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Foundation Development Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foundation Medical Partners, our multi-specialty medical group, spans more than 70 practices across ... The Workforce Development Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening our workforce by ...

$6.0K - $6.6K/mo

The Workforce Development Specialist (CWDS Curriculum) works closely with CWDS staff and county and ... The Academy is a project of the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is grant ...

... Talent Development Specialist to lead the execution and continuous evolution of our Leadership ... While the program foundation has been established, this role owns bringing it to life -- executing ...

... Talent Development Specialist to lead the execution and continuous evolution of our Leadership ... While the program foundation has been established, this role owns bringing it to life - executing ...

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Foundation Development Specialist information

See salary details

$33.5K

$81.6K

$141K

How much do foundation development specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation development specialist in the United States is $81,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $99,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foundation development specialist?

Foundation Development Specialists are professionals who focus on cultivating relationships and securing funding from foundations to support an organization's programs and initiatives. They research potential funding sources, write grant proposals, and manage existing foundation grants. Their role is crucial in helping nonprofits and other organizations achieve their missions by maximizing foundation-based support.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foundation development specialist?

To thrive as a Foundation Development Specialist, you need expertise in fundraising, grant writing, and relationship management, usually supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software, CRM systems, and fundraising databases like Raiser’s Edge is often required. Outstanding interpersonal, persuasive communication, and organizational skills help build lasting donor relationships and manage multiple projects. These competencies are crucial for securing funding and fostering community partnerships that drive the foundation’s mission forward.

What are some common challenges faced by foundation development specialists when cultivating new donor relationships?

Foundation Development Specialists often encounter challenges such as identifying potential donors whose philanthropic interests align with the organization's mission and establishing initial trust. Building genuine, long-term relationships requires strong communication and persistence, especially in a competitive fundraising landscape. Additionally, specialists must be adept at personalizing engagement strategies while managing multiple prospects and meeting fundraising goals. Collaborating closely with program staff and leadership is essential to present compelling cases for support and demonstrate the impact of donations.

What is the difference between Foundation Development Specialist vs Structural Engineer?

AspectFoundation Development SpecialistStructural Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in civil engineering or related field, with certifications in foundation design or geotechnical engineeringRequires a degree in civil or structural engineering, often with licensure (PE) and specialization in structural analysis
Work EnvironmentPrimarily on construction sites and geotechnical labs, focusing on foundation systems and soil analysisDesign offices and construction sites, focusing on overall structural integrity of buildings and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction firms, geotechnical consulting companies, and civil engineering firmsCommonly employed by structural engineering firms, architectural firms, and construction companies

The Foundation Development Specialist focuses on designing and analyzing foundation systems and soil stability, often working closely with geotechnical aspects. In contrast, the Structural Engineer has a broader role in designing and analyzing entire structures, ensuring safety and compliance. Both roles require civil engineering credentials but differ in scope and focus.

What cities are hiring for Foundation Development Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Foundation Development Specialist job openings:

What states have the most Foundation Development Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Foundation Development Specialist jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Foundation Development Specialist jobs?

For Foundation Development Specialist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Foundation Development Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,632 per year, or $39.2 per hour.

Development Specialist

Rochester, NY

$18 - $20/hr

Full-time, Part-time, Contractor

Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Development Specialist

Location: Ability Partners Foundation - Rochester, NY

Salary: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Employment: Part Time/12 Month position – 20 hours per week. Monday through Friday during business hours. Evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Summary/Objective:

Supports the mission and vision of Ability Partners Foundation (APF) and Ability Partners (AP) agencies ~ CP Rochester, Happiness House, and Rochester Rehabilitation Center in fundraising, grant writing, database management, and administrative support. The main focus of the position is in direct support of Ability Partners Foundation work.

Responsibilities for APF include donor database management and administrative/clerical support, particularly with fundraising events.

Required Education and Experience

  1. One to three years of experience in non-profit development, fundraising, grant writing, donor relations, prospect research, database management, or a related field.
  2. Experience with grant writing, donor stewardship, prospect research, or fundraising is strongly preferred.
  3. Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple projects, deadlines, relationships, and priorities.
  4. Strong research, writing, organizational, and project-management skills.
  5. Experience using donor databases, CRM systems, spreadsheets, or other systems to track relationships, activity, and follow-up.
  6. Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  7. Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to communicate professionally with donors, community members, staff, and funding organizations.
  8. Demonstrated ability to work independently, anticipate needs, take initiative, and follow projects through to completion.
  9. Strong attention to detail and demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records.
  10. Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  11. Flexibility to work occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends in support of fundraising events and donor engagement activities.

Competency Requirements

  1. Ability to multi-task and manage multiple priorities and events simultaneously.
  2. Demonstrated ease and professionalism in working with staff across all departments, individuals served, community contacts, and external vendors
  3. Proven commitment to high-performance standards in job duties and tasks.
  4. Sensitive to the needs of people of all abilities.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  1. Coordinate and execute timely donor acknowledgments and thank-you communications
  2. Monitor donor activity and proactively identify follow-up opportunities
  3. Maintain detailed and current donor records in the database
  4. Develop and maintain donor and prospect profiles
  5. Conduct ongoing research on current and prospective donors
  6. Prepare donor and prospect information for meetings and solicitations
  7. Track and facilitate follow-up activities
  8. Support the development and execution of APF's formal donor engagement and stewardship calendar
  9. Proactively research and identify grant opportunities
  10. Evaluate grant opportunities and funding sources
  11. Maintain an organized grant prospect and deadline tracking system
  12. Collaborate with agency leadership and program staff to identify funding needs and develop competitive grant proposals
  13. Draft, coordinate, and submit grant applications
  14. Manage the grant process from initial research through submission and reporting
  15. Track grant awards and reporting requirements
  16. Maintain complete and organized grant files
  17. Maintain accurate, timely, and actionable donor database information
  18. Generate donor, prospect, campaign, and fundraising reports as requested to support development planning and decision-making.
  19. Maintain development calendars, tracking tools, and systems that ensure deadlines, acknowledgments, proposals, reports, meetings, and follow-up activities are completed on time.
  20. Coordinate administrative and financial follow-up related to fundraising activities, including purchase orders, check requests, invoices, in-kind donations, vendor communications, and other documentation.
  21. Identify gaps or opportunities in development processes and recommend improvements that increase efficiency, donor engagement, and fundraising effectiveness.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Other Duties: This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment: This job involves working in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.

Travel: Travel is primarily local during the business day but may be expected to work at any of our partner agencies. Some out-of-the-area and overnight travel may be expected.

***Our comprehensive benefit plan includes but is not limited to (full-time & part-time positions only):

  • Dental / Vision Insurance
  • Paid Personal Time Off
  • Paid Vacation TIme
  • Paid Sick Time
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Matching 403B and/or ROTH Retirement Plan
  • Additional Insurance Offerings - Term Life, Short Term Disability, Critical Illness with Cancer Rider, Accident Insurance, Identity Theft Protection
  • Employer Paid Term Life/AD&D Insurance & Long Term Disability 
  • 25% Tuition Discount for benefit-eligible Employees and Family Members at Roberts Wesleyan College

The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, relevant qualifications, internal equity, and location.

EEO Statement: The agencies are equal opportunity employers. We do not discriminate against employees or applicants in the hiring, promotion, compensation, placement, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence or any other term or condition of employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation/identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran, domestic violence victim status, prior arrest and conviction records or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.