Development Specialist

ABOUT THE FLYNN

The Flynn Center for the Performing Arts is Vermont’s creative heartbeat, a statewide organization that brings communities together through live performance, public programs, and shared cultural experiences.

Based in Burlington, the Flynn works across theaters, schools, public spaces, and communities throughout Vermont. Through festivals, commissions, education programs, and partnerships, the Flynn emphasizes artistic excellence, access, and relevance — creating experiences that are rooted in place, responsive to community, and alive in the moment.

POSITION OVERVIEW

As a member-supported nonprofit, the Flynn relies on charitable support from members, individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government funders. With more than three decades of presenting performing arts programming, the Flynn has built a loyal community of supporters and continues to expand its reach by engaging new audiences and donors.

The full-time Development Specialist works closely with the Director of Development, Director of Major Gifts and Corporate Sponsorships, Annual Giving Manager, and a part-time Development Specialist to implement fundraising strategies across individual, corporate, foundation, and government sources. In collaboration with the Development team, this role provides essential operational support to help achieve the Flynn’s fundraising goals. Responsibilities include processing and acknowledging all gifts in Tessitura; supporting grants, mailings, and special events; maintaining accurate donor records; and generating regular reports to track progress toward annual goals and key performance metrics.

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

This position is responsible for providing key operational support for the Development team, ensuring that the team can meet and exceed its annual fundraising goals.

Gift Processing

• Process all gifts and pledges in Tessitura, including matching gifts


• Follow up on matching gift forms and applications


• Manage sustaining membership program with auto-billing and auto-renewals


• Generate accurate and timely acknowledgement letters for all gifts


• Assist with pledge billings and payments

Other Database Functions

• Provide Tessitura expertise as a Power User for the Development Department


• Maintain and update donor records


• Ensure data integrity and data quality


• Create donor lists

Development Team Operations

• Conduct donor research in iWave and write meeting briefings


• Provide project management and general logistical support for all fundraising events including member receptions and our annual gala, La Nuit


• Prepare agendas and take minutes for regular Development Team and cross-departmental meetings


• Track and share weekly progress towards annual goals with the Development team and other senior leaders


• Pull donor lists and provide administrative support for fundraising mailings

Grants

• Gather written materials for proposals, reports, and donor communications


• Maintain current grant records in database, including grant tracking and reporting deadlines


• Ensure compliance with reporting and evaluation requirements

Development Team Support

• Provide knowledgeable and courteous customer service on phone and in person


• Other duties as assigned

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Supervision provided by Development Director

QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate’s degree (Bachelor’s degree preferred) or equivalent experience in a related field such as nonprofit management, communications, business, or arts administration.


• Development/Philanthropy experience preferred


• Commitment to the performing arts and to the Flynn’s mission


• Demonstrated skills and strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office suite of applications including Word, Excel, and Outlook


• Database skills and experience; Tessitura and/or iWave preferred


• Ability to work evening and weekend hours when needed


• Ability to organize, prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines


• Detail-oriented with a high level of accuracy


• Strong written and oral communication skills


• Proven ability to work independently and in a collaborative team environment

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This general outline illustrates the type of work that characterizes the Job Classification. It is not an all-encompassing statement of the specific duties, responsibilities and qualifications of individual positions assigned to the classification.