Development Specialist (2 Positions)
About The Position
The Development Specialists provide comprehensive operational support to the Development and Corporate and Foundation Relations (CFR) fundraising teams. The role conducts research and analysis related to donor engagement, donations, advancement and philanthropy practices, and emerging trends, and develops and implements fundraising steps to support team members. The position may monitor timelines, calendars, and deliverables for multiple advancement projects and create reports. It uses donor management systems, verifies information for accuracy, and enters data. The incumbent interacts with donors and university partners in coordination with development officers. Duties may also include meeting and event logistics and stewardship support. Overall, the role handles office and operational requirements that help fundraisers build and maintain donor relationships. The position supports fundraising activity through preparation of contact reports, briefing materials, gift summaries, prospect research, proposals, and other documents; calendar and meeting coordination; tracking deadlines and commitments; prospect management and performance reporting; grant proposal processing; donor and campus-partner communications; invoice processes; accurate records and data management; and logistics for CFR and Development meetings. It also updates operational handbooks and development calendars and provides onboarding support to new staff.
Requirements
- Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field; additional relevant experience may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis.
- Two years of relevant experience; an advanced degree in a related field may substitute for required experience on a year-for-year basis.
- Professional and respectful communication with constituents.
- Networking ability and flexibility.
- Strong oral and written communication skills.
- Initiative, attention to detail, and organizational skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects on tight deadlines and under pressure in a dynamic, open environment.
- Ability to define problems, gather data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office Suite, and ability to use fundraising database programs and learn project management platforms.
- Working knowledge and understanding of advancement principles and current best practices.
- Judgment to independently resolve non-standard problems and issues, including interpreting applicable regulations, standards, and guidelines.
- Analytical and organizational skills to plan, organize, prioritize, and complete fundraising campaigns or events within time and budget constraints.
- Communication and interpersonal skills to coordinate multiple stakeholder relationships and guide development of appropriate fundraising and promotional materials.
- Knowledge of event planning and fundraising principles and processes.
- Excellent customer service and public relations skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information responsibly and discreetly.
- General awareness of emerging technologies, including AI, and willingness to develop skills in their appropriate, responsible, and ethical use in a higher education environment consistent with institutional policies and practices.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree.
- SJSU alumnus/alumna.
- Two years of experience working in higher education or nonprofit organizations.
- Experience demonstrating attention to detail, including calendar management and data entry.
Responsibilities
- Prepare contact reports, briefing materials, gift summaries, prospect research materials, and other documents to support fundraising activity.
- Coordinate department calendars, team meetings, and schedules for fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and events.
- Manage and update development operational handbooks.
- Provide onboarding support for new staff.
- Update the development opportunities calendar.
- Work with development officers to track deadlines, follow-up items, proposals, solicitations, and stewardship commitments.
- Assist with prospect management, portfolio reports, and development performance tracking.
- Prepare and enter standardized institutional content into online funding request and proposal submission platforms.
- Steward grant proposals through required signatures and completion requirements.
- Collaborate with colleagues across Advancement, academic and administrative departments, and campus offices.
- Respond professionally to questions from donors, alumni, parents, campus partners, and members of the public.
- Answer ad hoc questions about gifts, invoices, and other inquiries.
- Maintain accurate records, assist with data entry and reporting, and ensure compliance with data management policies and procedures.
- Manage CFR invoice processes with donors, fundraisers, and gift records from start to completion in a timely manner.
- Support the planning and execution of CFR and Development meetings by coordinating logistics and preparing materials.
Benefits
- Comprehensive employee benefits package typically worth 30–35% of base salary.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
