Position:                     Development Specialist

Term:                          12 Month

Classification:            Classified/Exempt

Location:                    Administration

Qualifications:             Masters Degree in related area preferred;

                                    3-5 years related experience and/or training, preferred

                                    Equivalent combination of education and experience considered

Supervisory:               No

Reports to:                  Chief Operations Officer

Under administrative direction, identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards donor activity; develops fundraising strategies; serves as development liaison; provides artistic contribution to development, design, and construction of signage and other marketing materials for district facilities, programs, and initiatives.

General Expectations:

• Supports the mission of Joplin Schools.
• Supports the value of education.
• Complies with the privacy rights of students.
• Safeguards confidential and/or sensitive information.
• Communicates effectively with all the members of the school district and community.
• Provides excellence in customer service both internally and externally.
• Reacts to change productively.
• Keeps abreast of new information, innovative ideas and techniques.
• Maintains accurate records and filing systems for accountability and audit purposes.
• Ensures that all activities conform to district and state guidelines.

Essential Functions:

• Lead fundraising activities to support the School’s operations as well as special projects and campaigns
• Contact current & prospective advertisers (e.g. businesses, individuals, etc.) for the purpose of selling advertising to support department programs
• Conduct annual audit of district programs, publications, and facilities to determine advertising and donor opportunities
• Cultivate and maintain donor relationships
  • Establish and maintain with all stakeholders and use these relationships to develop new business opportunities.
  • Create and lead a coordinated program of fundraising activities designed to increase the number and level of major and/or principal gifts donors
  • Deliver presentations/proposals to prospective donors/advertisers
  • Assist with creation of sales/marketing and advertising materials relating to development campaign
  • Coordinate events as required
  • Process all correspondence and paperwork related to accounts
  • Work collaboratively with design specialist to create, modify and refine sign designs and other marketing materials to conform to district specifications or changes in design trends
  • Carry out all other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Personal Characteristics

• Knowledge of development/fundraising concepts and appropriate solicitation techniques
• Strong interpersonal/human relations skills
• Strong verbal and professional written communication skills
• Marketing and presentation skills
• Project management skills
• Ability to interact with diplomacy and tact amid influential clients and diverse groups
• Ability to adapt and respond to various situations

Physical Demands

Level:  Light

• Occasional Lifting up to 25 pounds
• The individual who holds this position is regularly required to walk, hear and speak and must have close moderate and distance vision ability.  
• The individual must be able to travel between district facilities. The position requires a moderate amount of travel.

Attendance

Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position. 

The work conditions and environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Conditions and Environment

The work environment is consistent with a typical office environment.

Note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.