Title: Development Specialist
Position Summary: The Development Specialist is responsible for assisting the Chief Development Officer in building, enhancing and maintaining strong relationships with our constituents. This role will be responsible for writing direct mail appeals, updating website pages, planning campaigns and events, grant research and writing and stewardship. This position will also be involved with database management and reporting.
Supervisor: Chief Development Officer
ARL Culture:
Working at the ARL requires a positive attitude and high emotional intelligence. We have an inclusive, mission-driven, people-first culture of compassion in adherence with our organizational values (www.berksarl.org/values) and the animal-sheltering industry’s human-animal support services model
(www.humananimalsupportservices.org). Advocacy of the ARL and animal welfare as it relates to animal sheltering is central to organizational goals and community/stakeholder conversations.
Staff members at all levels are expected to be ARL mission ambassadors. This person will be devoted to assisting the organization accomplish the necessary philanthropic duties that will assist in raising funds and spreading positive awareness of the organization to the community. These duties include, but are not limited to: -Providing needed information for stories and promotions.
-Ensuring the needs of the animals and public are met whenever possible. -Assisting with events or fundraising as needed.
Responsibilities and Duties:
• Work with CDO on annual fundraising campaigns such as day of giving, Giving Tuesday, pop up campaigns, etc. Including planning, execution, reporting, collaboration with other departments, stewardship and analysis.
• Develop and grow donor base through management of direct mail appeals • Research potential grant sources and assist with applying and tracking grant proposals and reports
• Responsible for donor acknowledgements including but not limited to; acknowledgement letters, thank you phone calls, and sponsorship follow-ups • Manage and grow our Humane Heroes monthly giving society • Review and edit development pages of the ARL’s website to remain up to date with stories, solicitations, and events
• Manage database reporting to CDO with weekly/monthly updates on donor patterns, statistics and progress to goal
• Assist communications with social media stories and ideas to promote philanthropy and emergency campaigns
• With the Development Team, help oversee and manage the Friends of ARL volunteer committee group to coordinate and implement small fundraising events
• Assist CDO with large-scale fundraising events from origination to planning, implementation and analysis.
• Direct and assist volunteers and interns to help them navigate assigned duties, particularly within the development department, but throughout the organization as needed.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Must embrace the mission of the Animal Rescue League and have a passion about animal welfare.
• Strong interpersonal and writing skills with the ability to communicate effectively with supporters, community members, board members, staff and c-workers
• Be a “self-starter” with the ability to lead and take initiative on projects while also being a collaborative team-player
• Be organized and exhibit “follow through” on tasks and goals • Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability
• Experience managing multiple projects at once
• Bachelor’s Degree in related field and previous fundraising experience is highly desirable
• Ability to relate well and work effectively with multiple constituencies and audiences. Excellent verbal and written skills. Knowledge of office systems: MS-Office preferred and fundraising database systems.
• Highly organized and detail oriented to manage event timelines and marketing processes. A team player committed to developing and working within a collaborative environment and to ensuring the highest customer service orientation.
• Travel: Requires occasional travel within Berks County. The amount will vary depending upon the season and event timelines.
• Independent problem solver.
• Able to work under pressure and deadlines.
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• Valid Driver’s License and insurable driving record
Work Environment:
• Exposure to odors and airborne particles
• High levels of noise
• Shared office space; use of computer and telephone
• Must be able to sit for up to 8 hours, with breaks
• Must be able to perform computer work and data entry up to 8 hours per day
Full-time, non-exempt, competitive salary, education opportunities, EAP plan. May require occasional nighttime and weekend.
Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be requiredto perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the organization.
Animal Rescue League is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodations will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them. EOE/M/F/D/V/SO.