Development Specialist

Development Specialist Job Description

Job Title: Development Specialist-Individual Giving/Major Gifts

Reports To: Executive Director

Status: Fractional/Part Time, Hybrid/Remote

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About Leap Arts in Education

Founded in 1979 in response to California school budget cuts that effectively eliminated arts from elementary education, Leap Arts in Education provides top quality arts education programs that help students build skills to achieve their fullest potential. Leap envisions a world where art is a fundamental part of every child’s education and success. More than 9,200 Bay Area students participate in visual and performing arts and architecture residencies each year. Our work is inspiring and creative. We would describe our culture as dynamic, creative, strategic, principled and equity-driven. This is a management level position requiring a hard working, detail-oriented, self-starter to implement all activities of a small development department. Ideal candidates for the position will share our commitment to Leap’s mission; have a good sense of humor, and an entrepreneurial spirit to expand our funding base. The Development Specialist plays an essential role in growing Leap’s $925,000 budget in accordance with the organization’s three-year strategic plan. More info on Leap at www.leaparts.org.

Key Responsibilities

Leap’s Development Specialist is a strategic and accomplished fundraiser with experience in major donor and annual donor discovery, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. The successful candidate contributes to Leap’s organizational effectiveness and growth by meeting fundraising goals, building a pipeline of new major gift and annual fund donors through Leap’s events, campaigns, direct mail and referrals from leadership. The Development Officer will raise $200,000+ through identification, cultivation and solicitation of individual donors to include annual fund and major gifts.

Fundraising & Cultivation

• Develop annual and long-term fundraising plans with the Executive Director and committees.
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit funding from individual donors, corporations, and sponsorship opportunities.
• Conceptualize and implement strategies to raise $200,000+ annually for Leap programs.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship

• Develop and maintain relationships with new and existing donors, including corporate partners and constituents.
• Create and execute Planned Giving and Major Gifts programs.
• Establish multi-year giving strategies and further engage donors through recognition opportunities.

Board Collaboration

• Work with the Board of Directors to achieve organizational goals, including network mapping, marketing toolkits, and campaign support.
• Provide staff leadership to the Development/Marketing Committee.

Event Sponsorship & Coordination

• Provide sponsorship prospects for fundraising activities such as year-end campaigns and special events.
• Secure corporate sponsorships for Leap’s signature events, including the Sandcastle Classic and Creative ArtBar.

Administrative & Team Leadership

• Ensure donor record accuracy and acknowledgments.
• Participate in networking and public speaking engagements as required.
• Serve as a member of Leap’s management team and contribute to strategic planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required, with a focus in fundraising, business development, marketing, arts administration, or a related field preferred.

Fundraising & Development Expertise

• Proven track record of substantial success in corporate partnerships, individual giving, and major gifts.
• Minimum of five years of measurable success in fundraising, including initiating and managing renewable funding sources.

Technical Proficiency

• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Mailchimp, CRMs, and Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong analytical skills, including data analysis and budget management.

Relationship-Building & Collaboration

• Exceptional ability to build and maintain relationships with board members, staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Ability to manage development activities across a large geographical region.

Event Management

• Demonstrated ability to plan and execute successful fundraising events, securing corporate sponsorships and individual donations.

Communication Skills

• Exceptional presentation, written, and interpersonal communication skills to compel, inspire, and inform.

Other Skills & Attributes

• Strong initiative and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Superior leadership skills with an innovative, problem-solving approach.
• Experience in marketing/PR/communications, content creation, and social media engagement.

Preferred Attributes

• Passion for the arts, educational equity, and arts education.
• Commitment to Leap’s mission with a sense of humor and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively throughout the day.
• Tactful and professional interpersonal skills.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: This is a Fractional/Part Time Position with an Hourly Rate/Dependent on experience.

Resumes, references, salary requirements and letter of interest should be forwarded to Leap, Attn. Human Resources, jill@leaparts.org

Leap is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.