Fundraising Specialist
Hopeworks is a social enterprise that uses technology, healing, and entrepreneurship to transform lives; on average, over 99% of young adults (aged 17-26) entering Hopeworks are unemployed, making less than $400 annually. Young adults completing the Hopeworks program make, on average, over $46,000 annually, with an almost 90% 12-month retention rate in their jobs. That is the Hopeworks difference.
Our unique trauma-informed approach, combined with high-demand, high-wage technical training and paid work experience in Web Design, GIS and RCM helps young adults not only get the job, but keep it, transforming their lives and the lives of their families.
Position & Responsibilities
The Individual Giving Specialist is a key member of the Development team, responsible for managing and growing the organization's base of individual donors. In collaboration with the Senior Director of Development, the Individual Giving Specialist will design and implement strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward annual gifts, with a focus on increasing donor engagement and long-term giving. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong communicator, and relationship builder with a passion for the mission of Hopeworks.
Duties and Responsibilities
Donor Engagement (40%)
- Develop and execute a multi-channel fundraising program through print, email, and social media to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors.
- Create segmented donor lists based on giving history, engagement level, and affinity.
- Collaborate with the Program team for compelling donor-focused content and storytelling.
- Analyze appeal performance (response rates, conversion, retention) and recommend improvements.
- Work with vendors to design, produce, and execute all individual giving campaigns (print/ digital) and ensure a seamless donor experience.
Donor Stewardship (30%)
- Support the development and implementation of a donor communications strategy, including thank-you processes and impact reporting.
- Cultivate and steward annual fund (under $1,000), monthly donors, and new donors through personal outreach, targeted communications, and creative engagement strategies.
- Support donor recognition efforts through a variety of channels, including digital platforms, printed materials, and donor programs.
- Create and implement a monthly donor stewardship plan.
- Develop donor surveys to gather feedback and improve engagement.
- Develop and manage the new donor welcome series, ensuring new supporters receive timely, engaging email communications that introduce them to the mission and deepen their connection.
Development Operations & Data Management (20%)
- Handle gift processing, pledge tracking, and donor acknowledgments with high accuracy and timeliness.
- Provide the Development team with donor insights and stewardship reports.
- Maintain accurate donor records and gift tracking in CRM/database (e.g., Salesforce, Classy) and report on key fundraising program metrics.
- Collaborate with finance to reconcile donor records and receivables.
- Monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot integrations with platforms such as Classy, Double the Donation, MailChimp, and other fundraising platforms.
Other Development Team Responsibilities (10%)
- Serve as the contact person for state registrations with our vendor.
- Support major gifts prospecting work in collaboration with the internal team, committees, and our external consultants to identify, research, qualify, and help Hopeworks' leadership build relationships with new mid-level and major gift donors and current donors who have capacity to upgrade their gifts.
- Work closely with the Development team on integrated fundraising strategies, including supporting volunteer engagements and events.
- Provide logistical and planning support for donor events.
- Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Requirements
- 1-2 years of fundraising experience, with a focus on individual giving
- Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Proficiency in CRM/fundraising databases (e.g., Salesforce, Classy, MailChimp, etc.)
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Strong analytical and prospect research skills.
- Occasional travel to other Hopeworks sites, events, and meetings as needed.
- Attendance and support for donor events and meetings may require work outside of normal business hours.
Salary: $50,000-55,000 annually, based on experience.
This is an on-site position in Camden, NJ for the first 90 days and has the potential to become hybrid after.
Primary Benefits: Paid Health, Vision, and Dental (100% employee covered), 401k retirement plan options, and generous PTO.
Key Performance Measures:
- Total annual fund dollars raised
- of donors
- of new donors
- of reactivated donors
- of monthly donors
- ROAS