Development Specialist

Development Specialist

Application Deadline: 3/25/2026

Salary: $25 - $27 per hour 

Specifications: This is a full-time hybrid position with some evening and weekend hours as needed for event management.

Duties

The Development Specialist is a key member of the Advancement team responsible for supporting annual fundraising efforts, donor engagement, and Advancement operations. This role helps lead the planning and execution of fundraising and community events, including the annual Ordinary Magic gala, and collaborates across teams to ensure successful outreach and participation. The position develops and implements strategies to secure in-kind and cash contributions from individuals and businesses, manages donor stewardship activities, and oversees in-kind donation processes from solicitation through documentation and distribution.

The Development Specialist also manages fundraising databases and event platforms, supports special campaigns, and advances overall Development team goals. In addition, this role provides administrative and operational support to the VP of Advancement, including calendar management, meeting coordination, Board and committee support. This role also supports the Volunteer Services Manager, including volunteer engagement assistance, and support for Advancement hiring processes.

Job Qualifications

At least 3 years of demonstrated success working in nonprofit development. Track record direct fundraising and administrative experience with proven results in planning, coordinating and managing projects. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills. Adept at all aspects of project management - planning, prioritizing, organizing and follow-through. Campaign experience preferred. Experience in acquiring and stewarding donors. Demonstrated computer literacy with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Experience with Raisers Edge and event management platforms preferred.

Wilder's workplace diversity strengthens our mission and contributes to our vision of individuals and families thriving in St. Paul and beyond. Direct experience working in diverse community settings or with specific cultural communities is preferred. We invite you to join our community of passionate individuals who bring their diverse identities, cultures, lived experiences, and skills to partner with people and their families to fulfill our mission of improving lives today and for generations to come. Candidates with experience working with underserved communities strongly encouraged to apply.

About Wilder 

At Wilder, we know that supporting whole families starts with supporting the whole person - including our employees. When you work here, you’re not just part of a workplace; you’re part of a community committed to growth, belonging and well-being. We believe that when our staff thrive, the families and communities we serve thrive too.

We offer a whole family centered Total Rewards package, with competitive pay and benefits - including health, dental, basic life, disability, paid leave, 401k with employer match, wellness programs, tuition benefits for eligible academic programs, professional development funding, and employee resource groups. There is no waiting period for benefits.  Health and dental coverage begin on your first day of employment for eligible employees. Eligible federal loans may also qualify for deferment through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 

Wilder is a nonprofit community organization that works to see all people thrive.  We champion stability and wellness through direct services, advocacy and research. Learn more at https://www.wilder.org/  

Online Application Information

Our application system works best using Chrome and attaching documents in PDF or Word format. Postings close at midnight Eastern Standard Time.  

There are four sections to the application process, please follow these instructions carefully: 

1. Contact information. Be sure to fill out all of the required fields (marked with a red *). 
2. Verification of email address. Enter the code sent to your email address.
3. Enter Address
4. Resume and cover letter section. First upload your resume in the resume section then upload your cover letter and any other required documents mentioned in the job posting in the second upload area.
5. Questions. Answer “How did you hear about this job/posting?” question and other required questions if applicable. 
6. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Questions (EEO). We are required to ask these questions to meet state and federal compliance requirements. Your response is voluntary. If you prefer not to answer these questions you can skip them but you must check the box labeled “I have read the above invitation to self-identify as an individual with a disability”
7. Review and Edit. Here you can review and edit sections as necessary.

Job offers will be contingent on the applicant‘s proof of authorization to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check and/or other required screenings. 

Wilder is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of the Wilder foundation to provide an equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons.