Development Specialist

Friends of the Children•Billings, MT

About The Position

Our Development Specialist will be instrumental in assisting with the fundraising goals of the chapter. They will work alongside our Executive Director (ED) and Board of Directors with support from our Friends and in coordination with the rest of the Friends National network, to actualize the organization’s fiscal goals and values.

Requirements

Be willing and able to attend and actively participate in team meetings, staff functions, and development events
Possess commitment to extreme attention to detail, including but not limited to ability to implement self-checking procedures for data entry, produce accurate correspondence and reports, and produce and edit written materials accurately and consistently
Have excellent project management and organizational skills to routinely manage and prioritize daily work and meet multiple deadlines simultaneously, especially during high-volume times of the year
Demonstrate ability to work independently as well as in a team setting
Have a passion for serving youth facing the most challenging situations
Be a self-starter with a high level of initiative and willingness to learn
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills
Be social media savvy
Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, business, or a related field or equivalent lived/professional experience

Nice To Haves

1–3 years of experience in fundraising, development, communications, or a related field preferred
Experience with grant writing, donor relations, or event coordination strongly preferred
Familiarity with nonprofit or community-based organizations, ideally in a rural or Montana context, is a plus

Responsibilities

Passion for serving youth facing the most challenging situations
Work effectively – with ED, Board, and independently -- to identify and cultivate donors including individuals, corporations and foundations
Support the ED and Board of Directors with revising and implementing a development plan, systems and strategies as necessary to move our fundraising to the next level
Perform prospect research on individuals, corporations, and foundations evaluate prospects for corporate and foundation grants
With guidance and mentorship from the ED, actively participate in aspects of planning and managing the growth and development of the organization
Excellent organization, time management, delegation and follow-up skills
Plan and execute special funding opportunities (end-of-year-end appeal, Annual Report, etc.)
Develop and launch a basic communications plan that will focus on educating and raising visibility for donors and prospects. This should include social media channels and electronic newsletters.
Familiarity with state, local, and national philanthropic, governmental, and business communities
Support activities required to prepare, submit, and manage basic grant proposals and reports
Make, and in some cases attend, appointments and/or provide presentations with/for ED with foundation officers, community partners, and other prospects, arrange for onsite tours for stakeholders