DEVELOPMENT OFFICER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Oct 23, 2024 – The Development Officer has proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite, along with experience in Little Green Light or similar grants management software, to support effective project management. A strong background in grant writing for various funding sources ensures adherence to RFP guidelines while maintaining attention to detail. Commitment to social justice and the ability to prioritize tasks contribute to successful grants management and leadership.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Development Officer Resume
  • Fundraising
  • Grant Writing
  • Program Development
  • Budget Management
  • Data Analysis
  • Compliance Knowledge
  • Event Planning
  • Financial Reporting
  • Market Research
  • Impact Assessment
  • Communication
  • Relationship Building
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Leadership
  • Team Collaboration
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Time Management
  • Negotiation

Summary of Development Officer Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BA in Social Work with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience in identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of benefactors
  • Experience serving in a strategic advisory role to individuals, corporations, or foundations in the financial, accounting, legal and/or trust and estate industries
  • A demonstrated track record of success in fundraising or equivalent experience in a comparable industry position
  • Experience using human+digital tools and resources as part of fundraising strategies
  • Must be a self-motivated, self-directed and highly organized individual who will promote a productive, inclusive, and collegial workplace
  • Belief in the mission and strong ethical conduct 
  • Must have demonstrated experience showing one’s adaptability, flexibility, and agile mindset for change.
  • Strong quantitative and qualitative problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Strong work ethic and pro-active team player, and able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment

2. BA in Business Administration with 4 years of Experience

  • Fundraising experience or experience working in major giving. 
  • Experience in planned giving or Charitable Gift Annuity programs
  • Donor database experience
  • Knowledgeable about a broad range of interests and possessing the ability to comfortably converse on many subjects
  • Strong written and oral communication skills
  • Effective time management skills
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work successfully with colleagues, donors, administrators, and volunteers
  • Must be a facilitator with excellent management skills and results-oriented
  • Highly developed ability to work independently within a strong teamwork philosophy as well as collaboratively with colleagues to achieve common goals
  • Strong computer skills, including a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office

3. BA in Finance with 1 year of Experience

  • Experience with principles and practices of affordable multifamily housing development and finance
  • Ability to adhere to established project management methodologies with demonstrated experience
  • Demonstrate knowledge of relevant legislation.
  • High level of customer service focus, and the ability to resolve conflicts, disputes and problems effectively.
  • Ability to observe details and record information accurately and legibly and effectively develop databases to inform operational improvement from contractors.
  • Ability to liaise professionally and consistently with external stakeholders whereby negotiation and mediation may be required.
  • High level of organization and time management skills.
  • Computer literacy, with the ability to analyze and interpret statistical data, and a high level of written and oral communication skills.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work both as a member of a team and autonomously.
  • Detail-oriented concerning planning, file analysis and record-keeping

4. BA in Marketing with 2 years of Experience

  • Professional fundraising experience, preferably in a medical/research environment
  • Working knowledge of the Microsoft suite of programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), comfortable learning and using new technology
  • Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA
  • Highly motivated to produce fundraising results
  • Demonstrated ability to develop, analyze and interpret metrics to inform strategy
  • Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with donors, volunteers, and other professional staff in a highly collaborative, professional and mature manner
  • Strong oral and written communication and presentation skills
  • Exceptional organizational and time management skills, attention to detail, accuracy and professionalism
  • Effective project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects over varying timelines
  • Very self-motivated with the ability to work unsupervised

5. BA in Communications with 3 years of Experience

  • Experience working in program management 
  • Experience in cross-cultural implementation of relief and development programming
  • Technical writing skills including developing proposals, training/instruction manuals, and reports
  • Working knowledge of the grant submission processes of major donors including the UN, CIDA, DFID and USAID, PADF, etc
  • Ability to develop and carry out work plans and solve problems independently
  • Ability to contribute positively and effectively to team performance
  • Demonstrates high levels of integrity, sound judgment and discretion
  • Skilled in prospect management and prospect research
  • Comfortable working in a dynamic environment, and adaptable to change
  • Confident, professional, energetic, enthusiastic, self-motivated and an ethical "people person" who is genuinely interested in others and an active listener

6. BA in Community Development with 2 years of Experience

  • Progressive fundraising experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Experience working on peer-to-peer fundraising events
  • Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Office, and experience with a CRM database
  • Team player who has the experience and ability to interface with all levels of staff and volunteers.
  • Capability to leverage relationships and negotiate agreements
  • High level of comfort communicating complex information (e.g. JDRF research, goals, etc.) to a wide range of audiences, from high-net-worth individuals to corporate partners
  • Ability to proactively monitor and adjust activities to respond to changing circumstances and priorities to meet goals, proactively address issues as they arise and mitigate risks associated with events
  • Self-motivated, goal-oriented, personable and service-oriented
  • Ability to work within a tight timeline and prioritize in a fast-paced dynamic environment
  • Strong written and oral communication skills to successfully interact with external customers and staff within the organization

7. BA in Fundraising Management with 4 years of Experience

  • Direct fundraising experience with a proven track record of success in the cultivation, solicitation, and closing of gifts
  • Results-driven, self-starter, and highly motivated with a demonstrated ability to build constructive and effective relationships.
  • Client-focused, with strong skills in listening, negotiating, planning, organizing, priority setting, analyzing, and problem-solving.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills with strong presentation and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrate ability to work in a fast-paced environment and to manage multiple projects within tightly prescribed timetables.
  • Ability to work autonomously and as part of a team. 
  • Demonstrate ability to work in a PC environment, using MS Office, and client-server database software.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat, electronic grants management and submission systems (i.e., Grants.gov, eRA Commons), and other applications
  • Demonstrate ability to successfully work with a diverse population and stakeholders at various levels
  • Experience conducting literature reviews and/or research

8. BA in International Relations with 1 year of Experience

  • Experience in a related field with basic knowledge of personal solicitation methods
  • Experience with Black Baud’s CRM Platform or other fundraising information management systems/databases.
  • Professional experience in major gift development in a university setting
  • Teamwork approach and a can-do, assertive philosophy.
  • Willingness to work on Foundation-wide committees.
  • Interest in furthering EDI initiatives.
  • Strong communication skills both in writing and in conversation.
  • Flexible and strategic thinker and worker.
  • Ability to work away from the office regularly.
  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

9. BA in Public Administration with 6 years of Experience

  • Experience and progressive levels of responsibility with corporate, foundation, and federal grant development, writing, and administration, including successfully closing and renewing funding opportunities
  • Excellent written, oral, and listening communication skills, ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive proposals with strong editing skills
  • Ability to effectively communicate the vision, mission, and programs of DJC using storytelling
  • Demonstrated success in institution-based fundraising, including stewarding multi-year partnerships
  • Working knowledge of nonprofit management and budgeting processes
  • Previous experience working with board volunteers, institutional donors, and program/fundraising staff
  • Energized by and enthusiastic about working in a fast-paced, growing, and progressive organization
  • Excellent project management skills to drive success in managing multiple proposals and reports simultaneously
  • Ability to contribute to the development of innovative and creative strategies
  • Ability to work well as a strong collaborator in a team environment

10. BA in Nonprofit Management with 5 years of Experience

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint)
  • Experience using Little Green Light (or another grants management software) and Google Suite
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with impeccable attention to detail, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision
  • Excellent professional judgment, with strong attention to detail
  • Grant writing experience with public and private (federal, state, corporate and foundations) grant proposals and applications
  • Experience working in and/or commitment to social justice movements
  • Experience providing grants management on state, federal or private grants
  • Demonstrate experience and success in writing state, federal, or foundation proposals
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking skills, and ability to develop grant proposals adhering to RFP guidelines
  • The ability to work independently, synthesize complex ideas, and provide leadership, and the strong ability to multitask and prioritize competing tasks
Relevant Information
Community Development Officer Skills, Experience, and Job Requirements