Development Specialist

The Development Specialist supports fundraising, donor engagement, grant administration, and event coordination efforts that advance and sustain the mission of the Columbus Urban League (CUL). This role provides operational, administrative, and implementation support to the Vice President of Advancement and Director of Development, ensuring effective execution of development strategies across individual giving, corporate and foundation support, grants, and special events.

The Development Specialist plays a critical role in donor communications, data tracking, stewardship, reporting, and internal coordination, while also assisting with special events, volunteer engagement, and executive-level administrative functions related to advancement operations.

• Support the execution of the annual fundraising plan, including individual giving, corporate and foundation support, grants, sponsor ships, and special events.
• Maintain accurate donor records, contact reports, acknowledgments, and giving history within donor management systems.
• Coordinate donor communications via email, mailings, phone calls, and follow-up correspondence.

• Assist with researching prospective individual, corporate, foundation, and government funding opportunities aligned with CUL’s mission.
• Support grant tracking, forecasting, submission timelines, and reporting requirements in collaboration with the Grant Writer and program staff.
• Collect and organize program data, outcomes, and supporting documentation for grant proposals and reports.
• Assist with planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events, donor cultivation activities, and special campaigns.
• Support volunteer program administration related to fundraising initiatives, including scheduling, coordination, training materials, and recognition.
• Coordinate logistics for donor meetings, events, and engagement activities.

• Prepare fundraising, solicitation, and engagement reports for leadership review.
• Collaborate with Finance staff to reconcile donation reporting on a regular basis.

• Provide administrative support to the Vice President of Advancement and Director of Development, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and correspondence.
• Coordinate donor mailings, acknowledgments, and receipt distribution processes.
• Organize and maintain files, records, spreadsheets, and contact lists related to development activities.
• Assist with preparation of materials for presentations, Board of Directors meetings, and special projects, including board packets, meeting documentation and board minutes.
• Support purchasing, requisitions, timesheet collection, and operational needs of the Advancement office as directed.
• Provide coverage and administrative support to other executive or program offices as needed.

• Ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance across all development operations.
• Stay informed about best practices in fundraising, donor engagement, nonprofit operations, and data management.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in administrative, or related field with 5 or more years of experience as an Administrative Assistant is required.
• Willingness and ability to obtain additional certifications as needed.

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising support, and/or administrative coordination supporting fundraising campaigns, donor relations, events, or grant processes required.
• Strong writing, research, organizational, and project coordination skills required.
• Experience with donor databases and CRM systems preferred.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to interact professionally with donors, executives, board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
• Enthusiastic, adaptable team player and self-starter.
• Expert using Microsoft 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams, One Drive, SharePoint).
• Experience with donor management software (Blackbaud or similar CRM preferred).
• Experience with videoconferencing platforms (Zoom, Teams, Webex).
• Commitment to ethical standards and organizational compliance.

• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational, planning, and follow-up skills.
• Ability to work independently while supporting team objectives and deadlines.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English proficiently.
• Must adhere to the Columbus Urban League (CUL) professional appearance standards as outlined in the employee handbook.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Noise level is typically moderate to…