Development Specialist for Save-A-Pet

MyDesignSpace, Inc.; Grayslake (IL); On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Save‑A‑Pet is seeking a Development Fundraising Specialist to support fundraising efforts, organize events, cultivate donors, and manage marketing and social media. Proficiency with Canva and CRM systems is preferred. Evening and weekend hours are required to coordinate community events and campaigns.

The role reports to the Development Manager and is a full-time, hourly position offering a 40-hour work week at $24.04 per hour, roughly $50,000 yearly.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in Communications or related field.
• At least three years of experience in development, fundraising, and marketing/social media with volunteers.

Responsibilities

• Administrative duties including data entry, gift processing, and reports.
• Plan and coordinate annual fund initiatives and events with a focus on donor relations.
• Lead special events such as the Furry Friends 5K and manage online campaigns.
• Maintain donor relations, newsletters, and press communications.
• Manage social media and website updates to promote fundraising efforts.

Skills

Fundraising

Marketing

Social media

Volunteer coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Canva

WordPress

Donor Perfect

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Square

Job description

Development Specialist for Save‑A‑Pet

Posted: 10/07/2026 Non‑Profit and Social Services

Title: Development Fundraising Specialist

Reports to: Development Manager

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

Hours: 40 hours per week - $24.04 per hour (equates to $50,000 a year)

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 the organization’s mission.

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.)
     • Condo and Kennel sponsorships
     • Capital campaigns
     • Raffle permit applications
     • Giving programs such as Guardian Angels
   • Create a bi-weekly thank you letter list for the board members.
   • Liaison with Donation Can Leader.
   • Assist with remote credit card processing.
   • Liaison/coordination with 3 rd party fundraisers.
   • Work closely with the Volunteer Manager and help 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 in working with Canva as we create all of our flyers and promotional material.
   • Organize and implement special events, including logistics, sponsor, vendor, and attendee relations throughout the year.
   • Proficient in event software (Microsoft Office Suite, Donor Perfect, (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 5K Committee.
   • Assist the Development Manager with all fundraising initiatives and implementation of events to include Annual Mum Sale, Online Raffles, and the annual holiday fundraising initiative.
   • Assist Development Manager and Annual 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 and in keeping with Save‑A‑Pet’s goals.
   • Work fundraising events which could include evening hours and weekends.
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 “signature” on all emails received and sent to 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, Linked Tree, TikTok, YouTube, Twitter, and the LinkedIn.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience Required:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, preferably in Communications and or related field. Must 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.
• The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the overall responsibilities of all aspects of development, fundraising, and marketing.
• Proven ability to organize and implement special events.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with both staff and on 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 in working with very large databases and records.
• High level of professionalism with the ability to maintain sensitive and confidential information.
• Possess highly developed interpersonal and networking skills, in additional to multi-tasking and organizational skills with the ability to work under pressure with many priorities and deadlines.

Perform any and all duties as assigned by the Development Manager, Executive Director or in s/he’s 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.

Save‑A‑Pet

Stacy Ellington

• 31664 N. Fairfield Road Grayslake IL 60030
• [phone]
• "Send Email"
• "Visit Website"