Job Description
Job DescriptionDevelopment CoordinatorTime: Full-TimeLocation: Minneapolis, MN, Hybrid #LI-HybridApplication Deadline: Rolling ApplicationsAbout Spark-YSpark-Y is a youth empowerment nonprofit that provides access and opportunity to youth through hands-on education, projects, and employment rooted in sustainability and entrepreneurship. Since 2013, over 13,000 youth have participated in our award-winning programs, sparking personal and professional development, and collective care for the Earth we all share.Learn more at Spark-y.orgPosition DescriptionAre you a connector who thrives on building relationships that open doors? Do you love the craft of clear, compelling writing that moves people to action? As Development Coordinator, you will be the organizational backbone that keeps Spark-Y's fundraising engine running smoothly, from prospecting new grant opportunities to stewarding donor relationships to ensuring our development systems and communications create meaningful connections.You will support the full development cycle: researching and tracking grant opportunities, coordinating proposal development, managing donor engagement activities, maintaining our CRM systems, and providing communications support that helps our Development Director and Executive Director succeed in their strategic fundraising efforts. This role requires someone who can juggle multiple priorities, communicate with clarity and warmth, and take pride in the details that make fundraising work.This is a role for someone who sees fundraising as relationship-building, values mission-driven work, and wants to grow their career in nonprofit development while contributing to programs that transform young people's lives.Key ResponsibilitiesGrant Management & Prospecting
- Research and identify grant opportunities aligned with Spark-Y's programs and strategic priorities
- Track grant deadlines, submissions, and reporting requirements
- Support grant proposal development through writing, research, and coordination with program staff
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of pending, submitted, and awarded grants
- Assist with grant reporting and compliance documentation
Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Support fundraising campaigns, donor events, and cultivation activities
- Research and qualify prospective individual and institutional donors
- Coordinate donor acknowledgments, thank-you communications, and relationship stewardship
- Manage follow-through on donor commitments and relationship-building activities
- Help create donor communications that inspire continued support
CRM & Data Management
- Maintain accurate, timely records in Monday.com CRM system
- Track donor interactions, grant submissions, and development pipeline activities
- Generate reports and dashboards to support development decision-making
- Ensure data integrity and implement systems for efficient information tracking
- Support marketing-relevant data boards including event contacts, donations, and email management
Development Coordination & Support
- Attend and document development team meetings
- Manage timelines and task coordination to support Development Director
- Prepare materials and briefings for donor meetings and funding conversations
- Coordinate across program, finance, and leadership teams to gather information for proposals and reports
- Provide administrative support for fundraising initiatives
Marketing & Communications Support
- Write and edit donor-facing content including newsletters, blog posts, appeals, emails, and stewardship communications
- Support fundraising-related website and social media content in alignment with organizational marketing strategy
- Assist with promotion of fundraising campaigns and events through coordinated communications
- Maintain a library of photos and visual assets for development use
- Create donor-facing materials using templates and approved brand standards
- Collaborate with marketing leadership and contractors to ensure consistent messaging and timely delivery
Essential Experience
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience in communications, nonprofit management, marketing, or related field
- 3-5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising support, grant writing, or related roles
- Excellent writing and communication skills with ability to adapt tone for different audiences
- Experience with CRM systems and data management (experience with Monday.com or similar platforms preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
- Strong research and analytical skills for identifying funding opportunities and qualifying prospects
- Relationship-building mindset with ability to connect people and resources for mutual benefit
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in communications and data
- Comfort working both independently and collaboratively across teams
- Alignment with Spark-Y's mission of youth empowerment and sustainability education
Non-Essential Experience
- Grant writing experience with successful funding outcomes
- Experience with institutional funders (foundations, corporations, government grants)
- Background in sales, business development, or partnership cultivation
- Familiarity with donor stewardship best practices and fundraising cycles
- Social media management or content creation experience
- Basic graphic design skills (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
- Knowledge of sustainability, youth development, or education sectors
- Experience working in startup or growth-stage nonprofit environments
- Spanish language proficiency or other language skills
Compensation & BenefitsAnnual Salary: $56,000 - $72,000 FTE base (The wide range reflects flexibility for candidates with varying experience, with most offers expected near the midpoint.)Annual Raises: Performance-based salary increases reviewed each fiscal yearPTO: 12 vacation days + 7 personal/sick days, most federal holidays, plus 2 additional PTO days accrued annuallyHolidays: Most Federal holidays plus extended breaks for Thanksgiving, winter break, and 4th of July weekMonthly Health Stipend / ICHRA: $125-$200 /monthTele-Health Enrollment: Provides access to basic consultation and prescription services401K Retirement Plan: Eligible after 90 days with 50% employer match on the first 3% you contributeMaternity/Paternity Policy: 3 paid weeks (15 business days) following FMLAEqual Employment OpportunityWe are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender, gender identity or expression, or veteran status. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
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