The Development Officer is responsible for assisting with the reporting, recordkeeping, developing resources, and materials management for donors and prospective donors. In accordance with the Agency's mission statement, policies and procedures, professional Code of Ethics, State of Michigan licensing rules, and Council of Accreditation (COA) standards, this position serves as a primary point of contact for individual donors, third party donors, and corporate sponsorships, including the development of donor profiles, addressing donor reporting requests as well as providing ongoing communication relative to the Agency’s
needs. Assists the Chief Development Officer, Director of Fund Development, and Major Gift Officer in all matters related to individual donors, third party donors, corporate sponsorships, and may engage the CEO and Executive Team, as needed. This position interacts with members of the Board of Directors and Board Advisors and is a community facing position.
Tasks of the position
• Under the direction of the Director of Fund Development, this position will oversee and manage all
aspects of individual gifts of $4,999 or less. Responsible for the achievement of the annual budgetary
goal for individual gifts.
• Develop the financial, communication, and reporting needs of individual donors. Establish procedures for tracking and qualifying prospects and recording and reporting gifts.
• Ensure accurate recordkeeping, is current and meets the needs of the Agency and its donors.
• Develop individual donors prospect lists as well as a prospecting, engagement, and cultivation plan.
• Maintain prospect and donor database as it relates to Individual donors, third party donors and corporate sponsorships.
• Develop supporting reports or communication materials as needed/requested.
Maintain regular contact with individual donors; adhere to the highest ethical standards; demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance; reflect an optimistic attitude and convey sensitivity to the needs of donors.
• In partnership with the Marketing and Fund Development team, support the execution of Vista Maria’s appeal campaigns, including strategic direction, project planning, acknowledgment recognition and donor-related activities.
• Work collaboratively and strategically with the Marketing and Fund Development teams to meet and/or exceed agency goals.
• Under the direction of the Director of Fund Development, develop and implement effective cultivation and solicitation strategies for corporate sponsors. Determine cultivation path/plans for emerging, established, and saturated corporate partnerships.
• Leads cultivation and stewardship of corporate relationships to ensure engagement and growth of partnership as evidenced by growth in gifts, sponsorships, and/or volunteer engagement.
• Research and strategically target new corporate relationships that result in new sponsorships, donations and volunteer engagement.
• Works in collaboration with the Senior Manager of Community Engagement to develop responsive corporate engagement plans matching Agency needs with each corporate partner philanthropic charter.
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheets, and donor databases (Raiser’s Edge preferred) and possess general computer literacy.
• Excellent writing, interpersonal communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY
None
QUALIFICATION (EDUCATION / TRAINING)
Minimum Required:
• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent in experience.
• Two to four years’ development experience in supporting fund development or marketing activities.
• Two to four years’ experience in donor appeal communication.
• Two to four years’ experience with Blackbaud/Raiser’s Edge.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office required. Knowledge of Publisher or other graphic program and Adobe preferred.
