Description
Position Summary
The Development Specialist supports the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department’s Resource Development Section in achieving fundraising and community engagement goals. This position provides critical administrative and operational support for fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, and database management for the Department’s nonprofit partners, Greensboro Parks Foundation and Greensboro Beautiful.
The role serves as the operational backbone of fundraising efforts, ensuring accurate gift processing, timely donor acknowledgement, and reliable data management, while supporting broader initiatives in annual giving, membership, sponsorships, grants, and community engagement.
This position works collaboratively across the Department to advance organizational goals related to resource development, public awareness, and community partnerships.
Duties
Key Responsibilities
- Donor Database & Gift Processing (40–50%)
- Maintain and manage donor database, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and data integrity
- Process all donations (checks, online gifts, sponsorships, in-kind contributions)
- Enter and code gifts accurately and in a timely manner
- Generate and distribute donor acknowledgement letters and receipts
- Maintain documentation and tracking systems for all gifts and donor activity
- Assist with reconciliation and reporting in coordination with accounting staff
- Fundraising Campaign & Administrative Support (25–30%)
- Support implementation of fundraising campaigns including annual giving, membership, and special initiatives
- Assist with direct mail, email, and digital fundraising efforts
- Track campaign performance and maintain donor and prospect lists
- Support sponsorship and tribute/amenity programs (benches, trees, etc.)
- Assist with preparation of fundraising reports and materials
- Donor Stewardship & Engagement (10–15%)
- Respond to donor inquiries and provide high-quality customer service
- Support donor stewardship efforts, including thank-you communications and follow-up
- Assist in maintaining accurate donor records for cultivation and reporting
- Event & Project Support (5–10%)
- Assist with planning and execution of fundraising and community engagement events
- Support tracking and acknowledgement of event sponsors and participants
- Provide administrative and logistical support for development-related projects
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially with financial data
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and prioritize competing demands
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with donors and partners
- Adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving work environment
- Understanding of donor stewardship and fundraising best practices
Minimum Qualifications
- High School Diploma or GED
- 1–3 years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit administration, or related field
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience with donor databases or CRM systems
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to provide excellent customer service and work with diverse stakeholders
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field
- 2–4+ years of experience in nonprofit development or fundraising support
- Experience with CRM platforms (e.g., Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, eTapestry)
- Experience with email marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp)
- Experience supporting fundraising campaigns or events
- Knowledge of 501(c)(3) fundraising practices