The Development Specialist is a dual role working for the Westerville Public Library and under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the Westerville Library Foundation Board of Trustees. The role is expected to be an even split between Library and Foundation responsibilities outlined below.
As Development Specialist for the Library this role is responsible for sourcing and tracking funding through grant sources, event and program sponsorships, fundraising, and partnerships with other business/organizations. This position also provides public service in the Westerville History Museum
As Development Specialist of the Westerville Library Foundation Board of Trustees, this position serves in a leadership role for development and administrative activities of the Foundation. This position is primarily responsible for creating and executing fundraising strategies to support the mission of the Foundation. They are also responsible for completing administrative tasks that ensure a healthy, vibrant organization. The position fulfills the role of Executive Director for the Foundation. This position will partner with the Library Executive Director, Foundation Board, and Library Board of Trustees to establish fundraising priorities, support strategic initiatives, and recruit and develop Foundation Board members.
RESPONSIBILITIES to the Library
- Develop and submit grant successful applications (for designated projects/programs and general operating support) to existing funders.
- Research and build relationships with new granting agencies.
- Keep accurate records of all grant applications submitted, pending grants, awarded grants, and non-awarded grants.
- Submit regular updates and summaries of grants compared to annual targets to the Executive Director and Fiscal Officer.
- Create grant templates and sample material to ensure brand consistency and efficiency of applications.
- Seek out, research, develop and grow new financial support opportunities.
- Work with staff members in other departments to assist them with designated grant applications for programs and projects.
- Assist customers in the Westerville History Museum.
- May assist with walking tours, programs, or covering other public desks in the library as needed.
RESPONSIBILITIES to the Foundation
- Provide leadership to the Foundation Board in developing and implementing a strategic plan and annual operating plan to guide fundraising efforts.
- Identify, cultivate, and retain donors to maximize individual private contributions to the Foundation and actively work with the Board to implement fundraising strategies including major gifts, endowment planning, annual campaign, and planned giving.
- Lead the planning and implementation of fundraising and special events (i.e. author events).
- Seek out, submit, and manage grants that support organizational goals.
- Ensure appropriate maintenance of donor records and prepare financial reports related to donations.
- Oversee Foundation communications, social media, and volunteer engagement.
- Coordinate training and education programs to strengthen and expand Board members’ understanding of non-profit board governance, fundraising, and advocacy.
- Maintain a positive relationship with Westerville Public Library staff and maintain a presence at library events.
- Maintain Foundation's Google account to ensure efficient communication and storage of institutional knowledge.
- Develop and maintain an organizational system for records, files, and supplies.
- In collaboration with the Foundation Treasurer, develop the annual organizational budget and support the submission of annual tax forms.
Requirements
- B.A. / B.S. degree (preferred) or equivalent years of experience in development.
- Minimum of 2 year(s) of experience preferred in research, fundraising and obtaining sponsorships (internships qualify).
- Demonstrated success in fundraising, grant management, and strategic planning.
- Excellent written and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to write successful grant proposals.
- Experience in a public non-profit preferred (i.e. library, museum, foundation, education).
- Proficient in computer skills, including MS Office and Google Suite.
- Must be able to work independently and be a self-starter.
- Strong leadership, partnership-building, and organizational skills.
- Ability to interact with public in a consistent, friendly and courteous manner.
- Demonstrated ability to manage several projects simultaneously.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- While performing duties of job, employees typically handle office equipment, objects or controls and frequently communicate with others. Work requires light physical exertion, including sitting and standing; occasional moving of heavy objects/book carts (up to 40 lbs.).
- The majority of the work is performed in an office setting.