Job Description

Job Location: Santa Ana, CA 92701
Position Type: Full TimeEducation
Level: 4 Year Degree
Salary Range: $22.00 - $22.00 Hourly

Job Shift: DayStatus: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $22.00/hour
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."
Benefits Offered:
- Flexible medical coverage options
- Voluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
- Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
- Flexible Spending Account
- Employee Assistance Program
- 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
- Paid on-the-job training and orientation
- Mileage reimbursement
- Referral bonus program
- Opportunities for career growth
Job

Summary: The Development Specialist provides operational and administrative support for Mercy House’s fundraising efforts by ensuring gifts, donor records, and fundraising data are processed accurately and efficiently. This position plays an essential role in creating a positive donor experience by ensuring every contribution is recorded correctly, acknowledged promptly, and reflected accurately within the organization’s donor database.
Working closely with the Development Operations Supervisor and the Development team, the Development Specialist supports the daily operations that keep fundraising running smoothly, from gift processing and financial reconciliation to database maintenance and campaign support. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, enjoys working with data, and is eager to learn the operational side of nonprofit fundraising.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Gift Processing & Donor Stewardship
- Process charitable contributions received through mail, online giving platforms, fundraising events, and other revenue sources
- Maintain established gift processing standards and internal controls
- Generate tax receipts, acknowledgment letters, welcome letters, and other donor correspondence in a timely manner
- Monitor recurring gifts and assist in resolving recurring gift exceptions
- Ensure gifts are accurately coded by campaign, appeal, fund, and designation
Database Administration
- Maintain accurate donor and constituent records within Raiser’s Edge NXT
- Process constituent updates, communication preferences, tribute gifts, and other record maintenance
- Assist with routine database cleanup projects and quality control initiatives
- Review records for accuracy and identify duplicate or incomplete constituent information
- Maintain confidentiality of donor information and follow established database standards
Reporting & Financial Support
- Assist with monthly reconciliation processes in partnership with the Accounting department
- Maintain tracking for grants, stock gifts, recurring gifts, and other specialized fundraising activity
- Prepare recurring reports, tracking spreadsheets, and supporting documentation for the Development team
Campaign & Department Support
- Support fundraising campaigns through donor list preparation, mail merges, and stewardship mailings
- Provide administrative and operational support for fundraising events, including event logistics, attendee registration, and post-event reconciliation
- Monitor the Development department inbox and assist with administrative projects as assigned
- Contribute ideas that improve department processes and support efficient fundraising operations
Miscellaneous
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Development department and Mercy House’s mission

QualificationsRequirements
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
- 1–3 years of administrative, customer service, office support, or nonprofit experience preferred
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and Outlook; intermediate computer literacy and ability to learn new applications quickly
- Experience using donor CRM software, preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT, preferred
- Experience with gift processing, financial reconciliation, or nonprofit administration preferred
- Familiarity with fundraising software and reporting tools preferred
General
- Valid California driver’s license and reliable transportation required
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality while handling donor and financial information
- Flexible work schedule, including occasional schedule changes, weekends, and evening shifts to meet departmental needs
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities
Physical Requirements
- Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as required by the position
- Ability to lift, bend, squat, push, and pull up to 50 pounds