Development Coordinator Job Description
Organization
The mission of the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, doing business as Rettsyndrome.org is to
accelerate full spectrum research to cure Rett syndrome and empower families with knowledge and
connectivity.
 Rettsyndrome.org is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation established in July 2007 through the strategic
merger of the Rett Syndrome Research Foundation and the International Rett Syndrome Association.
 Rettsyndrome.org is the largest private source of funds for biomedical and clinical research on Rett
syndrome. The Foundation directs over 85% of each dollar donated directly to program services.
For more information, please visit www.rettsyndrome.org
About the Position:
Reports to: Chief Development Officer
Works closely with the Marketing Coordinator, Family Resource Manager, Director of Administration,
Database Coordinator, and Office Coordinator.
General Description
This position is responsible for 1) Coordinating the foundation’s special events. 2) Supporting the
organization’s individual donor development program and major gifts campaign in collaboration with the Chief
Development Officer.
Key Responsibilities
 Responsible for coordinating the special events for the foundation by working directly with event chairs
and providing the support they need to execute a successful fundraiser. Manages the implementation of
the calendar of special events, monitors progress of activities, plans and handles logistics and
correspondence for committee members, works with vendors, negotiates contacts. Strollathons
(agency’s signature special event) and galas will require the most in-depth assistance and hands-on
planning; from websites, marketing materials, to on-site planning and vendor coordination.
 Serves as the point of contact for families chairing special events. Events include, but are not limited to:
Strollathons, galas, golf outings, Rett Racers, special events, family fundraisers and other virtual
fundraising, crowd-source funding, etc. Builds strong relationships with parents. Provides support and
guidance to families as they plan and execute awareness and special events. Fields phone calls and
emails from parents and sends follow-up correspondence. Works directly with event chair to develop a
budget and event plan and identifies ways to generate a higher return on investment. Manages
relationships with vendors to ensure appropriate products/services are delivered in a timely manner.
Coordinate the marketing for special events including the inclusion of event specifics on our website.
 Attends special events to provide guidance and support on the day of the event. Responsible assisting
with all aspects of the event according to the needs of the special event chair.
 Identifies and implements new special events. Provides suggestions to improve existing events. Fields
phone calls from parents interested in starting a new special event. Works directly with families to






develop a plan and budget for the event. Helps the parent along the continuum from receiving 1:1
support to becoming activists for the cause. Recruits families who are not currently hosting a special
event and provides support throughout the process.
Provides event status updates on a regular basis to the CDO or Executive Director. Submits special
event articles for inclusion in the agency newsletter and annual report. Submits content for social media
posts. Ensures the website has the most current and relevant information for donors (both for special
events and individual contributions).
Implements direct mail at minimum of twice a year and online giving program. Drafts correspondence
and coordinates appropriate solicitation mailings to donors, corporate event sponsors, event leaders,
committee members, in-kind donors, etc. Prepares additional correspondence for the CDO. Work with
various vendors and create a timeline to adhere to in order to get mailing out in timely manner.
Supports the Chief Development Officer in developing a major gifts program including donor
cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Assists the CDO in increasing planned giving as a means of
support for select donor audience by using a portfolio to track, follow-up and cultivate donors.
Ensures donor information in the foundation database is current and accurate. Enters information in
agency database directly after communicating with donors. Produces reports for CDO and develops
basic queries when necessary.
Attends weekly staff meetings and weekly meetings with the Family Resource Manager. Develops a
new family prospect list with the Family Resource Manager to help turn new families into fundraisers.
Works closely with staff members in setting foundation goals for special events and individual giving
revenue.
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum of three years of experience in the field of Development required.
Experience working directly with volunteers required. Excellent interpersonal skills (must interact with team
members and volunteers at all levels). Excellent communication skills-verbal, written and listening with the
ability to represent the foundation in a professional manner. Able to multi-task and work on multiple events or
projects simultaneously. Demonstrated flexibility in working some evenings and weekends. Out of town travel
required and weekly travel during the heaviest event season (April, May, September and October). Familiar
with the Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge is strongly preferred.
Please submit your Resume and Cover Letter to Gordon Rich at richg@readingrock.com