Development Operations, Grants

Development Operations, Grants & Data Specialist - Springfield, IL

Salary Range = $60,000-$65,000 annually based on experience

Position Summary

The Development Operations, Grants & Data Specialist is responsible for the operational, analytical, and compliance backbone of Hope's fundraising efforts. This role leads grant writing and reporting, manages donor data and fundraising systems, and oversees the execution and performance tracking of direct mail and digital fundraising appeals.

This position ensures donor trust, audit-ready systems, and accurate, timely fundraising data to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership. The ideal candidate is highly organized, data-driven, and experienced in grants, fundraising operations, and donor systems within a complex nonprofit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Research, write, submit, and manage all foundation and government grant proposals
• Maintain a comprehensive grants calendar, tracking deadlines, submissions, awards, and reporting requirements
• Coordinate grant inputs with program, finance, and leadership staff
• Prepare interim and final grant reports in compliance with funder guidelines
• Track grant restrictions, expenditures, and renewal opportunities

Development Operations & CRM Management

• Serve as primary administrator for the donor CRM/database
• Maintain donor data integrity, segmentation, and reporting accuracy
• Track moves management activity and donor engagement metrics
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and Board-ready fundraising reports
• Support revenue forecasting and campaign performance analysis

Direct Mail & Fundraising Appeals

• Manage the operational execution of all direct mail and email fundraising appeals
• Own donor segmentation, list pulls, suppression lists, and data hygiene for appeals
• Coordinate appeal schedules and timelines in partnership with Communications
• Collaborate with Communications to ensure messaging, creative, and branding alignment
• Coordinate vendors for printing, mailing, and fulfillment as needed
• Track appeal performance, response rates, and return on investment
• Maintain historical appeal performance data to inform future fundraising strategy

Gift Processing & Stewardship Systems

• Oversee gift processing workflows in coordination with Finance
• Ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgments and tax receipts
• Track pledges, installment gifts, and receivables
• Maintain donor recognition lists and giving histories
• Support stewardship reporting and donor impact documentation

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Build and maintain fundraising dashboards and performance metrics
• Ensure audit-ready documentation for grants and donor records
• Support compliance with donor restrictions and reporting standards
• Identify trends and insights to inform fundraising strategy
• Recommend process improvements to strengthen efficiency and accuracy

KPIs

• Grant submission volume and win rate
• Timeliness and accuracy of grant and donor reporting
• Direct mail and email appeal response rates and ROI
• Gift processing turnaround time
• CRM data accuracy and completeness
• On-time delivery of leadership and Board reports
• Pledge fulfillment and receivables accuracy

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field
• 5–8 years of experience in development operations, grants management, or fundraising administration
• Demonstrated experience writing and managing foundation and/or government grants
• Experience managing donor databases and fundraising reporting
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities independently
• Strong written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, education, or human services nonprofits
• Experience managing direct mail or digital fundraising appeals
• Familiarity with multi-state or complex nonprofit organizations
• Experience producing executive- or Board-level fundraising reports
• Knowledge of fundraising compliance and donor stewardship best practices

Core Competencies

• Highly organized and systems-focused
• Data-driven with strong analytical skills
• Deadline-oriented and detail-focused
• Proactive problem-solver
• Collaborative and service-oriented
• Comfortable supporting senior leadership decision-making

Why Join Hope

Hope is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to reach their fullest potential. Serving thousands of children, adults, and families across multiple states, Hope is entering a period of strategic growth and expanded impact.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Strengthen the systems that fund life-changing programs
• Work closely with senior leadership on fundraising performance and strategy
• Play a critical role in donor trust, compliance, and sustainability
• Be part of a mission-driven, collaborative organization

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid time off and holidays

Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

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