Development Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Specialist is a dynamic and results-driven professional responsible for building strong relationships with donors and securing philanthropic support to advance the mission of the Foundation for Lincoln Public Schools (FLPS). This role focuses on cultivating and stewarding donors, identifying new giving opportunities, and driving successful fundraising campaigns for annual, major, and planned gifts.

The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder, passionate about philanthropy, and excels in connecting donors' charitable interests with meaningful giving opportunities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Proactively cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors, corporate partners, and foundations to increase charitable giving.
• Develop personalized donor engagement strategies to deepen relationships and increase donor retention.
• Actively identify new prospects and implement strategies to grow the donor pipeline.
• Serve as a compelling storyteller and advocate for FLPS, communicating the impact of philanthropy through events, one-on-one meetings, and donor touchpoints.

Major Gifts & Campaigns

• Secure unrestricted and designated gifts in support of FLPS's fundraising priorities, meeting or exceeding annual revenue goals.
• Develop customized proposals, presentations, and case statements to inspire donor support.
• Oversee targeted fundraising efforts, such as corporate sponsorships, scholarship funds, and planned giving campaigns.

Events & Community Engagement

• Play a key role in donor cultivation events, fundraising galas, and stewardship gatherings.
• Represent FLPS at networking events, donor appreciation initiatives, and community engagement activities.

Collaboration & Strategy

• Partner with the Fund Development Committee and leadership team to implement innovative fundraising strategies.
• Collaborate with LPS staff and administrators to align donor intent with impactful student needs.
• Work closely with the President, Board Members, and other key volunteers to facilitate high-level fundraising meetings and solicitations, engaging their networks for philanthropic opportunities.
• Report on fundraising progress and donor engagement to leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

• 2+ years of fundraising experience, with a proven track record in annual, major, or planned giving preferred.
• Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) or CFRM is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Demonstrated success in securing major gifts, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship preferred.
• Experience with donor databases (Raiser's Edge preferred).

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; able to engage donors at all levels.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities, with a passion for storytelling and donor engagement.
• Results-oriented, with the ability to drive revenue growth and achieve fundraising goals.
• High energy, proactive, and comfortable in face-to-face donor meetings and solicitations.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed for donor meetings and events.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Primary focus on external donor engagement (community-based, meetings, events, visits).
• Office-based work for planning and collaboration.
• Occasional travel within the community for donor meetings and networking events.
• Hybrid work environment - 2 Days remote option

WHY JOIN FLPS?

This is an exciting opportunity to be a front-facing ambassador for education philanthropy—building meaningful relationships, securing transformational gifts, and directly impacting the future of students in Lincoln Public Schools.

We are looking for a passionate, driven fundraiser who thrives in a relationship-centered, mission-driven environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lincoln, NE 68510