Non-Profit Development Specialist

Spectrum Administrative Services • Remote (Chicago, IL, US) • $30 - $65 / hour • 1w ago

Position Type: 1099 Independent Contractor (with planned progression path) Initial Structure: Specific Contract based hourly.

Growth Path, if desired: Contract-based → Retainer → Part-time → Full-time potential (12-month trajectory)

Core Success Characteristics:

Exceptional Proactivity - You anticipate needs and take initiative without being asked
Strategic Self-Starter - Once objectives are set, you independently develop and execute action plans
Advanced Project Management - Expert at juggling multiple deadlines and priorities without dropping the ball

Position Overview: We're seeking a highly proactive Non-Profit Development Specialist who thrives on taking initiative and managing multiple priorities. This role is for someone who doesn't wait for direction but rather drives progress independently towards established objectives. The ideal candidate will join our growing team at Spectrum Administrative Services, starting as a contractor with a clear progression path to potential full-time employment.

What Sets Successful Candidates Apart:

Proactive Mindset (Essential)

Anticipate client needs before they arise
Develop forward-thinking strategies without prompting
Create and maintain project timelines independently
Identify and pursue opportunities without direction
Propose solutions alongside identifying challenges
Take ownership of objectives and drive results

Project Management Excellence

Manage multiple concurrent grant deadlines
Balance competing priorities across different clients
Create and maintain detailed project tracking systems
Anticipate bottlenecks and develop contingency plans
Proactively communicate progress and potential delays
Self-organize and restructure priorities as needed

Scope of Services: Note this is a comprehensive list of offerings to clients - you may not complete all of these tasks for each contract.

Grant Management

Research and identify aligned grant opportunities
Develop and submit Letters of Intent (LOIs)
Write compelling grant proposals
Create grant calendars and use client tracking systems
Provide grant reporting support
Independently research and flag relevant opportunities
Create forward-looking grant calendars
Develop proposal drafts ahead of deadlines
Anticipate and gather needed materials early
Proactively track and prepare for reporting deadlines

Individual Giving & Corporate Sponsorship

Create pipeline of potential donors/sponsors as directed
Develop outreach strategies independently
Anticipate and prepare materials before they're needed
Proactively identify and pursue partnership opportunities
Create forward-looking engagement calendars
Design sponsorship packages
Create impact reporting frameworks
Structure benefit fulfillment plans

Fundraising Campaign Design

Develop campaign timelines well in advance
Anticipate resource needs and potential challenges
Create progress tracking systems independently
Proactively adjust strategies based on real-time data
Identify and pursue optimization opportunities
Structure campaign timelines
Design measurement metrics
Provide campaign analysis

Required Qualifications:

Demonstrated success in grant writing and securing funding
Excellence in written and verbal communication
Strong project management capabilities
Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
Own equipment and necessary software
Remote work capability required
Virtual meeting availability during business hours. Required stable internet and ability to be on camera during meetings.

Technical Proficiencies:

Microsoft Office Suite
Experience with donor management systems
Grant database management expertise
Digital fundraising platform knowledge
Professional writing and editing tools

What Success Looks Like:

Clients never have to ask about the status of projects
Deadlines are met with time to spare
Multiple projects progress simultaneously without issues
Solutions are presented alongside challenges
Next steps are always planned and communicated
Opportunities are identified and pursued independently

Red Flags (What Won't Work):

Waiting for direction before taking action
Requiring frequent check-ins for next steps
Missing deadlines due to poor planning
Reactive rather than proactive communication
Needing constant oversight or guidance
Talking to a client without preparing for the meeting, ie completing assigned tasks, researching necessary information, etc.

Depending on the growth of the company we have the following career path in mind,

Project Based Hourly Contract → Retainer Based Role → Part-time → Full-time

Initial Engagement Structure:

Value Proposition:

• Clear growth path within an expanding organization

• Increasing stability and engagement

• Industry networking potential

• Long-term career development

• Work with diverse nonprofit organizations

Initial Contracting Process:

Comprehensive role discussion and mutual fit assessment
Project scope definition
Performance expectations setting
Regular progress reviews
Growth path milestone planning

Rates, with demonstrated success:

1-2 Years Experience: $30/hour
3-5 Years Experience: $35 - $45/hour
5+ Years Experience: $50 - $65/hour

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