Development Specialist

Description

Working at the Vermont Community Foundation

For more than 35 years, the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) has served Vermonters and their families through philanthropy and building stronger communities. Our mission—Better Together: inspiring giving and bringing together people and resources to make a difference in Vermont—provides the bedrock for our workplace culture. Our employees are passionate about making a difference every day. We approach our work with curiosity, respect, and integrity and believe in collaboration, equity, and diversity. When you join our team, your work will matter for Vermont communities.

Position Summary
The Development Specialist supports the Philanthropy Team in advancing leadership and major gift fundraising at the Vermont Community Foundation (VCF). This role helps to ensure strong execution across strategy, stewardship, research, and systems. It blends relationship management with disciplined operational follow-through, helping translate fundraising priorities into consistent action. This role is well-suited for an experienced development professional who enjoys both relationship building and operational excellence, and who takes pride in supporting and moving work forward with consistency and accountability.

At a time when strengthening Vermont’s communities is more important than ever, the VCF is working to inspire meaningful philanthropic investment across the state. As the largest statewide philanthropic organization, the VCF is uniquely positioned to ensure resources are activated, captured, and put to their highest and most effective use. The Development Specialist will play a key role in advancing this vision.

This position reports to the Director of Leadership Giving and works closely with the Donor Impact Team.

Essential Responsibilities
 

Leadership Donor Support

· Work closely with the Director of Leadership Giving and the Donor Impact team to support, qualify, and cultivate the leadership donor portfolio   

· Assist in developing clear strategies and next steps for donors and prospects

· Attend select donor meetings/events in partnership with the Director of Leadership Giving

· Prepare high-quality donor briefing materials, proposals, stewardship reports, and follow-up communications

Prospect Research and Pipeline Discipline 

· Conduct prospect research to identify and prioritize new leadership gift prospects

· Maintain clear portfolio segmentation and support transitions within the pipeline

· Contribute to revenue forecasting and portfolio reporting

· Track defined next steps and ensure timely follow-through

Systems and Data Accountability

· Maintain accurate donor records and activity tracking in Salesforce

· Ensure contact reports, opportunity stages, and task follow-up are consistently documented

· Generate reports and dashboards to support decision making

· Coordinate timely acknowledgements and stewardship touchpoints

Cross-Functional Collaboration

· Collaborate across internal teams to ensure aligned donor communications and accurate messaging 

· Participate in cross-training with the Donor Impact team to support an integrated and responsive donor experience

· Work with the Marketing and Communications team to support event planning and donor engagement activities, including those designed for broader donor/fundholder engagement

· Provide operational backup during high-volume periods or team transitions or to support organizational goals, helping maintain continuity and exceptional service across the full donor and fundholder portfolio 

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

VCF is looking for a collaborative and accountable team member who brings sound judgment, strong execution skills, and a commitment to advancing mission-driven work.

· Minimum of three years in fundraising, development, or similar role, preferably in a nonprofit or philanthropic environment

· Experience with relationship-based fundraising 

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience drafting proposals, stewardship reports, briefing materials, and donor correspondence

· Strong organizational and project management skills 

· Proficiency in Salesforce or a comparable CRM, including segmentation, pipeline tracking, forecasting, and activity documentation

· Experience using research and data to inform strategy and support decision-making

· Experience working with committees or volunteer leaders in a fundraising context 

· Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment

· Professional integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality 

· Enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools that enhance research, strategy, and donor communications

· Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field

Location
Hybrid; on-site two days/week at the Middlebury office preferred, with travel around the state to various events as needed.