Development Specialist
Job Description
Dahlem’s Development Specialist is responsible for fund development efforts including
fundraising and engagement events, donor cultivation, grant writing, and sponsor solicitation in
support of Dahlem’s mission. Additionally, the Development Specialist coordinates recruitment
and engagement of our members and volunteers, and supports our marketing and outreach
strategies. The mission of the Dahlem Conservancy is to provide environmental education and
outdoor experiences to the people of South-central Michigan.
Position: Development Specialist
Status: Hourly, Full Time
Reports to: Executive Director
Schedule: Monday – Friday, with evenings and weekends as required
Compensation: $22.00 - $23.00 per hour, plus benefits, depending on degree/experience.
Primary Job Responsibilities
Fund development and engagement events
- Plan and coordinate annual benefit and fundraising events.
- Coordinate fundraising campaigns including updating donor lists, editing, printing, and mailing appeals and managing project tasks timeline.
- Identify prospective donors and coordinate major gifts and planned giving programs.
- Solicit sponsors for events and programs.
- Identify grant opportunities and write grant applications for increased fund sources. Prepare and submit grant reports.
- Coordinate all arrangements for fundraising and engagement events including site location,
- AV needs, menu, seating arrangements, etc.
- Coordinate the follow-up and cultivation of event attendees.
- Collect data, metrics, and outcomes and maintain the Bloomerang fundraising database, and develop internal reports.
- Propose and evaluate potential fundraising campaigns and activities.
- Coordinate and establish effective communications with prospective donors and supporters.
- Produce solicitation materials and train volunteer solicitors for fundraising campaigns.
- In cooperation with the Executive Director, coordinate any capital campaign that Dahlem has entered into.
- Stay on top of advancements and changes that are pertinent to raising money within the community and to the organization's mission and programs.
Member and volunteer recruitment and engagement
- Coordinate recruitment, retention and promotion of Dahlem membership.
- Coordinate regular communication and outreach to members.
- Lead volunteer recruitment efforts and serve as the main point of contact for new volunteers.
- Coordinate volunteer acknowledgement and ensure recognition of veteran volunteers, large groups, and corporate volunteers.
- Coordinate communication with volunteers and volunteer participation in major events and workdays.
Marketing and outreach
- Coordinate events at Dahlem, and within the surrounding communities, to build awareness of our programs and services and engage with community members.
- Attend outreach events to share information about the Dahlem Conservancy with the community and promote our programs and services.
- Implement marketing strategies and brand promotion to build visibility of Dahlem events and programs and strengthen awareness in the surrounding communities.
- Create content to support Dahlem’s fundraising and outreach efforts through printed materials, email, newsletters, website, and social media.
Other duties
- Participate and assist with all major events, workdays, and other programs as directed.
- Prepare and present regular reports as directed by the Executive Director.
- Assist with customer service as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- A bachelor’s degree in business management, marketing, communications, social science, community engagement or related field is required. Degrees in other fields of study may be considered depending on marketing, communications, engagement or related work experience.
- A minimum of 1 year experience in fundraising in a nonprofit organization.
- Knowledge and experience in fundraising techniques, grant writing and reporting.
- Experience in marketing and outreach methods.
- Experience in event and volunteer coordination.
- Strong organization, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Must be able to work collaboratively and thrive in a team orientated environment.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office, Google, and customer/donor management systems.
- Be goal driven to initiate donor contacts and fundraising calls.
- Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
- Must embrace the mission of the Dahlem Conservancy.
How to apply
Send your cover letter and resume via email to Hannah Schauer, Executive Director, at
hschauer@dahlemcenter.org, and complete and submit the online application questions.
NOTE: Your application is considered complete when we have received your resume, cover letter, and your responses to the online application questions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd0BkV4EQNiu-VhQXMkp9ZIj1e7i9PNhV4UCVcvusuF5uEB3g/viewform. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Date Posted: 1/27/26
Application Deadline: We will start scheduling interviews in February; position open until filled.
