. Describe what it means to you. Share a situation in which this value guided your actions.
• How do you keep yourself and your work organized when there are multiple and competing deadlines?
• The Council’s mission is to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people of Wisconsin who are blind or low vision through advocacy, education and vision services. How would you convey that message to a prospective donor?

If invited to interview, the applicant will be asked to provide a writing sample.