Lead Development Specialist

Description

The American Red Cross depends heavily on the support of our generous donor population. We participate in many donor-focused fundraising activities including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding of top corporate and foundation partners, as well as with individual donors across the country. The funds we receive provide unrestricted support to our Chapters, helping us fulfill our mission to provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies in our communities.

We are currently seeking a Lead Development Specialist to work in our Shreveport, LA offices. This is a full time position working 40 hours a week.

The Lead Development Specialist participates in development of funding growth for the chapter through analysis, recommendation and coordination of Financial Development events and activities, strategic implementation of cause-marketing relationships, and management of third-party fundraisers. May be responsible for management and coordination of volunteer committees, vendor support, event communications and donor follow-up and recognition.

Mandatory Job Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum 3 years of fundraising leadership experience and 1 year of supervisory experience. Proactive development leader with an established track record of increasing philanthropic revenue from diverse constituencies. Experience in the development and implementation of a broad-based fundraising program including personally opening doors, cultivation, and successfully closing major gifts. Significant expertise with the Region’s funding community highly desirable. Progressive experience in successful development programs and knowledge of “best practices” in development.

Related Skills: Ability to relate well and work effectively with multiple constituencies and audiences. Excellent verbal and written skills. Knowledge of office systems: MS-Office preferred and fundraising database systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce.com). A team player committed to developing and working within a collaborative environment and to ensuring the highest customer service orientation.

This position requires frequent travel within the Region, and occasional travel within the Division and to Washington, DC.

Essential Functions/Physical Requirements: Depending on work assignment, may require ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; or the ability to stand, walk and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weights of up to 20 pounds. Requires good hand-eye coordination, arm, hand and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read technical information. Overall mobility is essential. May include sitting for long periods of time, driving a vehicle and working under challenging conditions.
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