Development Specialist

JOB TITLE: Development Specialist

PROGRAM: Foundation

LOCATION: Denver-Hybrid

SALARY: $80,412 annually

STATUS: Full-time

ABOUT NCSL:

Are you ready to join an organization with an extraordinary mission? The National Conference of State Legislatures offers careers where you can use your skills, knowledge, and experience to truly make a difference. NCSL's mission is purposeful - strengthening the legislative institution. From informing effective policies and promoting communication among state legislatures, to ensuring states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system, our team works in service of legislatures. And, with a commitment to constantly innovating all resources and services to meet the evolving needs of members, NCSL has earned the reputation as the nation's most trusted bipartisan membership organization for legislators and legislative staff. Our success serving NCSL members relies on our team of passionate, dedicated professionals who work diligently to strengthen the legislative institution. Join our team and contribute to this unique, essential mission. NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four consecutive days each month. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Development Specialist is responsible for supporting the fundraising efforts of the NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures. The position requires the initiative to establish and cultivate relationships with current and potential NCSL Foundation sponsors, and perform an integral role in fundraising efforts on behalf of the organization. Work may be performed independently or in collaboration with the Foundation team. The work requires an ability to deal with some facility in a wide range of audiences. Exceptional interpersonal skills are essential to work with staff throughout the organization, external individuals and entities, NCSL members, NCSL Foundation Sponsors, the NCSL Foundation Board of Directors, and NCSL leadership.

The Development Specialist is a member of the NCSL Foundation team and reports to the Director of Development under general direction of the Chief Development Officer.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

Fundraising and Donor Stewardship Duties:

• Help with the execution of comprehensive fundraising strategies to secure renewals from existing Foundation sponsors to achieve or surpass the ambitious fundraising goals of the NCSL Foundation.
• Assists with identifying and cultivating relationships with new or potential sponsors.
• Collaborate on the design and implementation of innovative sponsor engagement programs to enhance NCSL's visibility and impact among private and nonprofit sectors, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
• Ability to navigate or elevate assignments that are politically or time-sensitive or carry reputational risks, ensuring all actions and negotiations align with NCSL standards, policies, and member services.
• Actively participate in collaborative efforts with Foundation colleagues to conceptualize and streamline processes to meet fundraising goals.
• Support private-sector fundraising efforts for NCSL Task Forces and public private partnerships, working with policy staff to identify needs, recruit sponsors, attend meetings, and engage stakeholders.
• Proactively identify and facilitate engagement opportunities for Foundation sponsors within the organization.
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile events to foster public-private dialogue, ensuring events align with strategic fundraising goals and enhance sponsor satisfaction.
• Partner with NCSL's Communications team to ensure that visual and written materials align with NCSL Foundation's brand guidelines and editorial standards.
  
  

Organizational Support Duties:

• Covers and executes assignments on any subject assigned to a program, provides effective backup support to other professional staff, and serves a key role on projects involving more than one program demonstrating versatility and expertise in handling complex, multidisciplinary projects.
• Acts as a mentor to junior staff, enhancing team capabilities and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement and reviews the work of others even when not formally assigned to provide such assistance.
• Facilitate Foundation update meetings to internal staff and answer questions regarding Foundation operations and targets.
• Exhibit a proactive approach to personal and team development, continuously seeking opportunities for innovation and efficiency in work processes.
• Performs other responsibilities as needed.

SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE:

Supervisor/Management Responsibilities:

N/A

THE WORK ENVIRONMENT: This full-time position is mostly performed in an office environment, on or off-site, with prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.NCSL provides a unique hybrid remote work policy with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. Employees routinely use standard office equipment such as laptops, printers, scanners, copy machines, and smartphones. Occasional travel by airplane, including overnights and weekends, is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SUCCESS:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required plus five years of relevant and progressive work experience in the nonprofit, institutional foundation, or governments affairs sectors including at least one year of direct fundraising responsibilities. The following work experience or some equivalent combination is preferred: one year experience in state government affairs or working for a state legislature.
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing strategic fundraising campaigns, with a proven track record of achieving or exceeding fundraising targets.
• Excellent people and relationship-building skills, ability to function as both a member and leader of the team, with the ability to develop a strong and trustworthy relationship with all internal and external partners.
• Highly-adept at working in a politically neutral manner and dealing with politically sensitive constituencies, including with legislators, legislative staff, and private sector executives.
• Exceptional communication, research, analytic and organizational skills.
• Exceptional skill in working independently and under pressure on multiple projects.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines under the guidance of supervisor. Ability to work under deadline pressure and adapt to changes in workload.
• Substantial knowledge and technical expertise in the development and fundraising fields.
• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule including working extended hours, possibly on nights and weekends. Willingness to travel approximately 5-10 times per year, depending on budget availability and organizational priorities.

YOUR BENEFITS AT A GLANCE:

NCSL has a flexible remote work policy. Building and maintaining our organizational culture is critical and we do so by bringing staff together, in person, for four days each month. The remote work policy provides the freedom to work from anywhere with the requirement that staff travel on their own fare to the NCSL office once a month for team meetings and professional development. We are committed to offering a full range of other benefits for you and your eligible family members, including domestic partners.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. Our outstanding benefits include low-cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, generous time off plans and paid family leave, floating holidays, identity theft protection, employee assistance programs, pet insurance, paid time off to volunteer, and more! Relocation assistance provided for out-of-state candidates.

HOW TO JOIN OUR TEAM:

If you are a purpose-driven, dedicated professional looking to give as much as you get - submit your resume and cover letter by11:59 PM MT, May 9, 2025 for best consideration. Learn more about working with NCSL by visiting our careers page:https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/ncsl-careers.aspx. We are looking forward to receiving your application!

NCSL is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to developing a diverse, dynamic team and inclusive workplace. NCSL does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law or regulation.