Development Specialist

Boys & Girls Club of La Plata County’s Mission 

To enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. 

Primary Function 

The Development Specialist is a part-time, non-exempt position that offers hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, communications, and community engagement. Through this role, the employee will build practical skills in relationship-based fundraising, donor stewardship, and event coordination while gaining insight into how nonprofit organizations grow and sustain community support. 

This position provides opportunities to develop strengths in professional communication, digital marketing, and storytelling across platforms such as social media, email, and web content. The employee will also strengthen organizational and project management abilities by contributing to multiple development and marketing initiatives within a collaborative, fast-paced environment. 

The Development Specialist will gain valuable experience in nonprofit resource development strategies, community partnership building, and donor engagement, skills valuable to careers in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, and community relations. The role includes opportunities for learning, mentorship, and potential advancement within the organization. 

Key Responsibilities 

Resource Development & Donor Support 

• Assist with recording and tracking donations accurately in donor databases and internal systems. 

• Support donor stewardship efforts, including preparing acknowledgment letters, thank-you emails, and recognition materials. 

• Assist with donor recognition activities, including newsletters, social media acknowledgments, as assigned. 

• Provide administrative support for fundraising and special events, including guest lists, registrations, materials preparation, and day-of support. 

• Help maintain organized donor records and assist with basic reporting as needed. 

• Support outreach efforts that strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, and community partners. 

Marketing & Communications 

• Assist with website updates and content maintenance. 

• Create and schedule social media content, including gathering photos, writing captions, and promoting programs and events. 

• Develop marketing materials such as flyers, invitations, event promotions, and donor recognition pieces. 

• Gather stories, testimonials, and photos from youth, families, staff, and donors to support marketing and fundraising efforts. 

• Help maintain a positive public image and build community awareness of Club programs and impact. 

Administration & Team Support 

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities. 

• Engage in ongoing communication with administrative and development staff. 

• Carry out additional duties as assigned to support overall Club operations. 
  

Skills & Qualifications 

• High School diploma or GED required; Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience preferred. 

• Experience working with children and families preferred. 

• Knowledge of youth development principles. 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Comfort using computer systems including Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel), and design tools including Canva. 

• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work with limited supervision. 

• Ability to interact professionally with youth, families, donors, volunteers, and community partners. 

• Ability to pass a criminal background check. 

• CPR and First Aid certification required (or ability to obtain). 

• Valid driver’s license as required for job duties. 
  

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job.    

• Work is performed in Club facilities, offices, schools, and community locations. 

• Ability to work in fast-paced, sometimes noisy environments. 

• Schedule may include occasional evenings or weekends for events or programs. 

• Ability to stand, walk, sit, and move for extended periods; occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. 

• Ability to work outdoors in various weather conditions. 

• Occasional travel required - able to travel by car and by air; able to navigate areas of the state by using a map or other direction methods      

• Pre-employment background check and random drug testing required  

• The model employee will thrive in an fast-paced environment that features constant change, flexibility, and a need to be innovative and creative. 

Physical and Mental Requirements  

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that should be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to walk, sit and stand for more than 4 hours per day; talk or hear; use hands and fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; and may be infrequently required to run. The employee should remain physically fit enough to keep children safe in an emergency. 

The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and the ability to adjust focus. Hand-eye coordination is necessary to perform certain duties. The noise level in the work environment can range from quiet to moderate in office settings to moderate and usually loud in recreation and play settings when children are present. Must be able to hear and understand speech at normal levels and speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly 

All employees working directly with children at all Boys and Girls Club of La Plata County must work outdoors in various types of weather conditions. 

Disclaimer 

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications required for the position.