Development Specialist

Position Overview

Clausen House has a full-time opening for a Development Director who will lead all aspects of our fundraising program. This role is responsible for long‐range development planning, implementation of fundraising campaigns, donor and volunteer relations, marketing, communications, and the production of special events. The successful candidate will work closely with the Board of Directors and the Executive Director to secure major gifts, expand fundraising channels, and drive sustainable revenue growth. Clausen House, a registered 501(c)(3) institution founded in 1967, provides housing and wellness programs for developmentally disabled adults in Oakland and the East Bay area.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with the board to strategically increase the percentage of total organizational revenue from fundraising through the creation and implementation of a Fund Development Plan.
• Expand fundraising activities and plan/implement other fundraising initiatives as appropriate.
• Oversee the development plan for individual and institutional giving through all channels including direct mail, online giving, special events, social media, major donor programs, and planned giving.
• Support and advise the Board of Directors and Executive Director in securing major individual gifts and lead solicitation efforts.
• Increase the institutional giving program by identifying, researching, and qualifying prospective corporate and foundation funders, and preparing proposals and grant applications.
• Design and implement annual direct mail solicitations, including conceptualizing appeal letters and coordinating production with external vendors.
• Oversee the development and execution of current and new special events, including fundraising and stewardship events.
• Coordinate the marketing and communications plan for electronic and print media including the website, newsletters, and social networking.
• Manage the donor database ensuring data integrity and timely acknowledgments with oversight of the Development Assistant.
• Coordinate fundraising responsibilities across development staff, the Executive Director, and the Board Development Committee.
• Manage a comprehensive stewardship function to maintain and grow donor engagement.
• Participate in board recruitment and foster strong relationships to enhance fundraising efforts.
• Engage the Board of Directors to encourage their active participation in fundraising activities.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of experience in raising funds for nonprofit organizations with a proven record of success across varied fundraising activities.
• Comfortable working with people with developmental disabilities and committed to supporting an organization that helps this community.
• Experience in supervising fundraising staff and collaborating effectively with program managers.
• Strong financial acumen with a deep understanding of nonprofit financial management and budget creation/maintenance.
• Experience working with boards of directors and volunteers, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse personalities.
• Proven experience in soliciting major individual gifts and training boards in major gift solicitation.
• Excellent writing skills demonstrated through the creation of compelling case statements, proposals, and development communications.
• Experience with fundraising databases.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding clients, staff, and agency information.
• Must be able to obtain clearance from the Department of Justice.
• Willingness to drive a personal car for Clausen House business.

Benefits & Perks

• Job Type: Full-time
• Hours: 30 Hours A Week
• Compensation: $30.00 per hour