Development Specialist

Reports To: Executive Committee

Status: Part-Time 20-29 hours. Potential for full time down the road.

Location: Houston, Texas strongly preferred. Hybrid position. Remote working considered

Position Summary

The Development Specialist drives fundraising, donor engagement, and community relationship efforts in alignment with the organization’s Buddhist values and mission. This role helps strengthen donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, events, communications, and development operations while fostering a compassionate and service-oriented experience for donors and community members. Our goal is for this person to substantially enhance our financial stability through their development efforts. We anticipate that you will assume some of the following responsibilities to one degree or another in accomplishing this goal. And, if this all works out positively, we are open to considering expanding this position to full time after one or two years, depending on performance. Any travel involved with the position will be reimbursed.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive comprehensive donor relations, stewardship, and acknowledgment processes
• Lead annual fundraising campaigns and development initiatives
• Maintain accurate donor records and gift tracking in the CRM/database (Neon), add relevant donor information
• Develop and maintain donor communications, curate and grow mailing lists, and generate actionable reports
• Spearhead fundraising and community event logistics, in Houston and elsewhere, as needed
• Support grant identification, development, and tracking; and administrative development tasks
• Develop and communicate organizational impact stories and mission-centered messaging
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all donor interactions
• Be on an obvious trajectory to raising 3 or more times salary within 12-18 months.
• Work closely and collegially with our Lamas, Development Committee, Executive Committee, staff, and volunteers in planning and accomplishing development goals.

Qualifications

• 4-6+ years of successful nonprofit fundraising.
• Knowledge and experience using fundraising models such as Benevon
• Proficiency utilizing CRM systems such as Neon, Boomerang, Donor Perfect, Salesforce for contact management, and donor information and analysis
• Proficiency utilizing Microsoft office tools including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.
• Strong organizational and communication skills including strategic development thinking and follow through.
• High attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with professionalism and care
• Commitment to collaborative, mission-driven work environments
• Ability to take responsibility, while still staying in close communication with DM leadership .

Preferred

• Familiarity with Buddhist or contemplative communities, some knowledge/appreciation of Buddhist values

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to mindful service
• Compassionate communication
• Emotional resilience
• Integrity and discretion
• Reliability, adaptability, flexibility
• Excellent time management
• Manages own boundaries maturely
• Alignment with the organization’s mission and values

Compensation

This is an hourly position at $38.50 per hour. There are no benefits included.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Dawn Mountain is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and compassionate workplace for all employees, volunteers, and community members. We foster a community of safety and security as outlined in our Safe Sangha code which we have all of our stakeholders agree to.