The Development and Communications Specialist is a full-time exempt employee based in the Philadelphia, PA area who works closely with Clarke’s program and communications team members. This position is an integral part of both Clarke’s Development Team and local team in Philadelphia.

  Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Serve as Clarke’s front-line fundraiser and primary liaison with families and donors in the Philadelphia metropolitan area 
• Identify and cultivate new donors who will support Clarke
• Conduct research about prospects and current/lapsed donors
• Identify major gifts and planned giving prospects and share leads with the Development Team
• Track data and all communications using Raiser’s Edge 
• Manage and enhance existing fundraising events such as Clarke’s "Listening Walk at the Zoo" to raise awareness, cultivate donors; develop and launch new events as needed
• Recruit  and lead volunteers and volunteer committees, including Clarke Philadelphia’s Leadership Council
• Manage donor communications
• Build and manage relationships with key staff regarding grant-related fundraising tasks and content for marketing and      communications
• Initiate and coordinate visits and meetings with prospects, donors and corporate sponsors
• Maintain electronic and paper files as they relate to donors, prospects, projects, events, and committees
• Develop, produce and provide reports on events and initiatives 
• Collaborate with the Communications Team on a variety of development related projects and media outreach 
• Engage in community outreach by meeting with and speaking to local civic groups about Clarke and coordinating site visits and events for community visits
• Attend networking opportunities and professional development sessions
• Participate in regular meetings with the Development Team and Communications Team
• Attendance at events outside of traditional business hours, including evenings and weekends, are necessary on a periodic basis
  

• 3 to 5 years of experience in development and fundraising with demonstrated results 
• Experience in development and implementation of fundraising plans, initiatives and events
• Experience with the Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) solicitations and reporting
• Advanced experience with Raiser’s Edge software or other donor software
• Experienced with Microsoft Office suite
• Prior experience in a nonprofit organization with responsibility for direct support and project organization
• Strong project management and organizational skills 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship building skills
• Ability to  work independently  as well as work as part of a team.
• Be able to collaborate with colleagues at all organizational levels and across departments and locations
• Strong public speaking skills
• Experience drafting and developing fundraising and event materials
• Experience leading and managing volunteers and volunteers committees 
• Enthusiasm for, and working knowledge of social media, online fundraising, and peer to peer fundraising
   

Additional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Commitment to the mission of Clarke
• Marketing and communication experience is a plus
•  Commitment to professional growth
• Experience managing Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) solicitations and reporting
• Commitment to the mission of the school
• Marketing and Communication experience is a plus