Development Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of non-profit organizations, the role of a Development Coordinator is increasingly critical.

As philanthropy continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals who can cultivate, manage, and expand our donor relations and fundraising initiatives is paramount.

But what exactly does a Development Coordinator do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the scope of this role,
• A hiring manager designing the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply interested in the intricacies of non-profit development,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we are introducing a fully customizable Development Coordinator job description template, ready for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s delve into it.

Development Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Development Coordinators play a crucial role in nonprofit organizations and businesses, managing fundraising efforts, donor relations, and grant applications.

They also play a strategic role in planning and organizing events and campaigns.

Their primary responsibilities and duties include:

• Developing and implementing fundraising strategies and plans
• Identifying prospective individual and corporate donors and developing strategies to cultivate those relationships
• Maintaining ongoing communications with private and corporate donors
• Researching grant opportunities and writing grant proposals
• Ensuring prompt acknowledgement of foundation gifts and individual donations
• Managing systems and software to track and cultivate donors and prospects, including our donor database and wealth screening tools
• Planning and coordinating events to engage donors and potential donors
• Assisting with the creation of promotional materials to raise awareness of the organization and its goals
• Working with team members to develop case studies that effectively communicate the organization’s impact
• Managing administrative aspects of development activities, including budgeting and reporting

 

Development Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Development Coordinator to support our fundraising and resource mobilization efforts.

The Development Coordinator will be responsible for managing donor databases, coordinating fundraising activities, and developing effective donor communication strategies.

The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, excellent communication abilities, and a keen interest in fundraising and development.

The Development Coordinator should have a proven track record in nonprofit development, community outreach, or a related field.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in the planning and coordination of fundraising events and campaigns
• Maintain and update donor databases
• Prepare donor communication materials, such as newsletters and appeal letters
• Research potential donors and develop donor cultivation strategies
• Handle administrative tasks related to fundraising, including processing donations and sending thank you letters
• Track fundraising metrics and prepare reports on fundraising activities
• Work closely with the development team to implement fundraising strategies
• Support volunteer coordination for fundraising events
• Assist in grant writing and reporting

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Development Coordinator or similar role
• Familiarity with donor databases and fundraising software
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations
• BA/BSc degree in Marketing, Communications, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Development Coordinator
• Work Environment: Office setting with options for remote work. Occasional travel may be required for fundraising events.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Development Director or Fundraising Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $45,000 minimum to $65,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Development Coordinator Do?

Development Coordinators typically work for nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that rely on fundraising.

They can also work as independent consultants.

They work closely with the organization’s leadership, fundraising staff, volunteers, and sometimes directly with donors to coordinate fundraising efforts.

They may also assist in planning and executing special events aimed at raising funds.

The Development Coordinator’s main responsibility is to ensure that fundraising activities meet or exceed the organization’s financial goals.

They do this by managing donor databases, tracking and analyzing fundraising data, and developing strategies to engage and retain donors.

Development Coordinators also often handle communications related to fundraising, including writing and sending out fundraising letters, creating promotional materials, and updating donors on the organization’s activities and needs.

In addition, they may assist with grant writing and research to identify new potential funding sources.

Their role may also extend to the development of community outreach programs, forming strategic partnerships, and managing relationships with corporate sponsors and other key stakeholders.

Overall, the Development Coordinator plays a crucial role in ensuring the financial sustainability and success of the organization they work for.

 

Development Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Development Coordinator should possess the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, which include:

• Exceptional organizational skills to manage and oversee various projects simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Superior communication and interpersonal skills to effectively liaise with different stakeholders such as donors, volunteers, and staff members.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify and address potential issues that may hinder the development process.
• Proficiency in using fundraising software and database management systems to store and analyze donor information, track progress, and generate reports.
• A keen eye for detail to ensure all aspects of the project are aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives.
• Excellent writing skills to create compelling grant proposals, fundraising appeals, and donor correspondence.
• Good financial acumen to manage budgets, understand financial reports, and assess the financial feasibility of development projects.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies and donor relations unique to the nonprofit sector.

 

Development Coordinator Experience Requirements

Development Coordinators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often through an internship or part-time role in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related area.

These professionals often gain on-the-job experience in roles such as Development Assistant, Grant Writer, Fundraising Coordinator, or other similar roles.

Practical experience in event planning, donor relations, and database management is also beneficial.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often develop their strategic planning, project management, and donor engagement skills in entry-level Development Coordinator roles.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience in their background, often managing teams or overseeing large projects.

These individuals may be ready for a managerial or director-level position within a development department.

Some roles, especially in larger organizations, may require their Development Coordinator hires to have advanced relevant experience or a master’s degree in a related field.

 

Development Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Development Coordinators typically hold a bachelor’s degree in areas such as business administration, communications, marketing, or related fields.

They often have a background in fundraising, event planning, and stakeholder management.

A strong understanding of project management, data management, and principles of development are key to succeeding in this role.

Some positions, especially those involving major fundraising campaigns or large-scale projects, may require a Development Coordinator with a master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or a similar discipline.

Certifications in fundraising management, project management, or database management can also be beneficial for these professionals.

Having such certifications may demonstrate a candidate’s commitment to the field and their ongoing professional development.

Additionally, prior experience in a nonprofit organization or a similar environment can be a significant advantage for a Development Coordinator.

This can help them understand the unique dynamics of the role and the organization’s mission.

 

Development Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Development Coordinator is approximately $46,495 (USD) per year.

However, actual earnings can vary greatly based on the individual’s experience, educational background, and the location of the job.

The organization’s size and industry can also significantly impact the salary.

 

Development Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Development Coordinator need?

Development Coordinators should possess strong organizational and communication skills to manage projects and work with a variety of stakeholders.

They should be able to identify potential donors, strategize fundraising efforts, and effectively write grant proposals.

They must also have excellent time management skills, and the ability to coordinate and implement development plans and projects.

 

Do Development Coordinators need a degree?

While not always necessary, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Non-profit Management, or a related field is often preferred.

Some organizations might require a Master’s degree or significant experience in fundraising, non-profit development, or community relations.

 

What should you look for in a Development Coordinator’s resume?

A Development Coordinator’s resume should highlight a history of successful fundraising efforts, grant writing, or donor relations.

It should also show their experience in coordinating projects, working in teams, and managing events.

Look for their experience in strategic planning, database management, and their familiarity with fundraising software.

 

What qualities make a good Development Coordinator?

A good Development Coordinator is a strategic thinker with strong leadership abilities.

They should be enthusiastic about the organization’s mission and able to communicate that enthusiasm to potential donors and partners.

They should be excellent problem-solvers, able to overcome obstacles to fundraising and keep projects moving forward.

A good Development Coordinator should also be highly adaptable, able to pivot strategies based on changing circumstances and opportunities.

 

What is the main responsibility of a Development Coordinator?

The main responsibility of a Development Coordinator is to support the growth and development of an organization by fundraising and garnering support from various stakeholders.

They are responsible for identifying and cultivating relationships with potential donors, writing grant proposals, planning and managing fundraising events, maintaining a donor database, and coordinating volunteers or staff involved in development efforts.

 

Is it difficult to hire Development Coordinators?

Hiring a Development Coordinator can be challenging due to the diverse skill set required for the role.

They need to have a mix of strategic thinking, project management, communication, and fundraising skills.

However, with a clear job description and hiring criteria, it’s possible to find a qualified candidate who can help your organization grow and reach its development goals.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the veil on the true essence of a development coordinator.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about coordinating projects.

It’s about orchestrating the future of development, one project at a time.

Armed with our go-to development coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set for your next career adventure.

But why stop now?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your next step to crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to a brilliant shine.

Bear in mind:

Every project you coordinate is a piece of a larger puzzle.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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