Development Coordinator
Career GuideKey Responsibilities
- Maintain donor and gift records in a fundraising database
- Process donations and issue acknowledgements and receipts
- Prepare donor lists and mailing files
- Support fundraising events and volunteer coordination
- Assist with grant tracking and proposal deadlines
- Draft donor communications such as emails and letters
- Create basic fundraising reports for leaders and teams
- Coordinate calendars, meetings, and follow-ups for the development team
- Help keep fundraising materials up to date
- Provide customer service for donor questions and requests
Top Skills for Success
Organization
Attention to Detail
Written Communication
Time Management
Stakeholder Management
Customer Service
Fundraising Database Management
Donation Processing
Event Coordination
Basic Reporting
Grant Tracking
Data Privacy Awareness
Career Progression
Can Lead To
Development Associate
Annual Giving Coordinator
Donor Relations Coordinator
Grants Coordinator
Events Manager
Transition Opportunities
Development Manager
Donor Relations Manager
Annual Giving Manager
Grants Manager
Major Gifts Officer
Common Skill Gaps
Often Missing Skills
Fundraising Database ProficiencyDonation ReconciliationDonor SegmentationEvent Budget TrackingReporting AccuracyCopy Editing
Development SuggestionsAsk to own one process end to end, such as gift acknowledgements or an event registration workflow. Build confidence with the fundraising database by running weekly reports, cleaning records, and documenting steps. Practice donor-focused writing by drafting short thank-you templates and getting feedback from a manager.
Salary & Demand
Median Salary Range
Entry LevelUS$42,000 to US$55,000
Mid LevelUS$55,000 to US$70,000
Senior LevelUS$70,000 to US$90,000
Growth Trend
Steady demand, especially in healthcare, higher education, and large nonprofits. Hiring often increases around major fundraising campaigns and annual giving seasons.Companies Hiring
Major Employers
American Red CrossUnited WayYMCAHabitat for HumanitySave the ChildrenFeeding AmericaPlanned ParenthoodBoys and Girls Clubs of AmericaThe Nature ConservancyGoodwill Industries
Industry Sectors
Nonprofit OrganizationsHigher EducationHealthcare SystemsArts and Cultural InstitutionsFoundationsFaith-Based Organizations
Recommended Next Steps
1
Learn the organization’s fundraising database and create a simple reference guide for common tasks2
Build a weekly reporting routine that tracks gifts, acknowledgements, and open follow-ups3
Create reusable templates for donor emails, letters, and event logistics4
Volunteer to coordinate one event workstream such as registrations or sponsor tracking5
Strengthen spreadsheet skills for lists, checks, and basic reporting6
Ask to shadow donor meetings or stewardship calls to understand donor expectations