Development Specialist - Foundation Relations

As a Development Specialist - Foundation Relations at OHSU Foundation, you will support the AVP of Foundation Relations by managing schedules, preparing materials, and maintaining database records. Your role involves overseeing event logistics, drafting professional correspondence, and facilitating collaboration across departments. It's a fantastic opportunity to contribute directly to the foundation's fundraising efforts.

Successful candidates for the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations role at OHSU Foundation should possess strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational skills to manage multiple projects, and proficiency in creating professional documentation. Familiarity with grants and prior experience supporting senior staff are also valued assets. Importantly, a collaborative mindset is key to effectively engaging with internal teams and external stakeholders.

While experience in a nonprofit, foundation, or university setting is preferred for the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations position at OHSU Foundation, candidates with diverse backgrounds and perspectives are also encouraged to apply. Experience supporting senior executives and knowledge of grantmaking processes will be beneficial in this role, but we believe that passion and a willingness to learn are just as important.

The Development Specialist - Foundation Relations position at OHSU Foundation offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for both on-site and remote work. This role may occasionally require hours outside of standard working times for meetings or events. Candidates should also be prepared for some local travel, contributing to dynamic interactions with community members and stakeholders.

The OHSU Foundation provides a comprehensive benefits package for the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations role, including medical and dental insurance, a generous pension plan, and ample paid vacation days. You'll enjoy a flexible work environment, professional development opportunities, and the chance to engage with a team that champions equity and community impact.

When answering this question, provide specific examples of your calendar management experiences. Highlight any particular tools or software you used, how you prioritized meetings, and your communication strategies with stakeholders to ensure efficiency. This showcases your organizational skills relevant to the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations role.

To effectively respond, share your approach to prioritization and time management. Discuss methods you use to track progress, such as project management tools or spreadsheets, and provide an example where you successfully managed competing deadlines while maintaining quality work, essential for the Development Specialist position.

Focus on your collaborative approach while answering this question. You might mention regular check-ins, the importance of clarity in messaging, and your adaptability in communication styles to suit various team members. A solid example of a successful team project where communication played a crucial role would enhance your answer.

In answering this question, demonstrate your familiarity with grant writing and the importance of each step from proposal development to submission and reporting. If applicable, cite any hands-on experiences you have had, emphasizing skills you'll bring to the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations role at OHSU Foundation.

Describe your process for understanding the audience, gathering necessary information, and structuring the correspondence to achieve the desired outcome. Mention how you would tailor the message based on the donor's interests and background, as effective communication is a key aspect of the Development Specialist role.

When responding to this question, highlight specific events you helped plan, your role in logistics, and how you worked with various teams. Mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. Show that you can manage details efficiently, a vital requirement for the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations position.

Share your preferred methodologies or tools for project management, such as Agile, Trello, or Asana. Talk about how you ensure projects stay on task and within budget and the importance of stakeholder communication. These details will reassure the interviewers of your fit for the Development Specialist role.

Discuss the significance of building trust, communicating effectively, and understanding donor motivations. Include how you would approach forming long-term relationships that align with the mission of OHSU Foundation, as this directly connects to the responsibilities of the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations.

Provide concrete examples of how you double-check your work, use checklists, or employ tools to maintain accuracy in your projects. Emphasize the importance of attention to detail in tasks like drafting proposals and correspondence, which are crucial for the Development Specialist position at OHSU Foundation.

Use this question to illustrate your openness to feedback as an opportunity for growth. Describe a specific instance where feedback led to a positive change in your work processes or outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to reflect and adapt, a valuable trait for the Development Specialist - Foundation Relations.