Development Coordinator - Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut

Who We Are

Make-A-Wish believes that a wish experience can be a game-changer for a child with a life-threatening medical condition. This one belief guides us in everything we do. It inspires us to grant wishes that change the lives of the kids and families we serve.

Make-A-Wish Connecticut is part of the nation’s largest and most well-established wish granting organization, with chapters and volunteers throughout the U.S. and abroad. The work of Make-A-Wish is accomplished by a volunteer governing board of directors, a paid staff of dedicated employees, and hundreds of dedicated volunteers.

Our local staff is dedicated to creating life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. We are committed to maintaining the Foundation’s vision of reaching every eligible child and making his or her one true wish come true.

Who You Are

The Development Coordinator is responsible for providing operational and event support for the Development Team. This person will be a pivotal member of the team and will offer structure, moves management support, and new ideas to help support a dynamic and fast-paced development program.

The Successful Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a quick learner and someone who can think on their feet. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills are essential. A strong work ethic combined with honesty and integrity is an absolute requirement as is a dedication to the mission of Make-A-Wish.  A collaborative style will result in a strong departmental and Chapter structure, ensuring success for all.  The successful candidate will be someone who enjoys a strong team environment. To be successful as a Development Coordinator, this person should be able to resolve problematic situations efficiently and have excellent communication and organizational skills.

What You'll Do

• Manage donor qualification process including research on potential donors to identify individuals, foundations and corporations with new or existing interest in supporting the organization’s mission.
• Assume primary team responsibility for maintaining and updating the donor database, ensuring accuracy and completeness of donor records and team activities.
• Generate reports and provide data analysis to support fundraising strategies.
• Update donor wealth screenings and other fundraising-related data.
• Create and execute chapter stewardship plan.
• Assist in supporting and executing fundraising and stewardship events, including logistics, guest management, set up, and post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with the events team to ensure a seamless experience for donors focused on pre and post-event stewardship.
• Assist in the creation and distribution of fundraising materials, newsletters, and other communications to donors.
• Assist in developing and implementing strategies to engage and steward donors, including coordinating donor appreciation activities.
• Create, maintain and update donation webpages.
• Assist with grant applications and proposals.
• Oversee workplace giving and matching gifts processes.
• Support annual fund by collaborating to assist in creation and execution of departmental appeals and mailings.

General

• Adhere to all Make-A-Wish America performance standards and Make-A-Wish Connecticut internal controls, policies, and procedures, including maintenance of the Associates database.
• Represent Make-A-Wish Connecticut at the required internal and external events. Some evenings and weekend days required.
• Foster a culture of cooperation and collaboration among departments of the chapter.
• Maintain transparent reporting, information and records that are commensurate with a first-class organization

• Demonstrate commitment to personal growth and development of self and team

• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Requirements

As with all members of Make-A-Wish Connecticut staff, the Development Coordinator must believe in the mission and vision of Make-A-Wish. They must model integrity, work to inspire colleagues and contacts, and strive to build a solid base of loyal donors. In addition, the Development Coordinator should:

• Possess an energetic, engaging personality with a sense of humor
• Be well organized, self-motivated and detail oriented
• Have a collaborative work ethic with strong interpersonal and problem-solving skills.
• Possess high levels of integrity, trustworthiness, flexibility, and compassion necessary to address the practicalities of a growing nonprofit, along with the creativity and persistence required to elicit new thinking and change.
• Be able to work with minimal supervision, to manage multiple priorities, and to work in a deadline driven environment.
• Flexibility to work outside standard work hours.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Experience with Salesforce and Blackbaud/Teamraiser a plus but not a requirement.

What We Offer

The Wishing Place

• This position is an on-site role at Make-A-Wish Connecticut’s Wishing Place in Trumbull, CT.
• On-site amenities include a half-court basketball court, putting green, walking track, interactive games, unlimited ice cream, decks overlooking the ponds, and regular opportunities to experience a wish firsthand.
• Salary range: Up to $52,000

We respect and ensure equal opportunity, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, perceived disability, and other legally protected characteristics.

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