Job Description

Job Location: New London, WI 54961
Position Type: Full TimeJob Purpose
Do you thrive on building meaningful relationships and inspiring others to invest in a mission that changes lives?
Rawhide is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Development Specialist to lead fundraising initiatives that generate significant philanthropic support for youth and families. This role combines strategic fundraising, donor engagement, data-driven decision-making, and community outreach to grow annual giving and cultivate major gift opportunities.
As a key member of the Development team, you will identify, engage, and steward donors capable of making transformational investments in Rawhide’s mission. You will develop compelling fundraising campaigns, create exceptional donor experiences, and help connect supporters with the life-changing impact of their generosity.
This position offers the opportunity to make a measurable difference while building a rewarding career in nonprofit philanthropy. We value collaboration and relationship-building, so this role is expected to work onsite most days, with occasional flexibility for remote work.
Essential Functions
- Annual Giving and Strategic Planning: Develop and implement an annual giving plan with measurable goals, aligning fundraising strategies with the organization’s mission and priorities.
- Campaign Management: Create and manage multi-channel fundraising campaigns (print, digital, phone, in person) to solicit gifts from current, lapsed, and prospective donors.
- Donor Cultivation and Stewardship: Identify, cultivate, and solicit individual donors, build meaningful relationships, and administer appropriate recognition and stewardship.
- Donor Acquisitions and Renewals: Use impact-driven storytelling to encourage recurring donations and ensure excellent donor stewardship through gratitude and timely communication.
- Data Management and Analysis: Track solicitation results, analyze donor data, and provide insights to inform strategic decisions and identify growth opportunities.
- Campus Tours: Assist staff in conducting engaging and informative campus tours for prospective donors, community members, and other stakeholders.

Job Responsibilities
- Team Collaboration: Collaborate with other departments to support fundraising and outreach initiatives, working cross-functionally with marketing, programs, and leadership teams to coordinate campaigns, develop messaging, and strengthen donor engagement.
- Donor Communication: Respond promptly to donor inquiries and ensure consistent, professional communication by providing timely, personalized responses and maintaining positive relationships.
- Community Engagement: Participate in community outreach to build awareness and strengthen relationships, representing Rawhide at events, meetings, and community functions to share the organization’s impact and cultivate partnerships.
- Event Support: Assist with planning and executing special events and donor engagement activities.
- Reporting and Analysis: Prepare reports, presentations, and updates on donor activity and campaign performance to inform leadership and guide strategic decisions.
- Marketing Support: Support the creation of marketing and communication materials to engage donors and stakeholders.
- Staff Resource: Serve as a resource for staff regarding donor relations, fundraising policies, and best practices.
- Database Management: Monitor and maintain accurate records in the donor database to ensure integrity and usability of donor information.
- Maintain Professional and Technical Knowledge
- - Completing required trainings
- - Attending educational workshops
- - Reviewing professional publications
- Establish Personal Networks
- - Participating in professional societies
- Protects the Credibility of the Rawhide Mission
- - Complying with the Rawhide standard of conduct
- - Setting an example, in words and actions, that is consistent with the values and beliefs of Rawhide
- Contributes to Team Effort Performing other duties as directed or assigned by supervisor

QualificationsEducation:
Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Experience:
3+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, particularly in annual giving.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Proficient in donor databases (e.g., Raiser's Edge), fundraising software, and MS Office
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Confident in making calls, planning meetings, and engaging with donors at all levels
- Skilled in organization and project management in fast-paced settings
- Experienced in collecting, organizing, and analyzing donor data to guide strategy
- Dedicated to building authentic relationships in a mission-driven environment
Working Conditions
- This role may require occasional lifting, standing, and travel as needed for job-related activities.
- Standard business hours with some flexibility for organizational meetings or training events
Benefit Overview:
- Competitive Pay
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Competitive 401k plan
- 10 paid Holidays
- PTO, VTO, Wellness Day, & Floating Holiday
- 5 Weeks Paid Sabbatical Leave
- Onsite Café (New London)
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Nature Trails/Waterfront on 600+ acres (New London)
- Onsite Fitness Center and Gymnasium (New London)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Jury Duty Leave
- Bereavement Leave