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Development Specialist

Posted: 03/10/2025

Role Description

The Advancement Specialist plays a vital role in supporting JSAAHC’s fundraising, donor engagement, and communications efforts. This position will work closely with the Director of Development to strengthen relationships with donors, manage fundraising campaigns, coordinate special events, and oversee donor data management. The Advancement Specialist will ensure that JSAAHC’s development efforts are well-organized, strategic, and impactful.

Qualifications & Skills

Technical & Software Proficiency

  • Experience using CRM systems (NeonOne preferred) for donor management and reporting.
  • Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Experience using Canva or similar design tools to create professional marketing and communication materials.
  • Ability to adapt to new technologies in a modern office environment.

Job Requirements

  • Must be available to work nights and weekends
  • Must have a valid date driver’s license and the ability to run errands
  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 15 lbs.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Donor Relations

  • Manage and maintain donor records using NeonOne CRM, ensuring accurate data entry, timely acknowledgments, and detailed reporting.
  • Generate donor reports to support fundraising strategy and track progress toward revenue goals.
  • Assist in the stewardship of donors, including drafting acknowledgment letters, conducting outreach via phone and email, and supporting cultivation activities.
  • Conduct research on major donor prospects and corporate funding opportunities to expand JSAAHC’s philanthropic network.
  • Coordinate development campaigns, including crafting donor correspondence, appeal letters, and impact reports.

Marketing & Communications

  • Assist in the development and execution of marketing and communication strategies to promote JSAAHC’s fundraising efforts.
  • Draft content for email campaigns, newsletters, website updates, and social media to engage donors and stakeholders.
  • Design creative assets for fundraising and donor engagement using Canva and other digital tools.
  • Help to ensure consistent messaging across all communication platforms, aligning with JSAAHC’s brand and mission.

Fundraising & Sponsorships

  • Support corporate sponsorship initiatives by creating sponsorship decks, commitment forms, and invoices.
  • Track sponsorship commitments, process donations, and ensure benefit fulfillment for corporate partners.
  • Assist in the development of JSAAHC’s annual report, appeal letters, and other storytelling initiatives to highlight the organization’s impact.

Event Planning & Membership Engagement

  • Lead membership engagement efforts, developing strategies to retain current members and attract new supporters.
  • Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising and cultivation events, including event logistics, guest list management, on-site coordination, and post-event follow-up.
  • Oversee event registration, participant communications, and donor engagement during events to enhance the attendee experience.
  • Deploy event marketing across digital platforms and update JSAAHC’s presence on charity and tourism websites.

Administrative & Organizational Support

  • Provide administrative support to the Director of Development, including preparation for donor meetings, travel arrangements, and development committee coordination.
  • Attend all-staff meetings, development committee meetings, and board meetings as required.
  • Maintain organized, up-to-date development files and ensure compliance with donor record-keeping best practices.
  • Perform other development-related tasks as needed to support JSAAHC’s fundraising and donor engagement efforts.

Compensation + Benefits

The position offers a competitive hiring range of $52,000- $62,000, depending on experience and qualifications. The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center provides full medical coverage for the employee, 2 weeks paid vacation after 90 days of employment, and a total of 10 paid holidays off. Join our team and enjoy a supportive, flexible work environment focused on our mission and driven by our values.

Equity Statement

The Jefferson School African American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) strives to build a culture where diversity of all kinds, including diversity in race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, veteran status, physical and mental abilities, political philosophy, socio-economic status and intellectual focus, is viewed as a strategic imperative. The JSAAHC is committed to developing people and ideas that will solve humanity’s toughest challenges. We are called not just to observe, but to participate in the change we wish to see. In confronting issues of racial justice and equity, we aspire to bring forward the very best thinking of our colleagues, our policy and action practitioners. We are eager to contribute meaningfully to this national dialogue with courage, ambition, humility, and hope.

To Apply:

Please send a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references to advancement@jeffschoolheritagecenter.org