Development Officer Specialist

Job Description:

The role of Development Officer Specialist at the National Foundation for Cancer Research (NFCR) will assist in the growth of specific fundraising programs.  The Specialist will report to and work closely with the Executive Director to strengthen an integrated, year-round acquisition and cultivation program to include the execution of annual campaigns; in-house direct mail program; and email solicitation programs, in tandem with the external Direct Mail program. 

The Specialist develops a coordinated matrix of communication and solicitation strategies involving email, direct mail, phone/mail, all focused on shaping a sustainable tradition of annual support around specific program areas (Corporate Match/Payroll, Honor/Memorial Gifts, Rose Fund, Sustainers and In-House Mail Programs). 

Job Responsibilities:

1.      Actively identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards a portfolio of prospects across annual support programs. 

2.      Develops, manages and grows a revenue stream for specialty giving in coordination with the Executive Director.

2.      Manages/coordinates, conducts, and evaluates annual campaigns to: increase participation, attract new donors, retain and upgrade current donors, and produce increased net return. 

3.      Works with the Executive Director to develop the in-house appeals program including selecting appropriate vendors, managing a successful mail production process ROI to meet industry standard. Works in partnership with colleagues to leverage resources and best practices.  

4.      Conduct regular, thorough assessment of annual fund performance through detailed analysis of the donor pool, response rates, ROI, etc. to establish a clear set of benchmarks. Develop strategy for future mailings/solicitations based on results from the analysis.   

5.      Establishes collegial relationships with other members of the development team, as well as directors throughout the organization.

6.      Other duties as assigned. 

Qualifications:

1.      Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.

2.      Experience in giving programs and/or soliciting charitable gifts or equivalent experience in sales or marketing. 

3.      Knowledge of development principles and activities including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. 

4.      Ability to speak and to write with ease, clarity and impact.  

5.      Familiarity with and proficiency in CRM platforms with ease at learning new database programs.

6.      Ability to work well with others. 

7.      Ability to work well under pressure of deadlines. 

8.      Excellent organizational skills, with a command of detail. 

9.      Willingness to work evenings and weekends around special events as needed.  

10.  Potential to travel to cultivate donors in specialty programs 

Education & Experience:

1.      Bachelor’s degree is required.  

2.      Must have two+ years of experience in a fundraising position. 

Work Environment:

·        Physical demands are representative of those expected of an individual contributor officer in a non-profit organization. Work is performed generally in an office environment with employees working in the office four days per week and 1 day each week working from home. Time commitments outside of regular office hours may occur occasionally. 

The Development Officer Specialist is expected to play an important role in the development strategy with an emphasis on managing a donor caseload, enhance donor retention, cultivation and stewardship, helping to plan and implement a communication strategy directed to NFCR donors and prospects.

Excellent motivational and communication skills are required for this position. Applicant must possess a congenial personality with good phone manner; well-organized and detail-oriented, and be a team player. Proficient in MS Word and Excel is preferred. Preference given to those with development experience.

About NFCR

The National Foundation for Cancer Research is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides scientists in the lab the funding they need to make game-changing discoveries in cancer treatments, detection, prevention and ultimately, a cure. NFCR has distinguished itself from other organizations by emphasizing long-term, transformative research that is overlooked by other major funding sources.

Over the last 50 years, with the help of more than 5.3 million individual donors, NFCR has delivered $415 million in funding to public education and cancer research, leading to several important, life-saving discoveries.

Our office is located in North Bethesda, MD – blocks from the White Flint Metro. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package.