Development & Partnerships Specialist

Development & Partnerships Specialist The Maryland School for the Blind - 3.0 Nottingham, MD Job Details 11 hours ago Qualifications Community engagement Non-profit experience Major gifts Mid-level Databases Customer segmentation Sponsorships Fundraising Networking through strategic partnership building CRM system proficiency Strategic partnerships 2 years Communication skills Donor and alumni database management Progress tracking (project management tasks)

Full Job Description Description:

Position Overview The Development & Partnerships Manager leads donor cultivation, sponsorship development, and fundraising execution for the Maryland School for the Blind. This role is responsible for managing a portfolio of donors and prospects, building strategic partnerships, and advancing fundraising efforts that support the organization's mission. This position is ideal for a relationship-driven fundraiser who enjoys developing donor pipelines, stewarding meaningful gifts, and working collaboratively to grow revenue and engagement. Key Responsibilities Donor Cultivation & Stewardship Manage and grow a portfolio of major and mid-level donors and prospects Develop and execute individualized cultivation and stewardship strategies Lead donor outreach, meetings, and follow-up to move prospects through the pipeline Maintain accurate and timely records of donor interactions and progress Sponsorships & Strategic Partnerships Develop and secure corporate sponsorships for the See Beyond Festival and other key initiatives Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities aligned with organizational priorities Ensure delivery and fulfillment of sponsor benefits in coordination with internal teams Build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with community and corporate partners Fundraising & Campaign Execution Contribute to the planning and execution of annual fundraising campaigns and appeals Collaborate on donor segmentation and targeting strategies Support development of solicitation strategies and campaign messaging in partnership with communications staff Track progress toward fundraising goals and identify opportunities to strengthen results

Requirements:

Qualifications 2+ years of experience in fundraising, development, or nonprofit advancement Demonstrated ability to build and manage donor relationships Strong communication skills, including comfort with donor-facing conversations Experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems Interest in growing into a more strategic fundraising role Why This Role This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of donor relationships and partnerships while contributing to a growing advancement program. You will play a direct role in expanding the organization's reach, strengthening community connections, and increasing support for students who are blind or have low vision.