Fundraising & Development Specialist (12680, Grade 22)

The Department of Parks and Recreation seeks a dynamic, independent, and driven Fundraising & Development Associate responsible for generating sponsorship and partnership revenue in support of Departmental programs and initiatives. The incumbent independently identifies and cultivates corporate prospects, develops and pitches sponsorship proposals, negotiates partnership terms, and stewards sponsor relationships over time. This is a revenue-generating role measured by fundraising outcomes, not an administrative support position.

• Corporate prospecting — Researches, identifies, and prioritizes corporate prospects using industry trends, CSR initiatives, and philanthropic alignment. Builds and maintains a robust pipeline of potential sponsors.
• Sponsorship acquisition — Develops tailored sponsorship proposals, pitches opportunities to corporate decision-makers, and negotiates partnership terms that maximize revenue and visibility. Creates event marketing packages; cultivates, procures, and manages sponsors, partners, and display vendors.
• Stewardship strategy — Delivers high-quality stewardship to sponsors through consistent communication, fulfillment of sponsorship benefits (logo placement, signage, promotional recognition), and impact reporting that strengthens long-term relationships.
• Fundraising planning & strategy — Develops and contributes to the Department’s Annual Fundraising Plan; participates in exploratory discussions for innovative collaborations and sponsorships; works with staff across departments to identify avenues of economic support for programs and projects.
• Performance tracking & analysis — Monitors and evaluates the performance of fundraising activities; prepares reports on engagement and campaign outcomes; gathers insights to continually enhance fundraising strategies.
• Grant opportunity development — Researches and disseminates grant opportunities; supports grant development as it relates to revenue growth.
• Commemorative / dedication programs — Coordinates memorial bench and tree dedication programs with the public and vendors, including options, estimates, and order processing.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated success cultivating sponsors and partners and closing sponsorship or fundraising revenue.
• Experience writing sponsorship proposals and pitch decks and negotiating partnership agreements.
• Strong understanding of fundraising platforms, sponsorship models, and digital and interpersonal communication channels.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication; ability to represent the Department to external corporate partners.
• Strong project management to launch initiatives on schedule and to standards.

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Finance, Business or any related field.
2. Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in human resource management,finance or any other related field of business administration.
3. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be substituted, which together total 6 years. 

Preferred Qualifications:
At least three (3) years of experience in fundraising, sponsorship/partnership development, digital marketing, event planning, or community organizing.Classification Specification: Administrative Specialist II

May be subject to medical, drug and alcohol testing.

Working Conditions:    Works in an office setting; may work outdoors briefly on an incidental basis. Work is primarily sedentary and requires very light to light physical effort.  May be subject to various job demands such as high volume of work and tight deadlines.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT:
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate a workplace culture of diversity, equity and inclusion without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity, or any other non-merit factor.   

Applicants with Disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
If you require accommodations or special arrangements due to a qualifying disability, please notify the Recruitment & Selections Services Unit at the time of applications at or 301-454-1411 (Maryland Relay 7-1-1)
M-NCPPC will make all efforts to reasonably accommodate you.