Specialist, Development

About the Organization:

It is an exciting time at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) as we continue to undertake our mission. We know that creating long-term solutions to food security requires more than meals. It requires education, training, and collaboration. We are seeking people with strong ideas and a passion to come together to address the complex interrelated issues of food security, poverty, and equity. We are expanding in multiple ways: providing food for today and addressing the root causes of hunger by partnering with organizations that provide critical services like job training programs, health care and education. Food has the power to transform lives and move everyone forward. Find out how on our website at www.capitalareafoodbank.org. Let us discuss how food is at the center of everyone's healthy life!

Description:

The Development Specialist will work closely with the Senior Manager, Mid-Level Giving to support the growth and day-to-day execution of the Capital Area Food Bank’s mid-level giving program. This universe includes approximately 3,500 donors contributing roughly $7M annually and is growing rapidly.

The position will play an integral role in the implementation of the mid-level giving program. The Specialist will assume increasing ownership of a dynamic portfolio of mid-level donors, executing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship touchpoints with guidance and increasing independence. The Specialist will engage donors meaningfully through email, phone, and in-person interactions to communicate impact and earn sustained and increased support. The role is also responsible for qualifying and cultivating a pipeline of donors for major gifts and planned giving. The position will oversee the stewardship letter process and play an important part in donor research and prospect identification efforts. The Specialist will be an integral member of the greater Development team, collaborating cross-departmentally to support fundraising events and assist with light administrative tasks as needed. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with and stewarding donors, demonstrate strong attention to detail, and successfully manage multiple projects and priorities at once.

A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Capital Area Food Bank is essential.

Essential Functions:

Donor Engagement and Relationship Management

• Own and develop a portfolio of 400+ mid-level donors through personalized outreach and stewardship to retain, upgrade, and qualify donors. Effectively connect them to the Food Bank’s mission by sharing timely updates on programs, impact, and organizational priorities.
• Learn and ultimately lead front-line relationship management, including regular one-on-one donor meetings (in person, virtual, phone), group volunteer experiences, and events to deepen relationships and communicate impact.
• With guidance and review, draft thoughtful, compelling donor communications and solicitations that reflect organizational priorities, mission, and brand voice. Translate complex information into clear, engaging messaging for donors.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager, Mid-Level Giving and Major Gifts colleagues to strategically identify, qualify, and steward donors for planned giving potential and meaningful upgrades, including entry into the major giving pipeline ($10K+).
• Partner across Development and other departments, proactively sharing information and aligning priorities to support donor engagement efforts and team goals.
• Coordinate and manage high-touch, personalized stewardship letter process for mid-level and major donors, working cross-functionally to ensure accuracy and timeliness.

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, portfolio activity, and moves management data in the CRM (Salesforce), demonstrating strong attention to detail.
• Build comfort in pulling and reviewing reports to meaningfully track metrics and key performance indicators for the mid-level audience.
• Partner with the Senior Manager, Mid-Level Giving to conduct prospecting and donor research efforts that identify key information to guide solicitation strategies, stewardship plans, and overall donor engagement.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials and documents for donor meetings and events, as needed, for senior leadership.
• Provide administrative support as needed for fundraising events, major gifts initiatives, and miscellaneous projects.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• 2+ years of fundraising experience, with experience working directly with individual donors preferred.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Organized and process-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple projects, relationships, and competing priorities.
• Experience utilizing a donor database/CRM, with the ability to manage sensitive donor information and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, including Outlook and Excel.
• High integrity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to represent the Food Bank with professionalism, enthusiasm, and candor.
• Must have consistent and reliable transportation to travel to donor meetings, events, and other locations throughout the Greater Washington area.
• Regular and punctual attendance is required.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Required to speak and listen effectively, both in person and over the phone.

Compensation:

• $58,930 - $75,770

We Offer:

At Capital Area Food Bank, we understand that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits including competitive compensation and benefits, free onsite parking, complimentary shuttle to metro, professional development, growth, and volunteer opportunities, fun work in a diverse environment.