Development Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY This position is located in Northwest Arkansas. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to administration@midsouth.wish.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. This position reports to the Vice President of Development, this role is a community-facing fundraiser responsible for driving revenue and brand awareness through signature events and community partnerships throughout northwest Arkansas.  THE ROLE  • Lead and execute the planning, production, and logistics of our two internal events Walk for Wishes and Dancing with our Stars • Identify, steward, and solicit cash and in-kind event support from individual and corporate donors to reach aggressive fundraising goals • Strategically develop and provide leadership to volunteer working committees • Create and implement the plan for solicitation and cultivation of schools and youth programs in northwest Arkansas through the Kids for Wish Kids program  • Oversee external special events to ensure that event policies are adhered to and meet the requirements for maintaining the Make-A-Wish brand. • Recruit, coach, and cultivate Wish Heroes to raise funds for Make-A-Wish through peer-to peer fundraising. • Represent Make-A-Wish Mid-South at speaking engagements and presentations to various community groups and donors. • Manage event budgets by tracking revenue and expenses associated with assigned fundraising campaigns • Develop and maintain basecamp sites to oversee logistics and adhere to timelines for each assigned internal event or campaign. Monitor internal procedures for event production and recommend streamlines and improvements, as necessary • Establish and maintain excellent donor relationships by implementing the chapter donor stewardship plan  • Partner with the Marketing team to develop and implement PR plans, messaging, digital marketing, print pieces, and signage for events and campaigns • Ability and willingness to travel throughout the territory • Other:  Performs other related duties as assigned or requested. REQUIRED SKILLS & CORE COMPETENCIES • Education and experience: Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university  Minimum of 2 years fund-raising, or event planning experience preferred Managing people: People management – The ability to engage and support stakeholders in a systematic and intentional manner to meet the organization’s strategic objectives. Communications and interpersonal skills – The ability to relate with differentpeople in different communities and organizations.Empathy and emotional intelligence – The ability to be empathic towards teammembers and stakeholders.Team player – The ability to support multiple departments and team memberswith a positive attitude and enthusiasm.Managing programs, projects, and priorities:Organization and detailed oriented – The ability to track and organize multipleprograms and priorities.Time management – The ability to complete tasks in an accurate and timelymanner.Analytical thinking – The ability to gather information and data and utilizing thedata to meet the goals of the organization.Data management and computer literacy skills:Proficient in Salesforce and data management.Proficient in Microsoft Office suite of programs.Able to learn new software programs quickly.Other:Demonstrate the ability to focus on details and prioritize multiple tasks and duties– effectively and efficiently.Strong written and verbal communication skills.Demonstrates commitment to the mission of Make-A-Wish.Ability to motivate, support and work directly with a diverse constituency.Establish and maintain filing systems.Professional attitude and appearance.Problem solving skills.WHAT WE OFFER • Competitive salary - $50,000 - $55,000 annually, based on experience.• Paid time off: Vacation – 12 days per year, increasing with tenure; Personal Leave– 12 days per year; and 12 holidays per year.• Flexible work schedule.• Comprehensive benefit package that is paid for by the chapter, including medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance.• 401k Retirement Savings Plan, including a match after completion of six months of service.• Employee Awards and Recognition Programs.HOW TO APPLY This position is located in Northwest Arkansas. To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to administration@midsouth.wish.org. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Make-A-Wish Mid-South is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, national origin, color, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or veteran status.