Development Strategist

The Development Strategist plays a pivotal role in implementing and coordinating key fundraising and communications activities that support the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Rochester (BBBSR) - Monroe, Ontario, Wayne, and Yates counties. This position is responsible for day-to-day development operations, including annual campaigns, donor stewardship, CRM management, and marketing efforts, particularly digital outreach and social media fundraising. The Development Strategist supports the CEO in donor engagement efforts, oversees donor database integrity, and ensures consistent messaging and branding across platforms. This role also helps plan and execute special events, engaging corporate and community partners with diplomacy, discretion, and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities:

• Development & Fundraising

• Implement annual fundraising initiatives in Greater Rochester, including appeals, online giving campaigns, and corporate partnerships.
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship, including managing a donor acknowledgement process and stewardship calendar.
• Maintain accurate and timely donor data in the CRM system, run reports, and analyse performance against fundraising goals.
• Assist the CEO in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding major gift prospects.
• Oversee sponsorship proposals.
• Provide logistical and planning support for special events, including donor receptions and community engagement initiatives.
• Track participation, manage guest lists, and oversee follow-up communication.
• Support event marketing and fundraising components (e.g., raffles, peer-to-peer giving pages).

• Manage all events, including: two signature events, up to four targeted salon events, and two recognition events each year.
• Work with event committees on event planning and follow-up plans.

• Develop and schedule content for social media, email campaigns, and donor communications.
• Coordinate marketing materials, graphics, and messaging for campaigns and events and manage the stock of BBBSR materials.
• Ensure brand consistency across all public-facing materials and digital platforms.
• Collaborate with the CEO on storytelling and impact reporting.

• Collaborate with the Marketing & fundraising Committee and Board members on strategic outreach initiatives.
• Prepare reports, materials, and agendas for committee and leadership meetings.
• Track progress and open issues.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field. Bachelor preferred.
• 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, marketing, or nonprofit development preferred.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Outlook; familiarity with SharePoint; proficiency with donor base platform a plus.

Physical & Other Requirements:

• Performing duties of this job require occasional sitting, walking, and standing in and around the building. Must be able to occasionally lift loads of 30 pounds without assistance, and the ability to sit, talk, and hear is required.
• Some evening and weekend hours are required for events.
• Occasional travel within the region; valid driver’s license and reliable transportation required.
• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. and perform office-based tasks such as data entry and computer work.

Work Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is performed primarily in an office setting and in the community. For the most part, ambient room temperatures, lighting, and traditional office equipment as found in a typical office environment.

The above statements are designed to outline essential functions, minimum qualifications, and job scope. This description is not meant to limit or, in any way, modify the right of leadership to assign, direct, and control the work of employees. In addition to the above, all employees are expected to read, understand and comply with agency policies and procedures, regulatory expectations, organizational standards, etc.

Pay range $61,500 -$65,000

Contact Information:

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to: Ghislaine Radegonde-Eison, CEO Gradegonde.eison@bbbsr.org