Senior Development Associate (36208)

To be considered for any SJCS careers all applicants must apply using this link SJCS Careers

About St. John’s Community Services

As one of the oldest non-profit organizations founded in the District of Columbia, St. John’s Community Services (SJCS) is committed to supporting and advocating for people of all abilities. SJCS works to cultivate caring communities to ensure that all people have the opportunity to thrive, and no one is left behind. We support individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities as well as adults and children experiencing hunger and homelessness in four states and the District of Columbia.

At SJCS, we pride ourselves in meeting every person we support where they are, learning who they are, and affirming their individuality, unique strengths, and hopes. It’s why we exist. Advancing inclusive communities where every person, regardless of circumstances, has the right and opportunity to live their best life is our mission, and our mission is what drives us and is at the heart of our services and programs.

What are we looking for?

SJCS is looking for a Senior Development Associate that thrives on building relationships and expanding our fundraising presence throughout the DMV. This is a highly external, relationship-driven position, so we're looking for someone with a proactive, "boots on the ground" mentality who is energized by getting out into the community to build awareness, identify new supporters, and cultivate donors. The ideal candidate brings strong donor portfolio management skills, experience planning and executing fundraising events, and the strategic instincts to develop partnerships across the region — including Gifts-in-Kind relationships that help reduce operating costs across SJCS programs. Above all, we're looking for someone who understands that while community engagement matters, securing financial contributions that generate unrestricted revenue is the primary objective of this role.

Your overall essential responsibilities will be the following:

Individual Giving & Donor Cultivation (40%)

• Manage and cultivate an assigned portfolio of individual donors throughout the DMV.

• Maintain accurate donor records and engagement strategies within the CRM.

• Develop individualized cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and retention plans.

• Identify, qualify, and engage new prospective donors.

• Move donors strategically through the SJCS donor journey—from awareness to annual giving, major giving, and long-term engagement.

• Conduct regular donor meetings, tours, stewardship visits, and personalized outreach.

• Coordinate donor recognition and stewardship activities.

• Collaborate with leadership on major gift opportunities.

Fundraising Events (25%)

Serve as the primary project manager for assigned fundraising events from concept through execution.

• Event planning and timeline management

• Sponsorship development and fulfillment

• Ticket sales and attendee cultivation

• Budget management

• Vendor coordination

• Volunteer coordination

• Auction and raffle management

• Marketing coordination with the Communications team

• Day-of-event logistics

• Post-event stewardship and reporting

Continuously evaluate opportunities to expand existing events while creating new fundraising experiences that engage new audiences and increase unrestricted revenue.

Community Engagement & Business Development (20%)

Act as a visible ambassador for SJCS throughout the DMV.

• Represent SJCS at community events, networking functions, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, and nonprofit collaborations.

• Identify opportunities for speaking engagements, tabling events, community fairs, and local partnerships.

• Develop relationships with:

• Civic organizations

• Corporate partners

• Professional associations

• Faith communities

• Foundations

• Community leaders

• Introduce new audiences to the mission of SJCS and convert awareness into donor engagement.

• Build a robust pipeline of prospective supporters and partners.

Gifts-in-Kind (GIK) Development (10%)

Develop and maintain partnerships that provide meaningful in-kind support for SJCS programs.

• Food donations

• Household goods

• Furniture

• Hygiene supplies

• Office supplies

• Event items

• Seasonal donations

The objective is to reduce program expenses while strengthening community partnerships.

Data Management & Reporting (5%)

• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM.

• Track donor movement through the fundraising pipeline.

• Prepare monthly reports on donor activity, event performance, community engagement, and revenue.

• Monitor fundraising metrics and recommend strategies for growth.

This list of responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this position is not in its entirety as other duties may be assigned and are expected to be followed.