Full-time Staff: Development Services Specialist

The Development Services Specialist will coordinate internal systems for The Lakeland Foundation, including maintenance of the database, conducting research, and communicating with donors as assigned. 

RESPONSIBILITIES (Non-inclusive):

• Conduct in-depth research on current and prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and alignment with institutional priorities; maintain confidential data and report research findings to the executive director.
• Provide relevant data and research support to the executive director, grant writer, and other staff as needed to support the preparation of proposals, letters of inquiry, and other development-related materials.
• Ensure timely and accurate communication with donors and prospective donors by creating and producing newsletters, pledge reminders, acknowledgment letters, and other appropriate correspondence.
• Manage, organize, and troubleshoot the Foundation’s donor database; continually refine and optimize the Raiser’s Edge system to ensure it meets departmental needs. Implement and provide training on Raiser’s Edge best practices for development staff.
• Collaborate with the Finance Office to reconcile gift records and assist with audits.
• Coordinate with the college’s Financial Aid and Business Services offices to manage and maintain institutional scholarship processes and systems, including eligibility criteria, application deadlines, and funding sources; gather recipient information to support donor stewardship efforts in collaboration with the executive director.
• Create and disseminate internal reports, such as those related to strategic planning initiatives, campaign outcomes, and donor engagement.
• Assist with the planning and execution of Foundation events and activities.
• Perform related duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS:

A. Education/Training and Experience Required/Preferred

• An associate’s degree in business, communications, or a related field and at least five years of experience working in support of a development office are required.
• Two or more years of experience with research activities related to corporate, foundation, or individual donors is required.
• Extensive experience with the use of Raiser’s Edge software is required.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities is acceptable.

B. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Abilities to coordinate the work of support staff and collaborate effectively with employees within and outside of the department.
• Demonstrated skills to maintain meticulous attention to detail and perform work with accuracy, especially as it pertains to the donor database.
• Proven abilities to use Windows-based software applications to produce professional documents, spreadsheets, reports, etc.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving solving and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain the highest level of ethics and confidentiality, especially as it relates to donor records and information.
• Skills to handle multiple priorities concurrently and to meet deadlines.

C. Physical Activity Level 

• Sedentary - mostly sitting and lifting up to 10 lbs. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• This is a 12-month full-time position. The hourly salary is at grade 7A of the staff salary schedule. 
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plus paid time away (sick, personal, vacation, and holiday). See Benefits for Full-time Staff.
• Please note: The final offer for the successful candidate is targeted to fall within this range but will be based upon an assessment of internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications in relation to the minimum and/or preferred job requirement(s). 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply for this position through the college’s Human Resources website. Please be prepared to do the following:

• Answer all questions in the college’s employment application (*please read the note below)
• Attach a current resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, application review will begin immediately. 

*To avoid difficulties when submitting your application, be sure your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) is updated to the latest version and allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application since you WILL NOT be able to save a partially completed application and work on it later.

Lakeland Community College is an equal access and equal opportunity employer. We have a strong commitment to the principle of diversity and, in that spirit, seek a broad spectrum of candidates including women, minorities, people with disabilities and people over 40. Under-represented groups are encouraged to apply. If your disability requires special accommodations to participate in the application/interview process, contact the Human Resources Office at 440-525-7575.