Oakland Promise Development Specialist
Oakland Promise is a citywide organization dedicated to advancing equity and economic mobility by supporting Oakland children and families from birth through college and career. Through financial investments, educational support, scholarships, college and career advising, and partnerships across the city, Oakland Promise helps ensure that every Oakland student has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive.
Position Summary
The Development Specialist provides critical operational and administrative support to Oakland Promise's Development and Communications team, helping to advance annual fundraising, stewardship, and special events goals. This role ensures the seamless execution of gift processing, database management, event logistics, and administrative support while serving as a key partner across Development, Communications, Finance, and Programs. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, mission-driven, and energized by creating and sustaining systems that enable strong donor experiences and organizational growth.
Key Responsibilities Development Operations & Gift Processing (50%)
- Process and acknowledge charitable contributions in a timely and accurate manner.
- Maintain donor records, constituent information, and fundraising data within Oakland Promise's CRM system, Salesforce.
- Generate gift reports, dashboards, mailing lists, and development analytics periodically.
- Coordinate donor acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and stewardship communications with the CEO
- Support monthly reconciliation of gifts with Finance and maintain documentation for audits and reporting requirements.
- Ensure high standards of data integrity, confidentiality, and record management.
Donor Stewardship & Engagement (20%)
- Support the Development Manager on the implementation of stewardship plans for individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
- Support the Development Manager on scholarship donor communications, reporting, and recognition activities.
- Support the team in maintaining stewardship calendars and ensuring timely completion of donor commitments.
Event Management & Administrative Support (30%)
- Provide logistical support for fundraising and stewardship events, including the annual funder reception and regular donor gatherings.
- Track and manage invitations, registrations, guest lists, and event communications.
- Support with vendor relationships, supplies, and event materials.
- Support cross-functional project management efforts to ensure successful execution of development initiatives.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- Two or more years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising operations, administration, or a related field.
- Experience with donor databases or CRM systems (Salesforce experience strongly preferred).
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
- Commitment to educational equity and Oakland Promise's mission.
Compensation and Benefits
- Full-time role, non-exempt
- Hiring range for this role is $65,000-$71,000, based on skill sets and experience
- Competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
- 401(k) with employer match
- Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Hybrid work environment, with required three days in-person out of our Oakland office
- Occasional evening and weekend hours required for some events