DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Development SpecialistMetrocrest Services is seeking a relationship-focused, entry-level fundraising professional who is excited to build a career in nonprofit development. The Development Specialist plays a unique role on the Development team by combining fundraising operations with frontline community engagement. This position helps ensure the smooth execution of Metrocrest's fundraising program while building relationships that grow our pipeline of future major donors.Working closely with the Director of Development, the Development Specialist plays an essential role in the day-to-day administration and operations of Metrocrest's fundraising program. Approximately half of the position is dedicated to fundraising operations, including gift processing, donor database management, reporting, sponsorship fulfillment, acknowledgements, donor correspondence, and maintaining accurate fundraising records. The other half focuses on community engagement through Metrocrest's Changemakers Annual Giving Program, cultivating grassroots support, building relationships with donors and community partners, and helping identify future major giving opportunities.The Development Specialist role is ideal for someone who enjoys both the structure and detail of administrative work and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships that advance Metrocrest's mission.This role primarily works from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday with evenings and weekends based on program needs.Key TraitsBuilding Relationships · Building Trust · Communication · Initiating Action · Continuous Learning · Adaptability · Follow-Up · Contributing to Team Success · Customer Focus · Innovation · Information Monitoring · Planning & OrganizingQualifying TraitsCulturally humble and equity-mindedThrives on behind-the-scenes work and understands that timely gift processing, accurate donor records, and exceptional follow-through are just as important as donor cultivationTakes pride in administrative excellence, recognizing that strong fundraising operations create exceptional donor experiences and enable successful fundraising effortsEnergized by building relationships and introducing new people to a mission they believe inNaturally curious, organized, and proactive, recognizing that meaningful donor relationships begin long before a major gift conversationUnderstands that every annual donor, volunteer, event attendee, business owner, or community partner could become a future philanthropic leaderEnjoys helping donors continue their journey with Metrocrest ServicesMaintains high levels of confidentiality, credibility, and professionalism in all neighbor and partner interactionsModels Metrocrest Services neighbor-first values in every interaction with donors, partners, neighbors, and colleaguesOwns assigned metrics as a personal measure of success; holds oneself accountable for achieving, tracking, and reporting on performance targetsMinimum QualificationsBachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experienceTwo or more years of experience in fundraising, nonprofit, sales, marketing, customer service, account management, business development, or a related relationship-based professionDemonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, donor management softwarePreferred QualificationsExperience using Salesforce or another donor CRMExperience coordinating fundraising events or community engagement activitiesExperience with workplace giving, matching gifts, sponsorships, or annual giving programsSpecialized KnowledgeExcellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skillsKnowledge of fundraising best practices and donor stewardshipStrong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detailAbility to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlinesA passion for the nonprofit sector and a genuine commitment to the organization's missionAbility to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervisionPrimary ResponsibilitiesCommunity Engagement & Donor QualificationServe as a visible ambassador for Metrocrest Services by representing the organization at networking events, community meetings, volunteer activities, and outreach opportunitiesBuild relationships with businesses, civic organizations, faith communities, and community groups through outreach, networking, canvassing, events, and presentations to increase awareness of Metrocrest Services and identify opportunities for supportCollaborate with internal leaders across Volunteer Engagement, Programs, and Marketing & Communications to cultivate existing relationships, evaluate philanthropic interest, and qualify prospective donors and partners for strategic cultivation by development and executive leadershipLeverage engagement data, donor records, volunteer participation, event involvement, and prospect research to identify opportunities, prepare prospect profiles, and support fundraising strategiesMaintain accurate documentation of donor interactions, prospect activity, and relationship history within SalesforceDevelopment OperationsProcess and acknowledge all charitable gifts, including online, mailed, event, matching, corporate, stock, and in-kind contributionsManage gift entry, imports, reconciliations, reporting, and relationships with online giving and workplace giving platformsGenerate fundraising reports, maintain fundraising dashboards, and assist with revenue tracking and financial reconciliationPrepare sponsorship agreements, invoices, donor acknowledgement letters, tax receipts, stewardship communications, and other donor correspondenceEnsure the integrity and accuracy of fundraising data to support reporting, stewardship, and strategic decision-makingTrack sponsorship commitments, benefit fulfillment, recognition opportunities, and event deliverables to ensure sponsors receive all promised benefitsCollaborationWork collaboratively with Development, Marketing & Communications, Finance, Volunteer Engagement, and Program staff to support fundraising initiatives and ensure exceptional donor experiencesParticipate in team meetings, planning sessions, and organizational eventsWorks from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday through Friday with evenings and weekends based on program needsPerform other duties as assignedWhy Metrocrest ServicesThis position offers the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across the full fundraising cycle - from development operations and annual giving to donor stewardship, community partnerships, prospect research, and pipeline development - while working alongside experienced fundraising professionals committed to mentoring the next generation of nonprofit leaders.Reporting RelationshipThe Development Specialist reports directly to the Director of DevelopmentSalary and Benefits InformationSalary for this FLSA-exempt position is commensurate with experienceEmployer-sponsored medical insurance through BCBSTX with employer contribution toward monthly premiums, effective the first day of the month following the date of hire)Employer-sponsored dental (Principal) and vision insurance, effective the first day of the month following the date of hireEmployer-paid group term life insurance (Principal)Employer-paid long-term disability (Principal)401(k) retirement plan with company matching 1/2:1 (up to 6%)Generous paid time off package, including vacation, personal time off, and paid holidaysPaid parental leaveTraining and development opportunitiesTuition reimbursementWork Environment & Physical RequirementsThe activity for this position requires the employee to work onsite in a climate-controlled officeAbility to remain in a stationary position, such as standing or sitting, for up to 8 hours per dayAbility to walk, move, and/or traverse as neededEqual Employment OpportunityMetrocrest Services provides equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.In accordance with the ADA, Metrocrest Services is willing to consider any reasonable accommodation.