Development Specialist

Development Specialist – Fundraising & Grants

Organization: Arizona Talking Book Library
Location: Phoenix, AZ (Primarily Remote with occasional onsite meetings)
Schedule: Approximately 10 hours per week, worked flexibly Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM
Contract Term: May 11, 2026 – November 2026 (anticipated)

Arizona Talking Book Library is seeking an experienced and dynamic fundraising professional who shares the vision “That All May Read.” The library serves individuals throughout Arizona who are unable to read standard print materials due to visual, physical, or reading disabilities by providing audio, braille, and other accessible formats.

This part-time contract role will serve as the organization’s lead fundraiser and primary relationship manager for major donors, corporations, foundations, and grant-making institutions.

Position Summary

The Development Specialist will design and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to increase charitable contributions and expand support for the Arizona Talking Book Library. This individual will work closely with library leadership, the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, and the Arizona Secretary of State, while serving as liaison to the Arizona Friends of Talking Books.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record in fundraising, donor development, and grant writing, with demonstrated success meeting or exceeding fundraising goals in Arizona.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising Strategy & Campaign Management

• Design, manage, and implement a comprehensive fundraising program
• Develop strategies to increase support from individuals, corporations, and foundations
• Monitor campaign performance and adjust strategies as needed
• Provide regular updates on fundraising progress and results

Donor Development & Relationship Management

• Research and identify prospective donors and grant opportunities
• Build and manage a portfolio of major donors and high-net-worth individuals
• Develop cultivation and stewardship strategies, including meetings, tours, and recognition opportunities
• Match donor interests with library needs and mission impact

Grant Writing & Foundation Relations

• Research local, state, and national grant opportunities
• Write compelling grant proposals and supporting materials
• Steward foundation relationships to secure annual and multi-year funding

Communications & Marketing

• Prepare donor correspondence, proposals, impact reports, and marketing materials
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across fundraising efforts
• Develop annual donor reports and impact stories

Data Management & Reporting

• Develop and maintain a donor database
• Track giving history, stewardship activities, and fundraising outcomes
• Use data to inform strategic decisions

Collaboration & Board Support

• Attend Arizona Friends of Talking Books board meetings
• Collaborate with leadership to maximize fundraising potential
• Meet regularly with library leadership to evaluate fundraising efforts

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge

• Fundraising strategies and campaign management
• Accounting principles for donation recordkeeping
• Estate planning and tax laws related to charitable giving

Skills

• Donor management software
• Grant writing and proposal development
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Time management and organization

Abilities

• Build and maintain donor relationships across Arizona
• Secure annual and multi-year foundation awards
• Track and report fundraising activities effectively
• Communicate organizational impact to prospective donors

Preferred Certifications

• Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar fundraising credential preferred but not required