Cornerstones of Care is seeking a Development Specialist who is passionate about transforming the lives of children and families. In this role, you will spearhead innovative fundraising events that are crucial for advancing our mission to create safe and healthy communities. This is your chance to lead with creativity and vision, shaping events that not only meet goals but also inspire community involvement and support.
 
AGENCY OVERVIEW
Cornerstones of Care is a behavioral healthcare organization providing prevention, treatment and support services to children and their families. The children we serve have all experienced some kind of trauma through no fault of their own. Trauma resulting from abuse or neglect, witnessing or experiencing violence in their community or from being separated from a loved one. Cornerstones of Care helps 15,000 children and families each year in Kansas, Missouri, and beyond, through youth & family support services, foster care & adoption, and education & training.
 
PURPOSE
The Development Specialist is part of the 10-member Development Team, which raises $7 million annually in support of the agency’s mission of partnering for safe and healthy communities, through public support, charitable and government grants, special events and legacy giving.

The Development Specialist is responsible for leading the planning and coordination of signature events like "Tee It Up Fore the Kids" and "Pies for a Purpose," as well as supporting third-party events. Key responsibilities include managing event logistics, overseeing participant registration, directing on-site event operations, and handling special event auctions. This position ensures each event is effectively executed to maximize community engagement and achieve fundraising targets.

COLLABORATIVE SPECIAL EVENTS TEAM ENVIRONMENT
At Cornerstones of Care, our special events team works collaboratively on all initiatives, ensuring a cohesive approach to planning and execution. While the team supports each event collectively, you will take the lead or act as the point person on specific areas within special events, harnessing your expertise to drive success and meet our mission goals.

• Organize and oversee "Tee It Up Fore the Kids," a fun and engaging golf event at Topgolf, including event logistics, participant registration, and onsite activities.
• Focus on creating a memorable experience that encourages community involvement and fundraising through sponsorships and bay sales.

• Lead the planning and execution of the "Pies for a Purpose" event, coordinating the sale of pie certificates during the holiday season.
• Develop and execute a corporate strategy aimed at encouraging businesses to purchase pie certificates as employee appreciation or holiday gifts. This approach involves identifying and partnering with various companies who might be interested in using these certificates as thoughtful gifts for their employees or clients, thereby expanding the reach and impact of the initiative.
• Work with Cornerstones of Care marketing team to implement campaign strategy, marketing efforts, and logistics to ensure the program's success and maximize community engagement.

Third-Party Event Partnerships:

• Actively seek and secure partnerships with local businesses for third-party fundraising events, such as restaurant nights and retail promotions.
• Collaborate with business partners to organize events that align with our mission and enhance fundraising efforts through community participation.

Auction Management:

• Actively solicit donations for silent and live auctions, as well as raffles, for events like the Spirit Gala, Tee It Up, Disc Golf, and Bright Lights. Determine the best-fit items for each event, manage inventory, and categorize donations to maximize fundraising appeal and efficiency.
• Engage in creative brainstorming to identify and solicit unique and high-value items for live auctions. Focus on securing items that increase interest and revenue at each event.
• Accurately enter and maintain auction and raffle item details in our event software. Ensure all item information—including descriptions, values, and event allocation—is up-to-date and managed efficiently for optimal event execution and tracking.

Gift Management/Stewardship:

• Solicit sponsorships and manage donations for special events.
• Collaborate with the Database Specialist to ensure all gifts are accurately entered in Raiser’s Edge post-event.
• Manage and track sponsorship and donor invoices to ensure timely payment of pledges.
• Develop and maintain relationships with agency supporters through effective stewardship and regular communications.
• Assist in securing additional sponsorships and event donations for the agency.

Misc:

• Support other members of the Development Team as needed, especially during critical periods such as the holiday season.
• Ensure special event experiences reflect our commitment to our trauma-informed approach to care, the Sanctuary Model, and Cornerstones of Care’s WIDE Initiative (Welcoming, Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable) and help create a network of diverse volunteers, groups and positive experiences for all special event attendees.
• Assist with other duties and fundraising tasks as assigned.

• Proficient with software programs, including Microsoft Office and Raiser’s Edge.
• Knowledge of local fundraising landscape.
• Knowledge of basic donor engagement opportunities.
• Knowledge of special event auction platforms and creative auction strategies.
• Basic understanding of HIPAA regulations.

• Ability to network effectively with both internal staff and external relationships.
• Must be highly organized and accountable with ability to manage multiple projects on multiple sites.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Outgoing personality with experience and comfort interfacing with the public and program staff.
• Comfortable working directly with population served by Cornerstones of Care.
• Must be able to lift items weighing over 15 pounds on occasion or seek assistance with lifting items from management, staff or volunteers.

• Education Level: Bachelor's Degree preferred.
• Years of Experience: 3 to 5 years experience in writing and/or in non-profit development preferred.

• Complete Sanctuary training in a timely manner;
• Have a valid driver’s license and proof of current vehicle insurance.
• Follow all agency policies;
• Be able to pass State Abuse, Neglect and criminal background checks;
• Be able to carry out the essential functions of the position with, or without, accommodation.
• Perform all job duties in a manner which demonstrates a commitment to Sanctuary values and practices.
• Demonstrate awareness and understanding of cultural and ethnic diversity of clients, staff and other community partners.
• Be able to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
• Other duties as assigned.

• Lifting and carrying up to 15 lbs
• Standing, walking, sitting for long periods of time
• Kneeling, squatting and stooping

• $37,731.44 - $48,551.30 annually. Salary depends on education and experience.

• Applicants should apply online by visiting Cornerstones of Care’s career page and search for “Development Specialist” for the position posting.
• Position will remain open until the successful candidate is identified.

WIDE COMMITMENT 
Cornerstones of Care is committed to the safety and well-being of not only our clients, but our team members. This includes our organizational commitment to being a WIDE (welcoming, inclusive, diverse, equitable) organization and create a culture where all feel safe and belong.
 
We are an equal employment opportunity employer without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, ancestry, age (40 or older), disability, veteran status or genetic information.