Senior Development Specialist- CP chez K9s For Warriors

K9s For Warriors is the nation’s largest provider of service dogs to veterans suffering from the invisible wounds of war, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Our unique, in-house program helps change the lives of American heroes by pairing them with a battle buddy, who was likely a rescue dog and then teaching him or her to utilize that dog to mitigate the symptoms of their wounds. In order to continue the great work, we are doing, we are in need of a Senior Development Specialist to join our amazing team!

Role and Responsibilities:

The Sr. Development Specialist – Corporate Partners (SDS) plays a key role in supporting K9s For Warriors’ corporate fundraising efforts. This position assists with prospect research, relationship management, communications, and coordination to help cultivate, engage, and steward corporate donors and sponsors.

The ideal candidate demonstrates excellent independent judgment and critical thinking skills, is detail-oriented, collaborative, proactive, and possesses strong communication skills along with a passion for our mission. This role provides an outstanding opportunity for someone looking to build a career in nonprofit fundraising or corporate social responsibility. The SDS will receive mentorship and take on increasing responsibilities, with a clear path toward more partner-facing and revenue-generating duties.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and grow a $500,000 fundraising portfolio with 50-plus constituents, ensuring consistent engagement, cultivation, and stewardship.

• Conduct research to identify new prospective corporate partners, sponsorships, and cause-marketing opportunities.

• Prepare customized proposals, presentations, partner report and cause-marketing contracts. 

• Support the creation and execution of stewardship and recognition strategies for existing partners.

• Coordinate with internal departments (marketing, programs, events) to ensure partner deliverables are fulfilled.

• Maintain accurate donor records and interactions in the donor database (Raisers Edge and Salesforce), ensuring all tracking for portfolio is up to date.

• Assist with corporate engagement events across the country, including coordination, logistics, and on-site support.

• Draft donor correspondence, including thank-you letters and acknowledgments.

• Provide high-quality administrative and project support to the Corporate Partners team.

• Represent K9s For Warriors at select local events and partner activations.

• Stay informed on trends in corporate philanthropy and nonprofit fundraising.

Professional Development & Growth Opportunities:

• Gain hands-on experience in corporate partnership cultivation, stewardship, and activation.
• Collaborate with senior development professionals and cross-functional teams.
• Opportunity to grow into a Development Manager- Corporate Partners with increased donor-facing responsibilities.
• Participate in ongoing training and development sessions hosted by the fundraising team.

 Qualifications and Requirements:

• Minimum two years of customer service, sales, fundraising, or related experience.
• Results-driven self-starter with the ability to take initiative and work independently.
• Strong ability to identify, cultivate, and engage new prospects or partners.
• Skilled planner with strong abilities in prioritizing tasks, multi-tasking, and follow-through.
• Proven track record of achieving measurable results in executing plans and strategies.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license required; ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, preferably with exposure to corporate partnerships, major gifts, or cause-marketing campaigns.
• Knowledge of CRM databases, donor research, and screening tools (experience with Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce is preferred).
• Familiarity with employee engagement initiatives and coordinating or supporting fundraising events.
• Experience identifying and researching prospective corporate donors or sponsors.
• Comfortable adapting to shifting priorities, deadlines, and a dynamic team environment.
• Hands-on, collaborative approach to executing fundraising activities and engagement events.
• Exposure to gift cultivation and stewardship processes; experience supporting or securing gifts of $25,000+ is preferred.
• Knowledge of Military Service Organizations (MSOs), Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs), or an understanding of the military community is beneficial.

Core Competencies:

• Relationship Building: Ability to connect authentically with a variety of stakeholders and build lasting partnerships.
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills with a clear, persuasive, and donor-centric approach.
• Strategic Planning & Organization: Capable of managing multiple projects, timelines, and priorities with a detail-oriented mindset.
• Networking: Comfortable initiating conversations and expanding professional networks to support fundraising efforts.
• Social Awareness: Understands donor motivations and responds appropriately to the needs and dynamics of different audiences.
• Team-Oriented and Personable: Approachable, collaborative, and enthusiastic about contributing to a positive team culture.