Job Summary

The Development Officer – Corporate Giving & Special Events is responsible for two of Educational First Steps’ most impactful fundraising efforts: corporate philanthropy and the annual gala. This role develops and manages a corporate giving strategy and leads the planning and execution of the organization’s signature fundraising event and other ancillary events. Success in this role will be measured by increased corporate revenue, strengthened donor relationships, and high-performing, mission-driven events.

Key Responsibilities

For Corporate Giving & Sponsorships, with an annual goal of $250,000+, the Development Officer will identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate donors and partners. They will develop compelling sponsorship proposals and pitch materials, build a pipeline of corporate prospects aligned with EFS’s mission and goals, and ensure sponsor benefit fulfillment, recognition, and engagement throughout the year. The Development Officer will also work in partnership with the Grants Manager to align corporate gift and grant strategies and will maintain accurate records in the CRM while providing progress reports to the Chief Development Officer.

In leading the Annual Gala, with a fundraising goal of $750,000+, the Development Officer will manage all aspects from strategy through execution. Responsibilities include overseeing planning timelines, logistics, budgets, and vendor relationships. The role involves collaboration with event consultants, production teams, and the development team to ensure a seamless guest experience. The Development Officer will also drive sponsorship and ticket sales in partnership with the CDO and gala committee, support and guide the committee to maximize participation and revenue, and oversee donor recognition, stewardship, and post-event follow-up.

For Cross-Departmental Collaboration & Internal Reporting, the Development Officer will serve as the liaison to the development committee on matters related to corporate engagement and the gala. They will coordinate with the marketing and communications team to align messaging and branding, work closely with the program and finance teams to align funding opportunities with organizational priorities, and ensure detailed tracking of donor and prospect activity using the CRM system (Bloomerang) and task management platform (Monday.com).

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years of nonprofit development experience with a focus on event fundraising and corporate giving. They should have a proven track record of securing five- and six-figure corporate gifts and sponsorships, and demonstrated success in planning and executing large-scale fundraising events, preferably galas. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required, along with relationship-building, presentation, and negotiation abilities. The candidate must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously. Experience with donor databases, especially Bloomerang, is preferred. A passion for early childhood education and a commitment to EFS’s mission is essential.

Fundraising Goals

The annual goal for Corporate Giving & Sponsorships is $250,000+. The annual goal for the Gala, including sponsorship and ticket revenue, is $750,000+.

Core Competencies for All EFS Staff

Staff must be mission-focused with a passion for ensuring children have access to high-quality early childhood education. They should be relationship-oriented, prioritize collaboration, work effectively across teams to align fundraising goals, be motivated by results and long-term impact, and represent the organization with professionalism as brand stewards.