Development Specialist

Overview

To be part of our organization, every employee should understand and share in the YNHHS Vision, support our Mission, and live our Values. These values - integrity, patient-centered, respect, accountability, and compassion - must guide what we do, as individuals and professionals, every day.

Project Access-New Haven is a community-based organization with the mission of increasing access to medical care and services for underserved residents of the Greater New Haven community. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Development Specialist is a key member of the Project Access New-Haven team, responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy. This individual will manage all aspects of the development function, including donor cultivation and stewardship, special events, and database management. The ideal candidate brings both strategic thinking and hands-on execution skills and is committed to building meaningful relationships with donors and community partners.

EEO/AA/Disability/Veteran

Responsibilities

• Fundraising Strategy & Planning - In collaboration with the Executive Director and the Director of Grants and Impact, the Development Specialist will:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fundraising plan aligned with organizational goals and revenue targets
  • Identify, research, and cultivate new funding prospects including individuals, foundations, corporations, and government sources.
  • Track fundraising progress against goals and provide regular reports to the Executive Director.
• Donor Relations & Stewardship
  • Build and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with current and prospective donors through personalized outreach and stewardship activities.
  • Manage donor solicitations including direct mail, email campaigns, and personal asks, ensuring timely and meaningful acknowledgment of all gifts.
  • Develop and execute a moves management strategy to advance donor relationships and increase giving levels over time.
  • Coordinate the preparation of donor impact reports, thank-you letters, and other correspondence that reflects the mission and outcomes of Project Access New Haven
• Events Management
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute all fundraising events, including annual initiatives, cultivation events, and community engagement activities.
  • Manage event logistics including venue selection, vendor coordination, invitations, registration, program development, and post-event follow-up.
  • Recruit and manage volunteers and event committees to support fundraising events
• Donor Database Management
  • Maintain and manage the donor database, ensuring accurate and timely entry of all gifts, contacts, and donor interactions.
  • Generate donor lists, reports, and data analytics to support fundraising strategy and decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with data privacy best practices and nonprofit gift acceptance policies.
• Communications & Marketing Support
  • Collaborate with staff and Marketing Consultant to develop fundraising-related communications including blast emails, mailed appeals, newsletters, annual reports, and social media content.
  • Represent Project Access-New Haven at community events and networking opportunities.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the leadership team.

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Qualifications

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's degree required.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum three (3) years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or development.

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Experience planning and executing fundraising events
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and donor database software (e.g., Network for Good or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong code of ethics, a healthy sense of humor and ability to maintain confidentiality of donor information
• Familiarity with the New Haven nonprofit and philanthropic community.

PHYSICAL DEMAND

• This position is on site in our New Haven office with a hybrid arrangement available as needed. Must be able to work well under deadline pressures; must be flexible and able to multi-task; must be a team player. During fundraising events, they must be committed to some nights and weekends and must be open to various settings and locations.

YNHHS Requisition ID

191392