Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Development Specialist

Sharing Connections | Downers Grove, IL

Full-time | 55,000–65,000 annually

Sharing Connections helps families and individuals in need turn houses into homes by providing furniture and essential household items. We are seeking an organized, personable Development Specialist to support fundraising, donor relationships, community engagement, and volunteer coordination.

Reporting to the CEO, this position works closely with staff, Board members, and volunteers.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors, businesses, faith communities, and civic groups.
• Manage donor communications, newsletters, annual appeals, acknowledgment letters, and fundraising updates.
• Maintain accurate donor records, process gifts, and track fundraising activity in DonorPerfect.
• Manage and strengthen existing fundraising events while exploring new event ideas and opportunities.
• Coordinate event planning, promotion, sponsorships, volunteers, and follow-up.
• Manage volunteer applications, scheduling, communications, and accurate records in Volgistics.
• Create fundraising and event content for the website, email, and social media.
• Represent Sharing Connections at community events, presentations, and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least two years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, nonprofit communications, volunteer coordination, customer service, or a related field preferred.
• Strong writing, communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
• Attention to detail, timely follow-through, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; experience with DonorPerfect, Volgistics, or similar systems preferred.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.

Compensation and Benefits
The budgeted salary range is 55,000–65,000 annually. The final offer will reflect the candidate’s education, relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, along with internal equity.
Sharing Connections offers a SIMPLE IRA with an employer match of up to 3%. Health insurance benefits are not offered.

Together, we furnish hope—one family at a time.