Development Specialist Save--Pet Job Grayslake area,Illinois USA,Non-Profit & Social Impact

Development Specialist for Save‑A‑Pet

Posted: 10/07/2026 Non‑Profit and Social Services

Title: Development Fundraising Specialist

Reports to: Development Manager

Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Hours: 40 hours per week - $24.04 per hour (equates to $50,000 a year)

Must be available to work evenings and weekend hours, when needed.

Summary: Working collaboratively with the Development Manager, this position supports the development efforts of Save‑A‑Pet, focusing on organizing special events, increasing and maintaining fundraising events, donor cultivation, marketing, social media and branding while promoting the organization’s mission.

Responsibilities:

Administrative:

Act as the SAP liaison to committees related to fundraising, when requested.
Help oversee staff/volunteers responsible for data entry and gift processing.
Develop and track budget scenarios and reports for all fundraising and development activities.
Assist in obtaining data for the annual Donation Stats report.
Complete administrative tasks related to, but not limited to:
- Memorial and honorarium gift orders (garden bricks, engraved leaf/stone, etc.)
- Condo and Kennel sponsor ships
- Capital campaigns
- Raffle permit applications
- Giving programs such as Guardian Angels
Create a bi-weekly thank you letter list for the board members.
Liaison with Donation Can Leader.
Assist with remote credit card processing.
Liaison/coordination with 3 rd party fundraisers.
Work closely with the Volunteer Manager and help assist in Community Events with the Volunteer team lead.

Planning and Fundraising (Development):

Establish, coordinate, and maintain annual fund initiatives, (i.e. partnerships, appeals, etc.).
Create event and donation pages. Extensive experience in working with Canva as we create all of our flyers and promotional material.
Organize and implement special events, including logistics, sponsor, vendor, and attendee relations throughout the year.
Proficient in event software (Microsoft Office Suite, Donor Perfect, (or other CRM Databases) Word Press, Square, etc.
Take the lead for the planning and execution of the annual Furry Friends 5K and work extensively with the Furry 5K Committee.
Assist the Development Manager with all fundraising initiatives and implementation of events to include Annual Mum Sale, Online Raffles, and the annual holiday fundraising initiative.
Assist Development Manager and Annual Welfare & Marketing Manager to create Challenge Dollar initiatives.
Assist with the online store with regard to inventory, sales reports, and payments.
Maintain media contacts and write press releases when requested.
Update and maintain the annual Event Calendar.
Work with the Development Manager and Office Administrator on the donation process flow chart.
Work collaboratively with volunteers, staff, and various committees to identify avenues of economic support for the organization and in keeping with Save‑A‑Pet’s goals.
Work fundraising events which could include evening hours and weekends.

Donor Relations:

Identify, cultivate, and solicit potential donors, including individuals, corporations and foundations.
Proficient in the donor management database and recognition process.
Assist with the coordination of direct mail campaigns, appeals, and newsletters.
Create, write, and post communications such as “In the Know While You Go” and the lobby TV presentations.
Maintain the Guardian Angel program including donor relations, communications, and monthly reporting.

Social Media/Community and Public Relations:

Promote positive public relations with members of the community, donors, volunteers, etc.
Serve as an essential member of the Social Media Committee along with the Animal Welfare & Marketing Manager and volunteers to maximize Save‑A‑Pet’s fundraising…