Development Officer

Connecticut Community Foundation envisions an equitable, inclusive, just, and vibrant community in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills where all residents have what they need to thrive. Serving 21-towns, the Foundation provides leadership in addressing critical community issues, strengthens nonprofit organizations through grants and capacity-building support, and partners with individuals, families, businesses, and nonprofits to steward more than 600 charitable funds.

The Foundation strives to be open, strategic, and fair as we seek to demonstrate integrity and commitment for the long term. We aim to be a welcoming partner that works to meet community needs by effectively transforming ideals into action. The values we embrace and practice include:

We set ambitious goals, forge connections, and collaborate to address our community's needs.

We welcome, invite, and commit resources toward the participation and well-being of all in our community.

We hold ourselves to high standards of ethics, service, stewardship, and accountability.

We listen, learn, and evolve alongside our community.

We are seeking a relationship builder, community connector, and collaborative fundraiser who believes in the power of philanthropy to strengthen communities and improve lives.

The Development Officer supports the Foundation's fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship activities by helping donors, fund holders, and community members connect their charitable interests with meaningful community impact. Positioned within the development team, the Development Officer will work closely with the Director of Development and Advancement, development team, and other Foundation staff. This position will cultivate relationships, coordinate donor and giving circle activities, support fundraising initiatives, and help ensure an exceptional donor experience.

This position offers the opportunity to engage directly with donors, volunteers, fund holders, and community partners while contributing to the Foundation's mission throughout Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills.

You are someone who genuinely enjoys building relationships and connecting people with meaningful opportunities to make a difference.

You understand that philanthropy begins with trust, and that successful fundraising is grounded in authentic relationships, strong listening skills, and excellent follow-through.

• A deep appreciation for community and an authentic commitment to the people and places that make Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills home.
• The ability to build trust and cultivate relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
• Sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion.
• A commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• A passion for philanthropy and a belief in its ability to transform lives and communities.

• Cultivate and steward donors across annual, major, and planned giving programs in coordination with Foundation leadership.
• Conduct regular donor visits and maintain meaningful relationships with donors, fund holders, and prospects.
• Prepare donor correspondence, proposals, fund agreements, presentations, and stewardship reports.
• Facilitate gifts of all types, including endowment, scholarship, designated, field-of-interest, unrestricted, and donor-advised fund gifts.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Advancement on donor strategies and solicitations.
• Ensure timely donor acknowledgement, recognition, and stewardship activities.
• Maintain accurate donor records, engagement plans, and activity reports within Akoya, the Foundation's CRM system.

• Serve as the primary staff liaison for the Foundation's collective giving circles and affinity-based philanthropic initiatives.
• Coordinate member recruitment, communications, engagement activities, and retention efforts.
• Organize educational programs, networking opportunities, grantmaking…