Development Specialist

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

SIMPLE IRA with up to 3% match

Paid time off & holidays

Job summary

Kentucky Association for Environmental Education is seeking a Development Specialist to support grant research, donor management, and communications from a remote Kentucky-based position.

You will work with the Executive Director to write proposals, manage fundraising campaigns, and coordinate sponsorships for KAEE events, while ensuring accurate reporting and donor stewardship.

Excellent written communication, detail orientation, and ability to manage multiple deadlines are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in grant writing, fund development, communications, nonprofit administration, or related fields.
• Strong written communication skills and high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently on multiple projects as part of a remote team.

Responsibilities

• Support KAEE’s communications efforts across written content, email, blogs, press releases, and social media.
• Identify and cultivate new foundation, corporate, federal, and state grant opportunities aligned with KAEE’s work plan.
• Develop and submit high-quality grant proposals with the Executive Director.
• Maintain KAEE’s grant calendar and donor management system.
• Coordinate the annual fund development plan and donor programs.
• Solicit sponsorships for KAEE events and programs.
• Manage KAEE subgrants program for schools and community partners.

Skills

Organizational skills

Written communication

Grant research

Fund development

Independent work

Job description

KAEE is seeking a highly organized, systems-thinking, and detail-oriented professional to support the organization’s development systems. This is a full-time, remote position serving Kentucky’s community of environmental educators.

This is not an educator or program delivery position. The Development Specialist works primarily behind the scenes to support KAEE’s Executive Director on fund development. This role will lead grant research, membership engagement, and donor database management and assist with proposal writing, funder reporting, annual appeals, and corporate sponsorship solicitations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on building systems, working independently behind the scenes, and helping tell the story of KAEE’s impact. If you enjoy writing, researching, organizing information, and supporting a mission-driven team, we encourage you to apply.

Summary of Essential Job Functions

Support KAEE’s communications efforts, including written communications, email, website content, blogs, press releases, and social media.

Support strategies to grow and strengthen KAEE’s membership and member engagement.

Research, identify, and help cultivate new foundation, corporate, federal, and state grant opportunities aligned with KAEE’s work plan.

Work in partnership with the Executive Director to develop, compile, and submit high-quality grant proposals.

Maintain and manage KAEE’s grant calendar and donor management system.

Coordinate implementation of KAEE’s annual fund development plan, including crowdfunding campaigns, auctions, and recurring donor programs.

Coordinate KAEE’s donor stewardship plan for individual and organizational donors.

Solicit and secure sponsorships from corporations, businesses, and partner organizations for key KAEE events, including the Annual Conference and Early Learning Symposium, as well as signature programs such as Kentucky Green Schools.

Manage KAEE subgrants program for schools and community partners.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have a strong interest in KAEE’s mission and a demonstrated ability to write clearly, communicate effectively, and stay organized. Experience in grant writing, fund development, communications, nonprofit administration, or a related field is helpful, but a background in development is not required. We are looking for someone who is passionate about our work, eager to learn, and excited to develop their skills in fund development and nonprofit management.

The successful candidate will be comfortable researching and learning new topics, writing compelling narratives, and managing multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines. Strong written communication skills, excellent attention to detail, and a high degree of organization are essential. The position requires proficiency with Google Workspace or the ability to quickly learn new software systems and databases. The candidate must be comfortable working independently as part of a remote team and spending much of the workday on a computer. Some evenings, weekends, and occasional travel may be required. Must reside in Kentucky.

Compensation

Full-time, exempt position working 40 hours per week. KAEE values work-life balance and offers a flexible, family-friendly schedule, including compensatory time up to 120 hours for additional hours worked. Benefits include 10 days of vacation time, 12 days of sick leave, and 14 paid holidays per year. Additional benefits include employee healthcare or a health reimbursement of $150/month and up to a 3% match for a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan. Reimbursement will be provided for costs incurred during work-related travel.

Pay :

$48,000