Development Specialist

Eugene, Oregon

Friends of the Children – Lane County is seeking a Development Specialist who thrives on building long‑term relationships and partnerships. The successful candidate will be a stellar communicator with a sharp head for business, a splash of creative style, and spark thrown in. They will also be self‑motivated, proactive, results driven, and deeply passionate about the mission of Friends – Lane County.

The Development Specialist is responsible for partnering with the Executive Director to champion external communications, cultivate stakeholders, and meet annual revenue goals. They also ensure that marketing products and stakeholder events support and sustain the mission of Friends of the Children.

• Create and implement a comprehensive Communications Strategy that guides engagements with donors and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement strategies to maintain and develop corporate donors to strengthen connections to the organization.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and Executive Director on fundraising activities and campaigns and provide support and resources for Board member development efforts.
• Develop all external communications to effectively build awareness and promote financial support for the organization.
• Plan and implement donor engagement events, an annual giving campaign, and major gifts programs.

• Passion for Friends – Lane County’s mission and a deep commitment to equity.
• Excellent organization, time management, delegation, and follow‑up skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A collaborative, mission‑driven workplace that respects work‑life balance and offers ongoing professional development.
• A committed Executive Director who will partner with you on Development activities.
• An engaged, motivated Board that works hard, gives generously, and raises funds.
• Strong, cohesive local and national team support committed to innovation and high standards.

• Salary: $55,000 – $85,000 annually based on experience.
  • $55,000 – $65,000 for professionals with less than 5 years of professional communications and/or development experience.
  • Up to $85,000 for professionals who have served as Development Directors or have 5+ years of professional communications and/or development experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, paid vacation, sick leave, and 401(k).
• Location:
  
  Eugene, Oregon, serving all of Lane County; some evening and non‑traditional hours may be required.

• All external communications, including newsletters, social media and direct communications, are consistent with organizational values and promote financial support.
• Sufficient stakeholder engagement strategies, including events and individual donor strategies, are deployed to sustain financial support.
• Visual, written, and audio assets are created that enable compelling storytelling without burdening core activities and staff.

• Exude a passion for serving youth facing challenging situations.
• Actively participate in planning, budgeting, and managing growth through philanthropy.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of local and national issues related to the organization’s mission.
• Make appointments with the Executive Director and donor prospects, arrange onsite tours.
• Prepare timely materials for development meetings and conversations.
• Identify and utilize creative methods for gathering stories and designing materials.
• Ensure commitment to equity is reflected in all decisions, communications, and processes.
• Serve as a member of the Crisis Response Team, overseeing secondary response activities in emergencies.

• Create a comprehensive Communications Strategy that guides annual donor and stakeholder engagement, including strategies and timelines for newsletters, emails, social media posts, event communications, direct outreach (phone/text/mail) and potentially advertising.
• Coordinate implementation of the communications strategy with other members of the organization as…