Development and Grant Specialist

Fund Development and Grant Specialist

Job Description

Under direction, plans, writes, develops, coordinates, and directs activities in fund development, grant management, planned giving, and major donor cultivation; provides analytical and technical assistance in the strategic planning and implementation of activities to financially build and sustain programs and services; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Job Summary

The Fund Development & Grant Specialist leads a broad portfolio of fundraising activities, including grant development and management, planned giving, major donor cultivation and stewardship, and support of Bestwork's signature fundraising event, Dining in the Dark. This role is instrumental in building and diversifying Bestwork's revenue streams to advance our mission and long-term sustainability.

The Individual in This Position Will:

Grant Development & Management

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of Bestwork's strategic initiatives and vision to effectively communicate our mission and funding needs to a wide range of funders.
• Manage the full grant lifecycle — including identification, research, cultivation, solicitation, recognition, and stewardship of grant funders — in alignment with our strategic priorities.
• Conduct prospect research to identify a sufficient number and quality of grant prospects; prepare donor profiles, target appropriate ask amounts, and evaluate and prioritize opportunities.
• Draft and edit letters of intent, grant proposals, online grant submissions, acknowledgment letters, stewardship reports, and all necessary supporting documents for prospective and current funders.
• Work closely with the Fundraising & Marketing Manager to prioritize funding opportunities and prepare proposals and correspondence for submission and signature.
• Ensure all outgoing correspondence is carefully reviewed for typographical and grammatical accuracy and factual/technical correctness.
• Develop, foster, and support relationships with institutional funders, including identifying professional connections with other grants managers and volunteers to properly steward these relationships.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Finance to gather information necessary for proposals and grant reporting.
• Comply with all grant reporting requirements and deadlines as required by funders.
• Manage active grants by maintaining internal reporting systems, writing reports, maintaining excellent historical records, and working with staff to ensure programs are meeting proposal conditions and expectations.
• Maintain up-to-date records and files, and manage proposals using Excel and database tools for grant tracking and reporting.

Planned Giving

• Lead and grow Bestwork's planned giving program, including the cultivation and stewardship of legacy donors and prospects.
• Develop and implement strategies to identify, educate, and engage donors interested in making estate gifts, bequests, and other deferred gifts.
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource for donors, their families, and advisors regarding planned giving vehicles and opportunities in partnership with Bestwork's leadership.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records of planned giving commitments and prospects in the donor database.
• Develop planned giving marketing materials, including legacy society collateral and donor recognition efforts.

Major Donor Cultivation & Stewardship

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors in support of Bestwork's funding priorities.
• Develop individualized engagement strategies for major donors, ensuring meaningful and consistent communication and recognition.
• Prepare personalized proposals, gift agreements, impact reports, and acknowledgment communications for major donors.
• Partner with senior leadership and board members to facilitate major donor meetings, tours, and engagement opportunities.
• Track and manage all major donor activity within the donor database to ensure timely follow-up and accurate records.

Dining in the Dark & Special Events Support

• Support Dining in the Dark, Bestwork's signature fundraising event, through securing sponsorships, execution, and post-event follow-up.
• Assist with sponsor cultivation and solicitation, donor engagement strategies, and stewardship tied to the event.
• Support promotional efforts, guest communications, and day-of logistics.
• Support post-event reporting, donor acknowledgment, and relationship-building to maximize long-term impact.

General Fundraising & Communications

• Create and deploy compelling fundraising appeals and direct mail campaigns.
• Support the development of a diversified, integrated fundraising strategy that incorporates grants, major gifts, planned giving, events, and individual giving.

To Be Successful:

Candidates must be able to provide superior service delivery while working in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment. It is essential that the individual in this role possess strong organizational, relational, and communication skills. In addition:

• Bachelor's Degree required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of related experience in nonprofit fundraising, including proposal/grant writing and individual giving.
• Experience with planned giving vehicles (bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Experience cultivating and soliciting major gifts.
• Strong written communication skills, including proposal, stewardship, and donor correspondence writing.
• Strong editing and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines consistently.
• Knowledge of grants — development, proposals, applications, and administration — as well as fundraising techniques and strategies across a broad range of giving vehicles.
• Knowledge and familiarity with prospect research, identification, and qualification techniques for grant and individual giving prospects.
• Experience with donor management/CRM databases; proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.

Competencies:

Working at Bestwork is more than just being technically proficient. We also look for candidates who demonstrate the following:

• Accountability — Takes ownership of outcomes and follows through on commitments.
• Attention to Detail — Produces accurate, thorough, and high-quality work.
• Initiative — Proactively identifies opportunities and takes action without being asked.
• Results-Oriented — Focuses on achieving meaningful outcomes that advance the mission.
• Written Expression — Communicates clearly, compellingly, and professionally in writing.
• Relationship Building — Cultivates trust and long-term partnerships with donors, funders, and colleagues.
• Adaptability — Thrives in a dynamic environment and embraces change with a positive attitude.