Development Services Specialist

Development Services Specialist Reports to Director of Annual Giving

Word on Fire Catholic Ministries is a nonprofit global media apostolate that supports the work of Bishop Robert Barron and reaches millions of people to draw them into—or back to—the Catholic faith.

The Development Services Specialist provides support across all aspects of Word on Fire fundraising efforts. The Development Services Specialist works closely with the entire Development team in areas of donation tracking and acknowledgement, record keeping, and prospect research. The Development Services Specialist collaborates closely with the Events team to develop and support the execution of key development related events such as donor dinners.

Location: Elk Grove Village, IL

Employment Type: Full-time

• Record donations from a variety of sources, including pledges, foundation grants, planned gifts, stock transfers, etc.
• Prepare acknowledgement data and actively participate in contacting donors for gift acknowledgements
• Support data integrity and accuracy/expansion of donor information captured through various sources
• Respond to incoming inquiries from supporters via phone, email, and/or mail
• Prepare ad hoc reporting requests related to key donor metrics and profiles for Development leadership
• Aid in researching donors and prospects to identify and qualify prospects for financial support
• Design and implement strategies to expand and refine the prospect pool, including data mining, modeling, and prospect screening
• Research foundation funders that align with Word on Fire's ministries and mission and identify their priorities, process for submitting letters of inquiry, and deadlines for grant proposals
• Collaborate with the Word on Fire Events Team to develop and manage guest lists for key development related events, including but not limited to donor dinners, and support general execution requirements of the event
• Manage and update the Master Grant Tracker for LOIs, proposals, reports, etc.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, English, business, or related field, or equivalent experience
• 2 years of experience in a similar role, with non-profit fundraising experienced preferred
• Commitment to the mission of Word on Fire
• Knowledge of Raiser’s Edge, Bloomerang, or other donor database softwares
• Knowledge of various gift types and methods
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient utilizing Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets to collect, manipulate and present data
• Possesses basic data analytic skills
• Ability to travel as needed

• Experience with Microsoft Office and Google Drive
• Strong project management skills and ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities
• Ability to speak with people from a variety of backgrounds and patiently troubleshoot any customer service issues they are facing
• Familiarity with the work of Bishop Robert Barron and Word on Fire

The estimated base pay range for this position is $60,000 - $72,000 annually. Word on Fire determines individual compensation on several factors, including but not limited to, experience, skills, alignment with the role’s responsibilities, and geographic location. This role may be eligible for annual merit increases based on individual performance.

Word on Fire also offers its team members a robust benefits package that includes:

• Work-from-home Wednesdays and up to 20 additional work-from-home days throughout the year
• Several 100% Word on Fire-paid insurance benefits: life, short-term disability, and long-term disability
• Other insurance benefits: medical, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, accident, critical illness, and hospital indemnity
• A retirement plan with a 3% target employer contribution
• Generous paid time off and paid holidays
• Paid parental leaves at 100% of base salary
• Access to Word on Fire’s incredible wealth of content and resources and more!

Word on Fire is founded upon and intent on prioritizing its Catholic religious mission and principles above all else. Word on Fire's religious mission may therefore require that it make employment decisions based on an individual's religion and adherence to the principles of the Catholic Church.