Fundraising Development Specialist

About Us:

Since 1990, New Reach has been a dedicated leader in providing shelter, housing, stabilization, and support for children, families, and individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk for homelessness in the Greater New Haven and Fairfield County areas. We believe in empowering those affected by homelessness and poverty to achieve lasting independence.

Why Work with Us?

At New Reach, you will be part of a compassionate, innovative, and inclusive team that uses the most progressive approaches to inspire independence. You'll play a key role in a transformative movement to end homelessness and food insecurity through prevention, support, and housing solutions that create long-term stability for those we serve.

*Schedule: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week, including a 30-minute paid lunch. Occasional evening and weekend work required for events.

*Comprehensive benefits package:

• Medical, vision, and dental
• 401(k) Retirement plan
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Sick Leave (PSL)
• (12) Paid Holidays (1) Floating Holiday
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability

Join us and be part of a team that is charting a new path toward a world with fewer evictions, more stability, and lasting independence for all.

Are you enthusiastic about helping others and want to grow your career?

We are seeking a talented and motivated Development Specialist to join our team. As a key member of the New Reach team, this role requires a compassionate, tech savvy, self-starter with some experience in fundraising and development strategies. The role requires someone with the ability to build relationships with stakeholders. If you have a passion for making a positive impact and are committed to supporting the growth of our organization, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.

Position Summary: The Development/Fundraising Specialist is responsible for securing financial support and resources to advance the mission of the organization. This role reports to the CEO and supports the development and execution of fundraising strategies, donor relationships, the donation database, and special fundraising events. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and a passion for nonprofit development.

Fundraising Strategy & Planning.

• Develop and implement comprehensive fundraising plans.
• Work with the Director or Development to achieve annual fundraising goals and identify new funding opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership to align fundraising efforts with organizational priorities.

Donor Cultivation & Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with individual donors and corporate sponsors.
• Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities.
• Maintain regular communication with supporters to foster long-term engagement.

Event Planning & Execution

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events including annual Appreciation Night, New Reach Auction and online Giving Days.
• Coordinate logistics, vendors, and volunteers.
• Evaluate event success and implement improvements.

Communication & Marketing

• Develop fundraising messages and marketing materials.
• Promote campaigns across platforms.
• Represent the organization at community and donor events.

Donor Database Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records.
• Track interactions, contributions, and engagement history.
• Generate reports and analyze donor trends.

Special Projects

• Support other development initiatives as needed.
• Participate in cross-functional teams and organizational planning.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication for proposals, presentations, and donor engagement.
• Interpersonal: Strong relationship-building abilities with donors and stakeholders.
• Fundraising Knowledge: Familiarity with major gifts, annual giving, communications and donor stewardship.
• 2+ years of experience in fundraising, development, marketing or related field
• Organization: Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Technical: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and fundraising software (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Bloomerang).
• Problem-Solving: Resourceful and proactive in addressing fundraising challenges.
• Adaptability: Flexible and responsive to changing priorities and opportunities.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for required events.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.