Development Officer
Organization description
Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the only organization that provides free legal advocacy services to people with all types of disabilities, of all ages, throughout North Carolina. We are the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy agency and a recognized leader in advancing disability rights, with a strong staff and supportive, dynamic work environment. DRNC is well established and positioned for growth. Learn more at www.disabilityrightsnc.org.
Job description
The development officer plays a central role in advancing DRNC’s mission by helping strengthen and expand our fundraising program. This position supports the director of development and communications in driving donor engagement, broadening our base of philanthropic partners, and embedding strong fundraising practices across the organization.
The development officer will lead and collaborate on donor cultivation, giving campaigns and public events. The successful candidate will excel at people-centered relationship building and detail-oriented systems work and will be motivated to help our mission-driven organization grow its impact. This is a hybrid, primarily remote contract position that requires regular in-person work for events and direct engagement with staff and donors.
Key responsibilities
Under the supervision of the director of development and communications, the development officer will focus on fund growth, relationship building, and stewardship.
Essential duties include:
- Fund development: Research, identify, cultivate and steward donors and philanthropic partners. Facilitate staff and board involvement in development activities.
- Communications: Design and manage direct mail and email campaigns, web and social media appeals, and other donor outreach to increase giving and engagement.
- Fundraising Events and campaigns: Assist with planning and managing fundraising events, including annual conferences, webinars, and other events including logistics, sponsorships, and marketing materials.
- Organizational support: Strengthen internal systems, processes, and data management, and embed best practices in donor relations.
- Reporting: Support development related reporting and updates for leadership, board, and funders.
- External relations: Attend community events and meetings to share DRNC’s mission, services, and funding needs.
- Perform other related duties as requested.
Requirements
- Strong commitment to DRNC’s mission to advance and defend the rights of people with disabilities.
- Relevant experience in a development role with a proven record in fundraising, donor relations, and/or grant writing.
- Knowledge of fundraising techniques and tools, including donor databases and online giving platforms.
- Demonstrated ability to mobilize staff, board, and community connections to strengthen donor outreach and fundraising efforts.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Collaborative, self-directed, and comfortable managing multiple priorities
- Bachelor’s degree
- Aptitude for designing print and electronic marketing materials.
- Proficiency with:
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Payment and donor management systems
- Zoom and social media platforms
Desirable qualifications
- Experience working in a nonprofit or legal services environment.
- Ability to communicate in ASL, Spanish, or another non-English language.
- Experience working with or advocating for people with disabilities.
- Understanding of trauma and its prevalence among people with disabilities, and an appreciation for trauma-informed approaches.
Compensation
This contract position offers up to 25 hours per week at $45–$65 per hour and will be reviewed for continuation at the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2026). We welcome experienced candidates seeking part-time or flexible schedules, and we are open to exploring ¾-time or full-time options with benefits at an adjusted hourly rate.
To apply
Send your resume and a detailed letter of interest explaining your qualifications and interest in the position to resumes.hr@disabilityrightsnc.org. Include Development Officer in the subject line. No phone calls, please.
Closing Date: Position will remain open until filled