What is a Development Coordinator?

Development Coordinators are responsible for organizing and executing fundraising efforts for a nonprofit organization. They develop fundraising plans, participate in solving logistical issues and collaborate with multiple colleagues and departments.

Development Coordinators can be employed by many different types of nonprofit organizations, including universities, healthcare providers, environmental foundations and more. They typically report to a senior-level member of staff, such as the Chief Development Officer, while simultaneously supervising a team of junior-level members of staff. In most cases, Development Coordinators work in an office environment, though they will frequently be required to travel to events and donor meetings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers, which includes Development Coordinators, is rising by 7 percent. This is expected to result in the opening of 4,700 positions each year through 2024.

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Development Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

In order to ensure that the organization they work for receives a steady and sufficient amount of funding, Development Coordinators perform many important tasks. We analyzed a number of online job postings to identify these core Development Coordinator duties and responsibilities.

Create Long-Term Plans

At the end of each fiscal year or quarter, Development Coordinators will be charged with designing a comprehensive fundraising plan for the coming year or quarter. Each plan will be focused on generating revenue, encouraging participation and boosting community involvement, and will be used as a general blueprint by all involved departments within the organization.

Maintain Donor Relationships

Development Coordinators play a big role in making sure that the people who have donated to their organization are satisfied with the work that their money is helping to make possible. Because of this, Development Coordinators must regularly meet with major donors, keep them updated on recent events and include them in the decision-making process.

Secure New Donors

In addition to maintaining good relationships with current donors, Development Coordinators also need to implement strategies for encouraging new donors to give to their organization. Doing so can involve hosting outreach events, using networking connections to get in touch with potential donors and overseeing the creation of grant proposals.

Organize Events

Although nonprofit organizations usually employ an Event Coordinator to handle event organization, Development Coordinators must participate as well. Whether they’re planning a formal gala or a casual picnic, Development Coordinators are responsible for helping to host events which will appeal to both current and potential donors.

Monitor Data

Once a donor has contributed a monetary gift to an organization, that organization’s Development Coordinator then needs to make sure that the gift is properly processed and recorded. Either staff members or volunteers can perform the act of entering donation information, but it’s up to the Development Coordinator to supervise those staff members or volunteers.

Development Coordinator Skills

Successful Development Coordinators are energetic, self-motivated team players who thrive on accomplishing goals, getting results and improving their organization’s bottom line. They are just as adept at making financial decisions as they are at communicating with others, and they are likely to be described as natural leaders. In addition to these general skills and personality traits, employers are looking for Development Coordinators with the following skills.

Core skills Based on our analysis of online job postings, employers are seeking Development Coordinators with these core skills. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Development Coordinator, focus on the following.

Business acumen
Excellent verbal and written communication
Excellent people skills
Strong leadership skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Ability to lead and work with cross-functional teams

Advanced skills While most employers do not strictly require the following skills, many list them as being preferred. To expand your career opportunities, hone in on these.

Experience in the particular field to which an employer belongs

Tools of the trade Development Coordinators use a variety of tools to accomplish their daily goals. If you plan on becoming a Development Coordinator, you should be comfortable with the following.

Recent versions of Microsoft Office software suites
Fundraising software, such as Raiser’s Edge
Telecommunication systems
Standard office equipment, such as printers
Digital communication systems

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Development Coordinator Salary

According to findings published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Public Relations and Fundraising Managers, which includes Development Coordinators, is $104,140. Development Coordinators in the tenth percentile make $56,890 per year, while those in the 90th percentile make $187,200 per year. Development Coordinators in New York, the District of Columbia and Delaware make the highest median annual wage in the United States, earning $140,700, $138,900 and 136,100 per year, respectively.

Development Coordinator Resources

We collected this list of resources to help you continue exploring your career as a Development Coordinator. So, whether you’re looking for blogs or books, you’re sure to find something useful below.

On the Web

John Haydon

This website is full of frequently published articles about the nonprofit sector. It also offers free online courses.

NonProfit PRO

With articles written by various qualified authors, an event calendar, career opportunities and webinars, this site is a must-read for Development Coordinators and other nonprofit professionals.

Hands On Fundraising

Written by leading nonprofit fundraising consultant Mary Cahalane, this blog is a great source of experience-based advice and information.

On LinkedIn

Development and Fundraising Professionals

This group is run by The Chronicle of Philanthropy and has more than 30,000 members.

Nonprofit & Philanthropy Jobs

This group of almost 90,000 members is an ideal place to network with other nonprofit professionals and find new job opportunities.

Fundraising Analytics Forum

This group of over 8,000 members is specifically focused on discussing data-based methods for developing fundraising strategies.

Books

Nonprofit Fundraising 101

Contains advice and insights from various industry thought leaders.

Data Driven Nonprofits

Designed to help nonprofit organizations improve their performance through data and technology.

Keep Your Donors

Explains how to improve communication and develop lasting relationships with donors.

Development Coordinator Resume Help

Take a look at these related titles from our extensive online library of more than 5,000 expert-approved resume samples:

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