Development Specialist

 About Fountain House

At Fountain House, we believe in the power of community to transform the lives of individuals with serious mental illness. Every day, thousands of members choose to come to Fountain House to contribute their talents, learn new skills, access opportunities, and form friendships.  Members and staff operate successful employment, education, wellness programs and work as partners to perform all the functions that keep our community going.  The Fountain House model has been replicated in more than 300 locations in 30 countries and 32 states and currently serves more than 100,000 people with mental illness worldwide.  As originators of this approach, we provide leadership by constantly advancing the practice and by leading the conversation around mental health recovery.  As a result, Fountain House has created a comprehensive Community System of Care.  This includes Clubhouses in Manhattan, the Bronx, Hollywood, California and Care Management, Home and Community-Based Services and a large housing program ranging from 24 hour supervised residences to scattered site supported apartments. We are committed to reducing social isolation, advocating for mental health policy change, and driving solutions that empower our members.  

Your Impact

As a Development Specialist, you will work closely with the Development Operations staff to meet departmental goals and cross-functional initiatives. This position will be a keystone member of the Development team, focusing on supporting donor stewardship initiatives, special events, database administration, and department management. The Specialist will also oversee special projects as assigned to support Development processes and procedures. They will be asked to think strategically about the larger efforts of the department, along with performing highly detailed and analytical work. 

$66,500 - $70,000

Hybrid.  x3 days per week onsite

Occasional evenings

Key Responsibilities 

Development Department Management 

• Actively participate in the creation and refinement of department processes and procedures, including the development of department process documents, meeting materials, and agendas. 
• Manage external donor communication channels and respond to various inquiries promptly in coordination with relevant stakeholders. 
• Provide administrative support and serve as a resource to the Development team as assigned, including processing and tracking team correspondence, data entry, and scheduling and taking notes for internal and external meetings. 
• Maintain and refine Development in-house mail procedures in coordination with other departments. 
• Support donor segmentation and list management for fundraising campaigns and stewardship communications.
• Support the Director of Development Operations to maintain expense budgets and revenue forecasts for multiple department functions. 
• Assist with tracking departmental expenses, invoices, purchase orders, and vendor payments.
• Support the Development team’s collaboration efforts with external impact departments for key initiatives. 
• Act as a community liaison between the Development team and direct service constituents and projects.
• Other special projects, as assigned. 

Donor Stewardship 

• Oversee accurate gift processing standards, including timely gift entry, gift acknowledgement, and integrity of data. Manage ongoing stewardship reporting and analysis, identifying issues, and raising concerns. 
• Support the Development team in the scheduling and execution of key meetings and Clubhouse tours.
• Support the creation and dissemination of mass-market donor communications.
• Recommend and implement improvements to stewardship processes and systems. 

Special Events 

• Support the Special Events team in pre-event and day-of logistics for events, including annual benefits, cultivation and exposure opportunities, and public events. 
• Coordinate with external vendors and consultants supporting fundraising operations, events, marketing, and technology.
• Work with event vendors and consultants, as needed. 
• Work in conjunction with the Special Events team to ensure events convey Fountain House’s mission, services, and needs. 

Development Operations:

• Serve as a key resource to Development for database standards and procedures. 
• Work with the Development Operations team to develop, document, and improve Development Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and operational workflows.
• Support data entry endeavors to capture key metrics for development initiatives.
• Work with the Development team to monitor and maintain data quality standards through routine audits, data validation, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support in the creation and maintenance of outreach lists for key stakeholders. 
• Support the Development Operations team in regular reporting on key metrics towards fundraising and engagement campaigns. 
• Support the Development Operations team in the maintenance and upkeep of key departmental soft wares (Campaign Monitor, GoFundMePro, SharePoint, etc.). 
• Support in identification of opportunities to improve operational efficiency through automation, process improvements, and technology enhancements.
• Support in cross-functional projects in coordination with Finance, Communications, the Executive Office, and program teams to support fundraising      initiatives.
• Support with the coordination of State nonprofit registrations by working with our vendor to ensure timely registration
• Other special projects, as assigned. 

Who You Are

• Strong analytical skills that involve problem-solving, critical thinking, data analysis, communication, and cross-collaboration. 
• Stakeholder Management skills to quickly identify key stakeholders and understand requirements. 
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices to participate in the planning and implementation of change management and campaigns. 
• Demonstrate excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize a workload and multi-task while maintaining attention to detail. 
• Demonstrate solid project management skills, including the ability to coordinate and balance multiple projects in a time-sensitive manner. 
• Exceptional communication skills, both verbally and written, that display exceptional donor stewardship and embody Fountain House’s core values; comfortable facilitating meetings and speaking to groups when needed; ability to find      humor even during stressful times. 
• Develop strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders, including Fountain House members.
• Excellent computer proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Salesforce, internet-based fundraising tools, collaboration tools, and basic design abilities. 
• Ability to create comprehensive and meaningful reports to provide executive level insight into Development activities and progress towards goals. 
• Must be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines, while maintaining a positive attitude and providing exemplary customer service. 
• Ability to work both individually and in a team environment.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 2+  years of experience in fundraising operations, special events, donor communications, or a combination of education and experience. 
• Strong technical and reporting skills, including experience with Salesforce preferred) or a top-tier fundraising and constituent CRM systems (i.e., Raiser’s Edge). 
• Experience working with Microsoft Office. 
• Experience with online marketing and communications softwares (Canva, Campaign Monitor,  GoFundMePro, etc.)
• Proven stakeholder management skills, demonstrating the ability to establish rapport with all levels of staff, consultants, members, and donors. 
• Keep current with and effectively apply new work methods, skills and technologies to complete work and support the Development team. 
• Passion and care for fostering community across the organization

  Why Join Fountain House?

• Empower Marginalized Communities – Elevate the voices of individuals with lived experience and drive real systemic change.  
• Innovate Mental Health Advocacy – Join a mission-driven team at the forefront of mental health reform.  
• Professional Growth & Leadership – Access to mentorship, training, and career development opportunities in a rapidly evolving field.  

Join Us & Make an Impact!  

Be part of a movement that is transforming mental health care through research, advocacy, and community.  

Fountain House, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer  

At this time Fountain House, Inc. is not able to sponsor visas  

Note: This job description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any