Now Hiring Donor Relations and Grants Specialist

Job Title: Donor Relations and Grants Specialist

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Type: Part-time (negotiable but minimum 20 hrs/wk). Hybrid (office & remote opportunities).

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Position Summary:

We are looking for a seasoned development professional to join our leadership team. This person will be responsible for developing systems to establish effective fundraising practices to sustain and grow Opportunity School’s contributed revenue across both individual and organizational donor channels. Duties include researching, stewarding and soliciting funding opportunities, individual donor cultivation, seeking business sponsorships and writing grants. This role is critical for effectively communicating Opportunity School’s mission to a wide range of funders while ensuring compliance with all grant and sponsorship related requirements. This position provides leadership for Opportunity School’s annual giving strategy, events and activities during The Panhandle Gives. This person will be the primary point of contact for all donor activities working

closely with the Executive Director.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Fundraising Strategy & Donor Relations (45%)

• Collaborate with Executive Director to guide the overall fundraising strategy, including annual budgets.

• Lead the annual giving strategy through effective interactions and stewardship to move to engage prospects into committed, long-term donors.

• Creates and implements strategies to increase subscription giving for the school.

• Cultivate and steward relationships with donors, corporate partners, and foundations to deepen engagement and long-term support.

• Organize site visits, presentations, and speaking opportunities to strengthen community trust, reach new donors and highlight the impact of Opportunity School’s work.

• Use available resources, tools and partnerships to optimize online marketing, email marketing and social strategies. Work in conjunction with leadership team and direct the activities of outside contractors/agencies.

• Leverage the capabilities of Bloomerang/Qgiv, Opportunity School’s donor management system.

2. Grants Management & Proposal Development (15%)

• Prepare, submit, and manage compelling grant proposals to foundations, corporations, and government entities for requests up to $20,000.

• Collaborate with Executive Director to research potential new funders and steward relationships and the application process for grants above $20,000.

• Oversee the full grant lifecycle, including research, proposal writing, submission, compliance, and reporting.

• Manage timelines and coordinates internal reviews and approvals to ensure accuracy and alignment with organizational goals and budgets.

3. Communications & Marketing Support (10%)

• Assist in the development and editing of donor and public communications including collateral, e-newsletters, mailings , annual report web and social content, and fundraising materials.

4. Research & Reporting (10%)

• Conduct ongoing research to identify new grant opportunities and trends.

• Maintain an internal grants calendar to track deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements.

• Provide regular updates to funders and stakeholders, including outcome and financial reporting through the annual report, newsletters and other channels.

5. Team Collaboration and Events (10%)

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, Business Manager, Board members and volunteers to support development activities and events.

• Provide staff leadership in planning and executing special events and donor recognition efforts. Two primary events include LIPS and the Valentine’s Cookie Sale.

• Work with cross-functional teams, including leadership team, program staff, Board members and volunteers to support partnership development and donor stewardship.

6. Donor Recognition & Compliance (10%)

• Manage timely and accurate acknowledgments of gifts and grant awards.

• Coordinate recognition of funders through PR/media efforts and ensure proper visibility for grants and donations as appropriate.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in donor relations, grant writing, and/or nonprofit development.

• Bachelor’s degree in Non-Profit Management, English, Journalism, Communications, Marketing, or related field required.

• Proven success managing grants and securing funding from a variety of sources.

• Experience using fundraising software; Bloomerang/Qgiv preferred.

• Strong communication, editing, and storytelling skills; highly organized with attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work collaboratively across departments.

• Valid Texas Driver’s License and proof of automobile liability insurance required.

• Salary commensurate with experience

  
  

Technical & Physical Requirements:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

• Capable of extended periods of sitting, standing, walking, and working at a computer.

• Must be able to visit donor and partner sites, including those without disability access.

• Writing sample will be required

  
  

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid position which includes adequate time in the office in order to understand mission and program, remote work other times with mutual agreement

• Amarillo-based with occasional travel within a 50+ mile radius.

• Attend conferences and advocacy events.

• Occasional visits to classrooms, campuses and possibly family homes.

• Minimal exposure to hazardous materials; standard office environment.

• Some nights and weekends are required as needed to further the mission of Opportunity School.

How to Apply:

Persons interested in applying for this position can email your resume to Jill Goodrich,

Executive Director at jillgoodrich@opportunityschool.com.