Development Coordinator

The Development Coordinator is responsible for supporting operational and fundraising activities such as administrative support functions for the front-line fundraising team. The role will also include aspects of supporting stewardship and alumni relations activities within the Robert H. Smith School of Business Development and Alumni Relations team.

This position supports the daily activity of the development team, including: scheduling internal and external appointments with donors/prospects/potential volunteers; drafting/preparing briefings for development meetings or strategic events; assisting in the maintenance of the special events calendar for the office; and coordinating the involvement of the College’s faculty and staff in cultivation activities.

This individual may work directly with vendors, campus contacts, divisional colleagues, and other university administrators for the school’s alumni/donor events and activities. The coordinator is a significant contributor in ensuring “best in class” donor relations, stewardship and alumni relations practices for the Smith School.

The Development Coordinator: works with the Advancement Services database system, the BlackBaud Fundraising Performance Management platform and other university databases; processes gifts; drafts gift and account agreements; and produces reports to monitor donations working with Foundation Management, to assist the chief development officer in tracking performance metrics and to detail the progress/impact of programs and initiatives. They prepare cultivation/stewardship materials including donor acknowledgements, general correspondence and event invitations. They understand and successfully follows all university policies.

The Development Coordinator works with the Prospect Research Team to identify donors for the fundraising pipeline and assists in support of the annual development plan for the Smith School. This individual, working with the development and alumni relations team, helps to implement activities designed to increase alumni engagement and assists in organizing events and activities to engage and support donors, alumni and volunteers, including the school’s participation in Giving Day, stewardship activities and other strategic events.

Attendance at events during and after regular office hours and weekends may be necessary. Limited travel, primarily in the College Park area, is necessary.   Education (include licenses, certifications, etc.):
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:
3 years of administrative experience with a Bachelor’s Degree; OR
5 years of administrative experience with an Associate’s Degree; OR
7 years of administrative experience with a High School Diploma or GED.

Candidates should also have some experience organizing and executing events.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• High degree of attention to detail.
• Able to gather and analyze data, write reports, and suggest recommendations to translate the data into fundraising metrics.
• Collaborative and able to interact effectively with both external and internal audiences and capable of building strong work relationships in a complex environment.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, multi-tasked environment, prioritize tasks, think proactively, and work independently, using good judgment and experience to make decisions.
• Ability to utilize software to create and present documents, charts, graphs and spreadsheets.
• Ability to think independently, contribute as a problem solver, handle complex tasks while maintaining deadlines, be well organized and communicate effectively.
• Proficiency with various software packages (Microsoft Office and Google applications) and database systems, with the ability to learn and become adept with new technologies.
• Must be able to work evenings or weekends as necessary.