What does a Development Specialist do?
A development specialist works within various organizations to secure funding and sponsorships. From assisting department leaders in developing fundraising plans, maintaining donor relationships and securing new ones, a development coordinator advances the company's initiatives through actively seeking partners. Additionally, a development specialist will coordinate with various business partners and organize events. A development specialist organizes with other members of the development team and plans ways to increase brand awareness and funding.
A high school diploma is required to become employed in the position. Many employees have a bachelor's degree in business management, public relations or related field. Successful development coordinators are proactive, self-motivated employees who perform well in a team setting. An effective development specialist will consistently work to accomplish goals and increase their organization's revenue.
- Foster positive relationships with current and potential business partners
- Work closely with social media department to establish plans for marketing events and programs
- Establish a realistic budget for events and account for anticipated fundraising outcomes
- Works with the advertisement and marketing departments to promote fundraising events using flyers, advertisements and digital marketing outreach
- Assume full responsibility for various fundraising efforts including product sales, obtaining items for sale in auctions and acquiring donations
- Assist in writing grant proposals and developing event opportunities
- Analyze fundraising outcomes to determine effectiveness for future projects
- Research and identify prospective new donors and proactively initiate sponsorship and funding
- High school diploma or equivalent degree is required
- Ability to prioritize and manage several milestones and projects efficiently
- Extensive experience working with different operating systems including Windows and Microsoft suite
- Experience planning large-scale events and fundraisers
- Ability to generate interest in the company or program and reach out to appropriate business partners
- Experience working with a diverse team and promoting a positive brand image
- Experience researching donation programs and opportunities available through local, state and federal programs
- Professional written and interpersonal skills are essential when communicating with customers and clients
- Ability to work well with a team to promote company initiatives
Development Specialist Salaries
Average Base Pay
Development Specialist Career Path
Learn how to become a Development Specialist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Average Years of Experience
Development Specialist Insights
XFL“Perfect place to start your career and gain experience that you never would in larger established organizations”
Arkk Solutions“Fantastic opportunities for career progression and a really good social atmosphere outside of the office with everyone involved!”
UPS“Promotion is not really an option unless it can benefit some political games higher up.”
Accenture“Variable pay percent is large.. which you won't get 100% each year”
Arkk Solutions“Loads of opportunity for development in your career and so it is perfect for graduates.”
African Wildlife Foundation“It was good to be skilled in multi and interdisciplinary approaches to meet inclusive green growth.”
MediaTek“I am grateful to learn so much at MTK and especially having such a great team to work with.”
Southern Water“Ian promotes engagement and a great place to work yet it is awful its a complete lie.”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of a Development Specialist
- Technical Project Manager
- Program Manager
- Project Manager
- Technical Program Manager