Development Coordinator

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Alabama•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

The Development Coordinator is a member of the development team responsible for chapter events, the Birmingham Regional Advisory Council, youth philanthropy programs, community fundraisers, and donor relationships. The coordinator oversees the Birmingham Gala and Golf Tournament, supports fundraising efforts and volunteer engagement, and manages a portfolio of individual and corporate donors using relationship-based development strategies throughout the year. The role is based in the Birmingham area and covers North Central Alabama, with regular regional travel and occasional statewide travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; equivalent work experience may be considered as a substitute.
Self-motivated, organized, and able to work independently in a goal-oriented environment.
Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive, energetic approach to achieving results.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and adapt to changing needs in a fast-paced environment.
Strong verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Must reside in the Birmingham area.
Regular travel within the North Central (Birmingham) region and occasional statewide travel, approximately 10%–15%.
Valid driver’s license required.
Willingness to work nights and weekends as necessary, approximately six weekends annually.
Non-negotiable soft skills: self-motivation and initiative, strong communication skills, adaptability, an outgoing and professional demeanor, attention to detail, and emotional maturity and intelligence.

Nice To Haves

Preferred two years of successful event, fundraising, nonprofit development, sales, community engagement, or related experience.
Experience working with volunteers, vendors, or service providers.
Experience with Salesforce.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute the Birmingham Gala and Golf Tournament under the direction of board and chapter leadership.
Serve as the primary staff contact for designated event chairs, coordinate subcommittees and timelines, help recruit committee members, and keep chapter goals and priorities central.
Collaborate with the marketing team on event materials and publicity to increase attendance and community support.
Monitor event progress and keep relevant staff and volunteers informed.
Prepare resource materials to help event and subcommittee chairs track activities, accounting, thank-yous, and reports.
Track fundraising progress and provide updates to the CEO, Chief Advancement Officer, staff, board, and committees.
Ensure events and activities comply with policies, procedures, and chapter processes or guidelines.
Establish and maintain customer and public relations with individuals, sponsors, groups, and local businesses.
Coordinate external fundraising programs, including events produced by local businesses and civic groups, and the chapter’s Student Wishmaker programs.
Coordinate campaigns targeting new and existing donors.
Attend donor planning meetings and external fundraising events to support implementation and nurture donor relationships.
Manage a portfolio of individual and corporate donors using a moves-management approach.
Serve as chapter liaison to the Birmingham Regional Advisory Council and coordinate meetings and activities supporting its annual fundraising goals.
Network with the local business and philanthropic community to increase mission awareness, attract financial support, identify potential initiatives, and build partnerships.
Maintain records for external donors and campaigns, including donor files and tracking information in the chapter database.
Prepare scheduled and special reports accurately and efficiently.
Perform other related duties assigned by the Chief Advancement Officer or CEO.
Participate in and support statewide chapter fundraising events and represent the chapter at special events or public-speaking engagements when requested.