Development Specialist

Catalight

. Independently manage assigned development and fundraising initiatives, donor and community relationships, and related strategies .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timeWalnut Creek • California • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $60,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in non-profit fundraising, development, and relationship management, with strong capabilities in project management and event planning. Proficient in analyzing donor data and developing actionable strategies to enhance fundraising initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Non-Profit FundraisingRelationship ManagementEvent PlanningProject ManagementDonor Database Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Fundraising StrategiesDonor ResearchData AnalysisStewardship PlansFundraising Reports

Soft Skills

Strong Communication SkillsOrganizational SkillsJudgment and Decision-Making

Certifications & Qualifications

Criminal Record ClearanceOffice of Inspector General Clearance

Industry Keywords

Community PartnershipsCorporate SponsorshipsVolunteer ManagementFundraising EventsStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Independently manage assigned development and fundraising initiatives, donor and community relationships, and related strategies
Develop, recommend, and execute fundraising, development, and communications strategies
Evaluate fundraising opportunities and recommend appropriate approaches
Manage relationships with donors, prospects, corporate sponsors, volunteers, and foundation/community partners
Develop individualized engagement and stewardship plans
Represent the organization in donor, sponsor, and community partner meetings
Conduct outreach through email, phone, and in-person meetings
Coordinate, organize, and execute fundraising events
Manage fundraising and stewardship events from planning through evaluation
Generate donor, prospect, event, and fundraising reports
Analyze fundraising, donor, sponsorship, and event performance
Conduct donor and prospect research
Maintain accurate donor information and records
Partner with Marketing, Communications, Finance, Operations, and other stakeholders
Travel 20–25% throughout California, primarily Northern California, with occasional travel to other states

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (marketing or communications focus preferred), fundraising, or a related field; or 4+ years of equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a degree
Proven experience in non-profit fundraising, development, relationship management, event planning, or a related field
Demonstrated experience independently managing projects, donor relationships, or fundraising initiatives with general supervision
Experience analyzing information, evaluating alternatives, exercising sound judgment, and making recommendations
Experience building and maintaining relationships with donors, volunteers, sponsors, community partners, and other stakeholders
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and project management skills
Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising principles
Experience interpreting fundraising and donor data and translating findings into actionable recommendations
Ability to communicate effectively, read, and write using the primary workplace language
Ability to obtain and maintain criminal record clearance through the DOJ
Ability to obtain and maintain clearance through the Office of Inspector General
Able to travel to multiple work sites, events, and donor meetings
Reliable transportation needed
Must attend required training

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement
Equal opportunity employment
Mission-driven, inclusive work environment
Required training