Sanford Health is one of the largest and fastest-growing not-for-profit health systems in the United States. We’re proud to offer many development and advancement opportunities to our nearly 50,000 members of the Sanford Family who are dedicated to the work of health and healing across our broad footprint.
Work Shift:
8 Hours - Day Shifts (United States of America)
Scheduled Weekly Hours:
40
Salary Range: $21.50 - $34.50Pay starts at $21.50 and increases according to years of applicable experience.
Union Position:
No
Department Details
The Development Specialist provides administrative, operational, and donor-support services for the Sanford Health Foundation Sioux Falls team, with a primary focus on supporting front-line fundraisers and ensuring day-to-day foundation activities are executed accurately, consistently, and professionally.
This role is responsible for administrative functions including gift processing, donor record management, recognition and naming logistics, inventory and supply coordination, calendar and scheduling support, donor correspondence logistics, and internal operational support. The Development Specialist helps ensure donor information is accurate, recognition efforts are timely, events and stewardship activities are well-supported, and internal systems and processes function smoothly.
The Development Specialist plays a critical support role by managing details, documentation, logistics, and follow-up that allow philanthropy & development officers, along with the region's Vice President, to focus on donor relationships, fundraising strategy, and stewardship. Strong organization, attention to detail, discretion, and a service-oriented mindset are essential for success in this position.
The Development Specialist provides comprehensive administrative and operational support for the Sanford Health Foundation Sioux Falls team. This role is essential to the daily functioning of the Foundation and focuses on managing the details, coordination, and follow-through that support front-line fundraisers and ensure a positive, professional experience for donors and internal partners.
This position is responsible for a wide range of administrative duties related to donor services, gift processing, recognition logistics, record management, and office operations. The Development Specialist processes gifts accurately and in a timely manner, helps document donor intent and the story behind gifts when appropriate, and supports donor acknowledgment and stewardship efforts. The role also supports the maintenance of donor records and data integrity, including updates to naming and sponsorship information, appeal and funded opportunity records, and general database cleanup.
The Development Specialist assists with donor recognition and stewardship activities by coordinating logistics for recognition programs, honors, and awards; supporting donor mailings; monitoring obituary notifications to help facilitate appropriate outreach; and assisting with recognition displays and materials. This role helps ensure recognition efforts are consistent, accurate, and aligned with donor intent.
In addition to donor-facing support, the Development Specialist provides administrative assistance related to events, donor experiences, and internal operations. This includes supporting donor events and Sanford House activities through coordination of logistics, preparing materials, managing shipments, and assisting with inventory and storage of donor recognition and event items. The role also supports calendar management and scheduling, adds relevant community and continuing education events to shared calendars, and assists with internal coordination as needed.
The Development Specialist manages routine office and operational tasks such as handling shipping and mailings, tracking and maintaining inventory, ordering office supplies, and assisting with invoice processing and expense support. This role helps maintain organized systems, documented processes, and consistent standards to support efficiency and continuity across the team.
Successful candidates are highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities. The Development Specialist must exercise discretion, professionalism, and strong judgment when handling confidential donor information and internal communications. A collaborative, service-oriented approach and a commitment to Sanford Health’s mission are essential.
Summary
Carries out a variety of healthcare development activities for Sanford and holds a support role within the Sanford Foundation. Provides support for the Foundation’s development and stewardship functions by assisting with office coordination and fundraising efforts.
Job Description
Responsible for providing support to development team including volunteer arrangements, logistical needs, special events, and database management. As well as overseeing donor stewardship efforts, writing for donor communications, making personal contacts, and solicitation gifts from corporate donors/prospects and also collaborating with development support teams including IT, finance, and reporting. Willingness take part in fundraising efforts. Possesses self-initiating skills and desires. Has strong written, verbal and listening communication skills. Knowledgeable of development strategies and skills pertinent to making personal solicitations. Will assist with metric reports and monitor flow of information between central services team and development team.
Comfortable with public speaking in front of groups and on an individual basis, as needed. Well organized and has the ability to work well with interruptions and stress. Has both flexibility and adaptability skills to accommodate changing situations and workloads. Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects to completion and possess a strong sense of customer service.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required.
Previous experience in fundraising, volunteer coordination, development, marketing, sales, and/or journalism is preferred. Established written, verbal and listening communication skills required. Must have knowledge of development strategies and skills pertinent to making personal solicitations. Must have the ability to work well with interruptions and stress. Must possess organizational and outstanding customer service skills. Experience with Microsoft Word, Publisher, PowerPoint and Excel preferred. Previous database experience beneficial.
Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet.
If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-673-0854 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.