Senior Development Specialist- Major Gifts

Job Description

Job Description

Determined to end Veteran suicide, K9s For Warriors is the leading nonprofit organization providing Service Dogs to military Veterans nationwide suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma — at no financial cost to the Veteran. Founded in 2011 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, K9s For Warriors is committed to saving lives at both ends of the leash by primarily rescuing dogs and pairing them with Veterans in need. In order to continue the great work we’re doing, we’re looking to add a Senior Development Specialist to our amazing team!

Role and Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Director of Major Gifts, the Sr. Development Specialist (SDS) is essential to the success of K9s For Warriors' fundraising initiatives. The (SDS) will focus on proactive relationship management, strategic communications planning, and the cultivation and solicitation of donors. This role involves developing and maintaining a diverse range of Major Gifts Donors, while working closely with the Development Managers. An ability to empathize with donors and clearly communicate the K9s For Warriors’ mission is key.

 

Sr. Development Specialist (SDS) must be a collaborative team player who excels independently, has strong leadership abilities, and has an entrepreneurial approach. They should possess initiative, a keen eye for detail, and creativity, along with being dependable, adaptable, and resourceful. Working in the Ponte Vedra office, the DM will partner with the Director of Major Gifts and the development team to design, develop, and execute K9s For Warriors’ annual major gift and corporate partnership strategy. Responsibilities include motivating team members, engaging with prospects, and meeting annual fundraising targets. This role requires close collaboration with program managers, the communication/marketing team, and the Chief Revenue Officer to ensure that major gift and partnership initiatives align with K9s For Warriors’ strategic objectives and mission.

The Sr. Development Specialist (SDS) primary responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct research to identify potential major donors.
• Develop and implement strategies to attract new donors.
• Provide excellent customer service to donors by ensuring accessibility to staff and leadership, timely responses, high-quality interactions, and personalized communications.
• Maintain and cultivate existing partnerships and relationships.
• Collaborate with program, finance, development, education/communications, and administrative support teams to create a comprehensive portfolio of giving opportunities. This includes documenting program costs, illustrating the impact on Warriors and Rescue Dogs, outlining outcomes and shortfalls, and identifying mission advancement opportunities. Present these opportunities to donors to effectively match their interests with K9s For Warriors’ needs.
• Assist the development team in creating customized proposals to secure new business.
• Manage office systems related to DM responsibilities, including donor files, tracking spreadsheets, correspondence, and gift acknowledgments, per department policies and procedures. Ensure accurate documentation of donor interactions in the K9s For Warriors’ donor database.
• Assist Community Relations team with volunteers and Dog Sponsorships.
• Fundraise $1,000,000 or more annually. 
• Travel locally and nationally as needed.
• Perform other duties and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Two years of customer service experience
• Results-driven self-starter
• Ability to identify, cultivate, and solicit new customers
• Strategic planner with strong skills in prioritizing, multi-tasking, and follow-through
• Track record of achieving measurable results in organizing and implementing strategies and plans
• Proficient in using CRM databases, prospect research, and screening tools for fundraising
• Experience in writing proposals
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Valid driver’s license required

Preferred Skills

• One plus years of experience in non-profit fundraising, with a focus on major gifts and/or corporate solicitation
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field
• Experience in cause-related marketing campaigns, employee engagement, and event hosting
• Experience in prospecting
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines
• Hands-on approach to developing and executing fundraising events and activities as needed
• Proven ability to secure gifts of $25,000+
• Understanding of Military Service Organizations (MSO) and Veteran Service Organizations (VSO)
• Military background or veteran status

Competencies 

• Persuasiveness 
• Planning and Organizing
• Networking 
• Written and Verbal Expression
• Social Awareness
• Sociability

Mon-Fri 9am- 5pm, some travel and weekends