Development coordinators help nonprofits raise the money they run on. Depending on the organization, that means grant writing and reporting, keeping donor records, sending thank-you letters, supporting fundraising events, and writing appeals. It's a strong fit for good writers and detail-oriented people who like knowing their work keeps programs open.

What the job looks like

"Development" is the nonprofit word for fundraising. At a small organization, one coordinator might handle grants, donors, and events all at once. At a larger one, the role may focus on a single area, like grants, individual giving, or special events. The work runs on deadlines: grant due dates, reporting periods, year-end giving campaigns, and event dates.

What hiring managers look for

Writing is the core skill, so expect to be asked for a writing sample. Beyond that, employers look for accuracy with donor data and gift entry, experience with a donor database (common ones include Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Little Green Light, and Raiser's Edge), comfort managing deadlines, and the judgment to represent the organization well with donors and funders.

Resume summary

Detail-oriented development coordinator experienced in supporting fundraising through grant writing, donor records, and events. Meets deadlines, keeps donor information accurate, and tells the organization's story clearly. Looking to bring strong writing and organization to a new role.

Skills to list

  • Grant research and writing
  • Grant calendars and deadlines
  • Grant reporting
  • Donor database management
  • Gift entry and acknowledgment letters
  • Fundraising event support
  • Appeal letters and email campaigns
  • Donor stewardship
  • Basic budgets for proposals
  • Clear, persuasive writing

Experience bullet points

  • Researched foundation and corporate funders that matched the organization's programs
  • Drafted grant proposals and letters of inquiry, gathering program data and budgets from staff
  • Kept a grant calendar of deadlines and submitted proposals and reports on time
  • Wrote grant reports that showed outcomes and how funds were used
  • Entered gifts and donor information into the donor database accurately
  • Sent timely thank-you letters and gift acknowledgments to donors
  • Supported fundraising events, including sponsor outreach, registration, and follow-up
  • Wrote appeal letters, donor emails, and newsletter stories about program impact
  • Pulled donor lists and giving reports for leadership and board members
  • Helped plan stewardship touches that kept donors informed and engaged

Put dollars and deadlines on the page

Fundraising results are easy to measure, so hiring managers expect to see them. Include dollars raised or supported, number of proposals submitted, success rates, event revenue, and number of donors managed. Be honest about your role. If you co-wrote a grant or supported an event, say "co-wrote" or "supported."

Development Coordinator, Community Health Nonprofit, Birmingham, AL. 2022 to Present. Wrote or co-wrote 18 grant proposals, securing $240,000; managed a grant calendar with 100% on-time submissions; entered and acknowledged 1,500+ gifts a year in Bloomerang; supported an annual gala that raised $95,000.

Tips for this role

  • Have a writing sample ready. A short grant section, appeal letter, or newsletter story you wrote is often requested. Remove any confidential details first.
  • Sales and marketing experience transfers. Relationship building, persuasive writing, and hitting targets are fundraising skills. Frame them that way.
  • Name the database. Donor software experience can shorten your training time, and hiring managers notice it.
  • Plan for growth. Experienced fundraisers often pursue the CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) credential. Grant writing courses are a good step earlier in your career.

Build your resume free

Open the 360 Quick Resume builder, choose Non-Profit Employees & Managers, then pick Development / Grants Coordinator. This summary, skills list, and these bullet points load in for you to edit. Add volunteer roles as jobs, too. Download as PDF, Word, or plain text, free.

For more help, read our full guide on how to write a nonprofit resume, including how to show impact with numbers and make volunteer work count.

More nonprofit resume examples