Development Officer

Job Summary:

We are seeking an energetic, entrepreneurial development professional who is excited by the opportunity to help build and grow a newer community. Based at ESP’s North Carolina location in High Point—which launched in March 2026—this role is ideal for a resourceful self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is energized by creating relationships, establishing a strong local presence, and building upon an emerging foundation of support.

The Development Officer is responsible for generating the resources necessary for ESP to fulfill its mission and provide Experiences, Support, and Purpose. This role will create and implement strategies to secure leadership annual gifts ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, deepening engagement with established donors while cultivating new community and personal relationships. The Development Officer will also lead initiatives that strengthen volunteer and donor engagement and expand support for ESP’s mission throughout the High Point community.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work closely with internal and external stakeholders while playing a meaningful role in shaping the continued growth of ESP’s North Carolina presence. The Development Officer will report directly to the ESP High Point Executive Director and serve as an integral member of the broader ESP Development team.

About ESP:

ESP exists to create transformative experiences for people with disabilities and their families, changing communities for the better. Founded in 1986 in Watkinsville, Georgia, ESP now operates five locations across Georgia and North Carolina, providing year-round programming, summer camp, and family support to 1,450 families. ESP also has a social enterprise Java Joy that employs 82 adults with developmental disabilities through a mobile coffee model. To learn more, visit espyouandme.org.

Our Values

• Infused with Joyful Hospitality
• Innovating Possibilities
• Activating the Abilities of All
• Fascinated with Fun
• Compassion, Freely Given
• Connecting the Unconnected
• Persevering, Together

Top Five Responsibilities: 

1. Oversee and execute fundraising strategies to meet and surpass set goals, including managing and guiding other development staff, when necessary.
2. Manage a portfolio of 175-200 individuals and organizations, primarily targeting gifts in the $2,500 - $25,000 range.
3. Create and implement tailored plans to guide prospective donors through the entire development cycle.
4. Lead initiatives at ESP High Point to retain and expand the support from organizations, specifically including grant work and direct solicitation of businesses/foundations.
5. Attend and support special events, performing additional duties as needed, which may occur on evenings and weekends.

Detailed Functions and Responsibilities: 

Donor Strategy & Management

• Develop and implement programs to renew, retain, and grow leadership annual gifts.
• Collaborate with the team to develop effective strategies to solicit and steward leadership annual gifts.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate and solicit leadership annual gift prospects.
• Align fundraising strategies with organizational priorities in collaboration with internal teams.
• Collaborate with the team to craft effective strategies for soliciting and stewarding donors in the High Point community.

Portfolio Management

• Design and execute strategic plans to move prospective donors through the various donor cycle stages of identification, cultivation, and solicitation over 12  months.
• Manage a portfolio of 175-200 donors, aiming for 18 meetings per month.
• Regularly engage with prospects through personalized communication, meetings, and events.
• Track and report on progress, ensuring that all donor interactions are accurately recorded in the donor database.
• Coordinate and implement donor visits to include qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship visits in the High Point area.

Proposals & Administration

• Create clear, concise, and compelling proposals to secure leadership annual gifts supporting strategic goals and campaigns. This includes proposals for individuals and organizations, including grant applications.
• Manage all administrative tasks related to leadership annual gift fundraising, including scheduling meetings, processing gifts, keeping detailed notes and reports in the CRM and coordinating donor recognition.
• Participate in weekly strategy meetings, team sessions, and professional development activities.
• Create and execute various special giving campaigns in collaboration with the INC Development Team as needed.

Special Events

• Represent ESP at community events, building relationships and promoting the mission.
• Develop monthly engagement plans for various community and civic organizations.
• Attend mission-focused events, programs and community events at the discretion of the Executive Director, which may happen during early morning or evening hours or on weekends
• Assist with event planning and execution, ensuring a positive experience for donors and attendees
• Maintain a flexible work schedule, including a willingness to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed

Team Engagement

• Collaborate with the team to develop strategies for soliciting and stewarding leadership gifts.
• Support the Development team with campaign tasks and duties as assigned.
• Assist with site-wide activities and program events as needed.

Key Competencies:

• Demonstrate a strong passion for and proficiency in fundraising principles, building and maintaining donor relationships.
• Approach relationship development with creativity and initiative, offering effective solutions.
• Work autonomously, staying driven to meet and exceed established goals.
• Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a keen attention to detail, ensuring excellent customer service and positive engagement with diverse audiences.

Experience/Preferred Requirements: 

• At least 3 years of fundraising, sales, or business development experience
• CRM experience is a plus
• Google Suite experience is a plus

Job Details:

• Reports To: Director of Annual Giving and Donor Stewardship with a dotted line to the High Point Executive Director
• Location: Piedmont Triad, North Carolina / In-Person
• Annual Compensation: $55,000-$65,000
• FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
• Benefits
  • Competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), supplemental life and disability, generous Paid Time Off
  • A fun, energetic, and passionate employee culture
  • The opportunity to be a part of an undeniable mission changing lives daily
• After a decision to hire a candidate, an offer will be made contingent on the satisfactory completion of required background checks. Background checks will vary depending on the position and may include criminal history, driving record, and any other relevant information for the job.