Development Specialist

About the role

The Development Specialist is a key member of HIAS' fundraising team, responsible for donor research, stewardship coordination, reporting and operational support that enables effective donor cultivation and engagement. The role leads specialized development operations workstreams, delivers actionable donor intelligence, and ensures fundraisers have the tools and information needed to advance fundraising goals.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth research on prospective donors to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests and engagement potential • Provide fundraisers with donor profiles, briefing materials and engagement recommendations • Assign donors to fundraiser portfolios and manage the portfolio review process • Coordinate personalized donor stewardship activities and recognition plans • Maintain and enhance donor records in the CRM (Raiser's Edge), ensuring accuracy in gift tracking and engagement touchpoints • Generate and analyze reports on donor pipeline activity, fundraising progress and campaign effectiveness • Manage list segmentation, data hygiene and CRM optimization • Manage the major donor acknowledgement letter process and support gift processing and pledge fulfillment • Serve as a liaison between development, programs, finance and communications teams • Draft SOPs and improve internal systems and processes

Requirements

• 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, prospect research or donor stewardship
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to translate donor data into actionable insights
• Proficiency in CRM systems (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge or similar) and research tools (iWave, ResearchPoint)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a donor-centric approach
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• Commitment to HIAS' mission and an understanding of philanthropic trends, particularly in individual giving
• Salary:
• $67,000-$75,000
• Note:
• This position is based at HIAS' headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or its office in New York, New York. A remote option will be considered for applicants who live outside commuting distance of either office and are based in other states in which HIAS is registered (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia).