The National Conference of State Legislatures is a nonpartisan organization that serves the legislators and legislative staff of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. Our mission is to serve state legislatures by providing support, promoting fresh ideas, connecting legislators and staff with experts and each other, and provide a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.
Since its founding in 1975, NCSL's staff has grown from 15 employees to over 150 employees in its offices in Denver, CO and Washington, D.C. Our growth has been due to the increasing activity and responsibility of the nation's state legislatures and the complexity and diversity of issues that legislators face. Employees work in a challenging, often fast-paced environment where they assist legislators and legislative staff in their work to promote the common good of the citizens of the states.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The Development Specialist is responsible for assisting in fund raising activities of the NCSL Foundation for State Legislatures. The position requires the ability to work in a collaborative setting while exhibiting substantial and demonstrated independence, initiative, and sound decision making. In addition, the Development Specialist will need to demonstrate political sensitivity to blend and balance effectively the interests of NCSL, state legislatures, and foundation donors.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Coordinates with the Director of Development to identify and develop relationships with potential new foundation donors.
Maintains relationships with existing donors providing personal attention to services provided to donors and their request for assistance for information.
Works with the Director of Development to develop yearly fundraising plan to achieve Board designated fundraising goal.
Works with the Director of Development and the Director of Foundation Programs to plan and organize foundation board meetings; including preparing agendas and developing agenda book materials.
Coordinates with the Director of Development and the Director of Foundation Programs in formulating potential projects for FSL funding.
Coordinates fundraising efforts with the Director of Development and the NCSL project, marketing, seminars, and management staff.
Takes on the role of lead fundraiser on a public-private partnership working directly with the NCSL policy staff on developing prospects with the support of the Director of Development.
Acts as liaison on behalf of foundation donors with the entire spectrum of NCSL staff, FSL board members and others.
Works independently to plan and execute special events throughout the year.
Takes a leadership role in mentoring and developing the staff coordinator position.
Assists with planning, writing and developing brochures, newsletters and other informational or promotional materials on behalf of the foundation and NCSL.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities but does serve as a coach and mentor for other positions in the department.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, copy machines, scanners and smartphones.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, lift small objects up to 50 lbs., open filing cabinets and bend, stoop, or stand on a stool as necessary. Requires the ability to travel locally, regionally and nationally, including overnight and weekends.
OTHER DUTIES:
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience and Education
Bachelor's degree plus five years of relevant and progressive work experience or 3 years of experience and post-baccalaureate / graduate degree (i.e. masters degree, advanced professional degree or doctoral degree).
At least two years of experience in fundraising, marketing or development. This should include extensive constituent contact with corporations, trade associations or public interest groups.
One year of experience in government or politics, ideally with a state or intergovernmental focus is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Must demonstrate excellence in the interpersonal skills required to work effectively with legislators and legislative staff, foundation board members, private sector representatives and others.
Must demonstrate skill and competence in fundraising, developing funding opportunities, new resources, project ideas and working with current funders.
Skill and competence in writing clearly, communicating effectively and excellent organizational skills.
Must demonstrate the capacity to work independently, take initiative and work effectively with other staff and external constituents.
BENEFITS:
NCSL offers an outstanding benefits package including low cost health, dental and vision coverage, a 401(a)-retirement plan with 10% contribution after 6 months and full vesting, life & disability insurance, 3-weeks paid vacation with 5+ years of paid full-time work experience, paid leave, in-office dry cleaning pick up, pet insurance, access to 24-hour fitness memberships, discounted bus / train passes, and more!
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should send a cover letter and resume highlighting skills and qualifications to: https://ncsl.applicantpro.com/jobs no later than Friday, November 30, 2018.
NCSL IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
About National Conference of State Legislatures
Since 1975, the National Conference of State Legislatures has been the bipartisan voice of legislators and legislative staff in the states, commonwealths and territories of the U.S. Our mission is to serve state legislatures by providing support, promoting fresh ideas, connecting legislators and staff with experts and each other, and providing a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system.
Legislators and legislative staff turn to us for up-to-date, nonpartisan information on critical state legislative issues, including health care, budgets, elections, transportation, education and more. We work to protect state sovereignty and flexibility, fight against unfunded mandates and oppose unwarranted federal pre-emption of state authority. Our experts and their research are regularly cited by prominent national news outlets, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and NPR.
NCSL’s success depends on its dedicated and talented staff. Our staff serves a diverse community of legislators and legislative staff, and NCSL values a diverse workforce that reflects that community. We strive to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people by valuing their varied skills and ...experiences. Employees work in a challenging, often fast-paced environment where they assist legislators and legislative staff in their work to promote the common good of the citizens of the states.
