Development and Events Specialist

Why Work for Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day?

Play isn't just fun, It's fundamental! Children need playtime, it is crucial for healthy development. Children learn about the world by exploring ideas, manipulating objects, investigating creative materials, and problem-solving with others. Using imagination and creativity, children take on new roles and test new concepts. Wonders teachers use observation and planning to create learning experiences that are intentional and provide meaningful context for children to practice skills and express ideas.

Join the Wonders family of caring, dedicated, and fun educators!

About Wonders

Our Mission - To cultivate curiosity, resilience, and social responsibility in children by fostering high-quality, nurturing, and inclusive educational communities led by skilled professionals

Since our inception in 1976, our goal has been to provide non-profit, quality child care to working families. Over the years, we have grown from a single center in the basement of All Saint's Church in Chevy Chase, Maryland to multiple accredited early learning, extended day, and summer camp programs across the DC Metropolitan Region.

Our programs support today's workforce, while growing the workforce of tomorrow.

Job Summary

The Development and Events Specialist will lead efforts to diversify and solidify revenue sources to ensure the sustainability of Wonders and enhance existing programs by streamlining our fundraising processes and elevating our ability to fundraise.

The duties of the position include: research to identify and pursue funding sources; plan and implement fundraising campaigns; acknowledge and track all gifts and donations; and coordinate relevant community events. Additionally, the Development and Events Specialist is responsible for providing staff support to the Wonders Board Advancement Committee.

This is a part-time, hybrid, 12 month position.

Essential Functions

• Leadership of the organization's initiatives to advance investment through philanthropy and engagement in Wonders Early Learning + Extended Day.
• Formulate the annual development plan and Leadership Circle plan in conjunction with the Board of Directors Advancement Committee.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward gifts through a strong communication, community presence and relationships.
• Plan and implement community engagement with activities focused on family participation and community building, including Wonderspalooza, book fairs, and First Friday guests.
• Implement strategic goals for growing philanthropic investment in Wonders in partnership with the Executive Director, Advancement Committee, and relevant consultants.
• Oversee all gift processing including gift entry, data input/analysis, and acknowledgments.
• Ensure the timely maintenance of the CRM system and provide reports to the Advancement Committee and Executive Director.
• Develop and communicate a deep understanding of the business model and value of early care and education and out of school time.
• Other duties or responsibilities as assigned.

Core Competencies

Success in the position will require leadership and communication skills, willingness to learn, and ability to develop connections and relationships within the Wonders community and its partners. Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively are essential. A deep commitment to equity is essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a BS or BA degree
• 4 + years of direct experience in nonprofit development required.
• Working knowledge of development CRM is required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook). Experience with WordPress and social media preferred
• Strong project management skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to draft high quality written materials and correspondence
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a willingness to be adaptable to dynamic needs
• High degree of organization and attention to detail and ability to manage and make progress on multiple projects simultaneously
• Passion for early care and education and out of school time and the impact that they can achieve, with a strong interest in learning about and excelling within the nonprofit sector
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• A firm commitment to advancing equity through program delivery, policies and practice
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Job Type: Part-Time / 25 hours weekly

Work Location: 5272 River Road Ste 530 Bethesda, MD 20816 (Hybrid)

EEO Statement

Wonders provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, citizenship, current or future military status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or familial status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

ADA Compliance

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), it is the policy of Wonders to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources.