Development and Stewardship Specialist
About The Position
May Institute is seeking a Development and Stewardship Specialist to support annual fund efforts, expand its donor base, and strengthen donor relationships in support of programs serving autistic individuals and people with other special needs across the lifespan. As part of the Philanthropy team, this role develops annual giving strategies and stewardship efforts to ensure donors feel appreciated, informed, and inspired to support the mission. The Specialist leads annual giving initiatives, maintains donor relationships, manages direct-mail appeal materials, and uses data analysis to improve campaign results. The role also builds year-round stewardship plans, oversees donor communications, and partners with the Database Manager on gift processing, acknowledgments, donor records, and database practices. Additional work includes supporting fundraising and cultivation events, conducting donor research, and maintaining accurate donor and prospect information.
Requirements
- At least 3 years of experience supporting development programs, preferably in annual giving and stewardship.
- Commitment to supporting individuals of all ages with autism and brain injuries.
- Strong donor communication skills, including compelling storytelling and persuasive messaging.
- Familiarity with donor CRMs and segmentation strategies.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
- Ability to collaborate, adapt to changing needs, and work in a team environment that values diversity and mutual respect.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.
- Ability to handle sensitive donor information discreetly and comply with privacy standards.
Nice To Haves
- Experience with annual giving and stewardship.
- Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement annual giving initiatives to grow donor participation, retention, and revenue.
- Maintain and expand a portfolio of donors.
- Manage production of direct-mail appeal materials, correspondence, and supporting materials.
- Use data tracking and analysis to strengthen annual campaign results.
- Create tailored approaches for donor segments, including new, lapsed, and monthly donors.
- Support planning and execution of the flagship fundraising event, peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives, and donor cultivation events as needed.
- Build a year-round stewardship plan with personalized touchpoints, including thank-you calls, milestone recognitions, spotlights, and holiday messages.
- Track and execute customized stewardship for high-priority donors and prospects.
- Oversee development and distribution of donor communications, including the donor newsletter.
- Partner with the Database Manager to ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgments, and donor recordkeeping.
- Maintain clean, up-to-date donor and prospect mailing lists.
- Follow donor communication preferences and data integrity standards.
- Cross-train on Raiser’s Edge to ensure operational redundancy.
- Conduct donor and prospect research and data analytics to guide fundraising strategy.
Benefits
- Paid vacation, holidays, personal days, and a floating birthday holiday.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Training and skill-building opportunities.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Dependent care flexible spending account (FSA).
- Short- and long-term disability coverage.
- Voluntary benefit options.
- Tuition reimbursement and loan repayment programs.
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
