Full time Staff: Development Services Specialist

The Development Services Specialist supports The Lakeland Foundation’s fundraising operations by managing donor data, managing gift processing, conducting prospective donor research, and providing administrative and financial reconciliation support. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

Donation & Database Management 

• Gift Processing & Acknowledgments: Process gift entries across all channels into Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensuring accurate coding, tracking, and timely generation of donor acknowledgments and correspondence. 

• Database Administration: Maintain accurate, up-to-date donor and constituent records; establish best practices to ensure database integrity in collaboration with foundation staff. 

• Data Requests & Imports: Perform imports, mail merges, query building, and list segmentation for annual appeals, event invitations, campaign research, and annual reports. 

• Recordkeeping & Training: Organize and maintain physical and digital filing systems for donor and event materials; provide database guidance and training to Foundation staff as needed. 

Fundraising Research, Reports & Cultivation 

• Prospect Research: Conduct research on current and prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors to assess giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and alignment with college priorities. 

• Reporting: Assist in preparing regular fundraising reports, metrics, and specialized data analyses requested by leadership. 

• Donor Stewardship: Support systems for donor cultivation and recognition programs, helping coordinate communications and event-related tracking. 

Financial Records & Bookkeeping 

• Reconciliation: Conduct weekly and monthly reconciliations with the Finance Office, reconciling Raiser’s Edge data with monthly bank statements. 

• Audit & Compliance: Assist in gathering financial documentation and records required for annual audits and tax filings (IRS Form 990). 

Administrative & Event Support 

• Board Support: Provide administrative support for the Foundation Board of Directors, including preparing fundraising reports, rosters, and board packets. 

• Event Support: Assist with the coordination and execution of donor, alumni, and volunteer events (may require occasional evening or weekend availability). 

• General Duties: Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Associate Director of Development. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education, Experience, & Certifications 

• Education: Associate’s degree in business, Communications, or a related field (Bachelor’s degree preferred). An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered. 

• Experience: Minimum 3 years of experience in a development or fundraising operational environment. 

• Database Expertise: Proven proficiency in Raiser’s Edge / Raiser’s Edge NXT (gift entry, query building, reporting, and constituent management) required. 

• Software: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities 

• Detail Orientation: Exceptional accuracy in data entry, proofreading, and record maintenance. 

• Confidentiality & Ethics: Strict adherence to ethical standards and confidentiality regarding donor records and sensitive financial data. 

• Organization & Time Management: Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple tasks, solve problems proactively, and meet deadlines. 

• Collaboration & Communication: Professional verbal and written communication skills; ability to interact positively with donors, volunteers, board members, and college personnel. 

Physical Demands 

• Physical Activity Level: Sedentary work — primarily sitting at a desk/computer station, with occasional walking, standing, and lifting/carrying items up to 10 lbs. 

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT 

• Schedule: Full-time continuing staff position. Standard business hours with periodic evening and weekend hours required for foundation events and board meetings. 

• Compensation: Salary assigned to Grade 7A on the staff salary schedule. The anticipated hiring range is $19.03/hour – $25/hour.

• This position is not eligible for remote work.
•  The College offers generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, long-term disability, vacation and personal days, along with holiday and sick time. See Benefits for Full-time Staff. 
• Please note: The final offer for the successful candidate is targeted to fall within the minimum to the mid-point of the salary range but will be based upon an assessment of internal equity, the unit's available budget, and the candidate's qualifications in relation to the minimum and/or preferred job requirement(s). 

APPLICATION PROCESS: Apply for this position through the college’s Human Resources website. Please be prepared to do the following:

• Answer all questions in the college’s employment application (*please read the note below)
• Attach a current resume and a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for this position.
• Applications will be accepted until the position is filled; however, application review will begin immediately.

*To avoid difficulties when submitting your application, be sure your web browser (e.g., Google Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer) is updated to the latest version and allow yourself sufficient time to complete the application since you WILL NOT be able to save a partially completed application and work on it later.

Lakeland Community College is an equal access and equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to a policy of equal opportunity in its employment practices. The College does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, military status, disability, age, ancestry, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you have a disability that requires special accommodation to participate in the application/interview process, contact the Human Resources Office at 440-525-7575.

Please review Lakeland’s Mission, Vision, Purpose and Statement of Commitment.