Development Coordinator
Fundraising Operations, Events & Donor Engagement
Portland, Oregon | Hybrid (2–3 days in office) | $48,000– $52,000 annually | Full-time, non-exempt
Help bring people together to create brighter futures for Oregon's young readers.
At SMART Reading, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to become an excited, confident reader. Yet too many Oregon children aren't meeting reading benchmarks. SMART brings together volunteers, donors, and community partners to connect kids with two essential ingredients for literacy and learning success: shared reading time and books to keep.
As SMART Reading's Development Coordinator, you'll help make this work possible by coordinating the operations, donor engagement activities, campaigns, and events that support our statewide fundraising efforts.
Interested in joining our team? Learn more about the position and apply below. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by November 9.
The Opportunity
You'll be an essential member of SMART's Development Team, reporting to the Development Director and working closely with fundraising and communications colleagues to keep projects organized, donor information accurate, and fundraising activities running smoothly.
One day you might be preparing donor reports, coordinating a fundraising campaign, or supporting a major event. The next day you could be responding to donor questions, working with corporate volunteers, or organizing a meeting for SMART's Associate Board.
This role is ideal for someone who loves organizing details, keeping projects moving, building positive relationships, and finding better ways to get things done.
What You'll Do
Keep fundraising operations running smoothly
Coordinate administrative activities for SMART's statewide Development Team, including meetings, donor records, dashboards, and shared resources.
Support donor communications and stewardship, including calls, emails, acknowledgments, and follow-up.
Partner with development operations colleagues to prepare monthly development reports, maintain accurate donor information, and improve reporting processes.
Manage existing third-party fundraising partnerships and help identify new opportunities.
Maintain the Development intranet site and keep team resources organized and up to date.
Assist with gift processing and other fundraising operations as needed.
Coordinate fundraising events & campaigns
Coordinate logistics, timelines, and administrative details for fundraising events and campaigns in partnership with Development and Communications colleagues.
Track event-related revenue and coordinate donor acknowledgments with the Database Manager.
Administer fundraising platforms, including Greater Giving and Give Lively.
Coordinate sponsor materials, vendor relationships, and administrative requirements, including permits, insurance, raffle licenses, and other event needs.
Welcome corporate volunteers and community supporters, coordinate onsite book donations, and share opportunities to get involved with SMART.
Support collaboration & community engagement
Serve as the primary staff liaison to SMART's Associate Board, coordinating meetings, member communications, activities, and ongoing engagement.
Partner with the Communications Director on fundraising newsletters, annual reports, social media, website content, and other projects.
Foster positive, professional, and appreciative relationships with SMART's donors, volunteers, and community partners.
Collaborate across teams and contribute to additional organizational projects as needed.
The Impact You'll Make
Your work will help connect the generosity of Oregonians with opportunities for children to experience:
The joy of reading through connections with caring adult volunteers.
Books of their own to build home libraries and share stories with their families.
Greater confidence and literacy skills that prepare them for learning and success.
Stronger family connections through books and shared reading experiences.
A brighter future for Oregon, where more children have the skills, support, and opportunities they need to thrive.
Behind every successful fundraising event, campaign, and donor relationship are people who make the details come together. You'll be one of those people, helping build a community of supporters who believe every child deserves the opportunity to become a successful reader.
You May Be a Great Fit If You Are
An organized, detail-oriented person who enjoys keeping multiple projects moving.
A proactive problem-solver who takes initiative and finds ways to make things work better.
A warm, responsive communicator who enjoys working with colleagues, donors, and volunteers.
A collaborative team player who is comfortable working independently and juggling competing priorities.
Someone who is excited about SMART's mission and making a difference for Oregon children.
Required qualifications:
At least two years of experience in fundraising, event coordination, administration, project coordination, or a related field.
Strong communication, organizational, and project coordination skills.
Sound judgment, personal accountability, and a commitment to ethical practices.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or similar tools.
Commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment.
Preferred experience, but not required:
Experience with donor databases, particularly Raiser's Edge NXT.
Familiarity with fundraising and event platforms, such as Greater Giving and Give Lively.
Experience with donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, or event coordination.
We value transferable skills and experience gained through different professional, educational, and lived experiences. If this opportunity excites you, we encourage you to apply.
Why SMART Reading?
SMART Reading was built on the belief that children's literacy is not one institution's challenge. It belongs to all of us.
Our village stretches across Oregon, bringing together volunteers, donors, families, educators, businesses, foundations, congregations, and neighbors. Together, we provide children with shared reading time and books to keep—simple but powerful supports that can help change the trajectory of a child's life.
When you join SMART, you'll find a collaborative, caring team that's passionate about this mission, opportunities to learn and grow, and a workplace committed to equity, inclusion, and supporting employee well-being.
At SMART Reading, you'll help people act on one simple truth: Reading matters.
Position Details & Benefits
Location: Portland, Oregon (hybrid, with two to three in-office days per week and occasional events).
Status: Non-exempt
Salary: $48,000-$52,000 annually, depending on experience.
Benefits include:
Medical insurance with low employee premium contributions, varying by plan.
100% employer-paid dental, vision, basic life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance.
Optional dependent coverage and supplemental insurance at the employee's expense.
401(k) with up to a 3% employer match.
Four weeks (20 days) of accrued paid time off annually.
Five personal leave days and nine paid holidays.
Two additional paid seasonal office closures (summer and winter).
Paid supplemental medical leave.
Monthly cell phone reimbursement.
A full benefits package outline will be provided during the interview process.
How to Apply
1) Please submit a resume and cover letter addressing:
Why SMART's mission and this opportunity interest you.
Your relevant experience in administration, fundraising operations, project coordination, or events.
Your experience with and commitment to equity.
Your ability to work in person at our Portland office two to three days per week.
2) Application Due Date: This position will remain open until filled. We will review applications on a rolling basis, with priority given to those received by November 9.
3) Selected applicants will participate in virtual and/or in-person interviews. Finalists will be asked for three professional references and employment history verification.
4) A background check will be conducted following notification of our intent to make an offer.
SMART's Commitment to Equity
SMART Reading is committed to advancing equity and antiracism in early literacy. We recognize that racial, cultural, social, and economic inequities create barriers to opportunity for many children and families. We strive to build an inclusive organization and deliver programs that help all children realize their full potential through reading. We welcome team members who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills and who are committed to advancing this work.
Join us and help more Oregonians make a reader today.