Development Specialist

We're a small disability-positive non-profit in San Diego that provides free dance classes to people living with physical disabilities and their allies. Through our classes, we work to dismantle negative disability stereotypes by providing a welcoming, enjoyable setting that facilitates bridging the gap between disabled and non-disabled people through dance.

Our students range in age from their 20s-80s and to date have performed with Jason Mraz in two of his concerts, "Shine" and "Kaleidoscope" as well as an annual showcase and community events.

As a small but growing arts organization, we're looking for a Development Specialist to add to our team. If you are skilled and experienced in pipeline management, donor engagement/outreach, and fundraising, this could be the role for you!

• Principals only. No agencies please***

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

• You'll be reporting to the Executive Director (ED). the Development Specialist is a hybrid hourly independent contractor role. You must live in or near San Diego, CA. You may be asked to attend in-person events throughout the year, as well oversee our annual showcase and fundraiser held in the fall.
• Hours range up to 5 hours/week with more hours expected in the weeks leading up to annual fundraiser.
• The Development Specialist coordinates all donor relations activities: Identifying and researching prospective individual donors and cultivating and maintaining donor relationships.
• You'll be overseeing the fundraising portion of our annual fall showcase and other fundraisers throughout the year.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research and maintain individual profiles of current and prospective donors and maintain donor prospect pipeline
• Donor acquisition and retention
• Develop, plan, execute and evaluate a comprehensive program of donor acquisition and retention, membership, and stewardship
• Increasing giving by cultivating, maintaining and strengthening donor relationships
• Collaborate with ED to formulate an annual fundraising plan
• Successfully maintain and strengthen donor relationships through acknowledgement letters, holiday cards, thank-you notes for event participation, and other tools.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, non-profit management or related field strongly preferred. Equivalent experience and track record may be considered in lieu of degree requirement
• Minimum three years of increasingly successful professional donor engagement experience with proven track record of increased donor recruitment, retention, and giving
• Previous experience in the non-profit sector. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in the arts-based non-profit space

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrated experience in the non-profit space. Experience with arts-based non-profits is strongly preferred
• Commitment to the vision and mission of WDO Inclusive Dance
• Previous or ongoing remote work experience
• Must reside within reasonable driving distance to the central San Diego region for in-person events
• Demonstrated strength in oral and written communication directed at a wide variety of audiences
• Ability to work cooperatively to achieve common goals, support cooperation, collaboration and the sharing of information as part of a multi-generational team
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to create personal relationships and to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Ability to manage multiple projects with competing demands, while maintaining attention to detail
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to quickly and regularly adjust strategy based on giving trends
• Knowledge and experience with all fundraising strategies and techniques, including pipeline development
• Excellent computer skills and ability or willingness to use/learn latest communication technology and apps

Candidates are encouraged to submit their resume/cover letter. Candidates without three years professional donor engagement and fundraising experience will not be considered. Candidates living outside of the San Diego/Orange County area will not be considered.

Job Types: Part-time, Contract

Pay: $30-35.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1 – 5 per week

As a 1099 independent contractor, you will be setting your own schedule while keeping in mind benchmarks and deadlines related to this position. You will be utilizing your own equipment (phone, computer, etc.).

Work will be performed remotely with the exception of our annual fundraiser and showcase and other in-person fundraising events.