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Section II | Development/Fundraising

Nature of the Job

Successful fund raising requires many of the same skills as does successful community relations work. Development officers must have excellent interpersonal skills, good public speaking and writing skills, and the ability to communicate well with the media. They also need background or ability to learn some basics in financial management and accounting. Skills particular to fund raising, often acquired during internships and on-the-job training, include effective ways to make contact with and work with potential donors.

Where You Might Work

Development positions are available in many settings—nonprofit organizations, hospitals, educational institutions, political organizations—to name a few. There also are firms devoted to consulting and assisting with fundraising efforts. Fundraising may be a component of community relations or outreach positions.

Preparation

Suggested Areas for Minor/Collateral:

  • Communication Studies
  • Finance
  • Public Relations

Suggested Internship Sites for HDFS 4314:

  • Covenant Hospital Foundation (Development Office)
  • St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation
  • TTU College of Human Sciences Development
  • Many other sites—request development work

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Development
Development
Fundraising

Sample Job Descriptions/Ads

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  • Assistant to Fund Raising Director
    • Hands-on to provide administrative support; strong computer skills; especially in MS Office and ability to juggle multiple and independent projects required.
  • Associate Director Development
    • A Bachelor’s degree with five plus years experience in major gift fund-raising with preference given to experience in an institution of higher education. Strong managerial and organizational skills, and a history of employee supervision.
  • Coordinator College Development
    • Bachelor’s degree and two years experience in university or college fund-raising or closely related field. Assists in all development functions including supporting fund-raising activities, proposal writing, identifying donors and work with faculty to fulfill specific financial goals.
  • Coordinator of Research
    • Proactive and energetic individual with demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects and work independently needed for research in fundraising setting. Responsibilities include obtaining/maintaining information on individual, corporate, and foundation current and prospective donors through detailed research techniques, including Internet, Dow Jones, Dialog Nexis.
  • Development Coordinator
    • Association foundation seeks ambitious professional to coordinate developmental activities. Annual fund, direct mail and event experience preferred. Strong word processing and database skills a plus.
  • Development Coordinator
    • AIDS Resource Center. Annual and planned giving, special events, donor relations, corporate and foundation giving, public relations. Will be responsible for in-house activities as well as coordination with outside contractors. Strong writing, organizational, interpersonal.
  • Development Research Specialist
    • Must possess outstanding communication skills, deductive and inductive reasoning. Prefer experience in development research.
  • Executive Director Boys Ranch Foundation
    • Providing administrative support, developing operating budget, cultivating and soliciting major gift prospects and preparing and submitting grant proposals. Strong business/financial background, good oral and written communication skills, and good team-building skills.
  • Fund-Raiser
    • Plans and manages fund-raising program for nonprofit organization or cause. May perform some or all fund-raising functions depending on size of organization--annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, etc.
  • Regional Development Director
    • Must have Bachelor’s degree and at least two years related work experience in sales or public relations field. Will serve as fund-raiser and liaison between the Athletic Department/Red Raider Club in Lubbock and the West Texas area and the Alumni Honors. Must be a highly motivated self-starter with a high degree of integrity and an interest in affiliation with West Texas.
  • Support in Administration & Development
    • Supervise volunteers in donor database management, correspondence with donors. Other administrative duties as needed. Strong writing, organizational, interpersonal, computer skills required.