Development Coordinator at Buffalo Center for Arts and Technology – Buffalo, New York

Position Overview: At BCAT, the Development Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the growth and sustainability of our mission-driven programs through meticulous donor stewardship and administrative excellence. This position serves as a central engine for the Advancement department, ensuring that the systems, data, and communications that drive our fundraising efforts are handled with accuracy, warmth, and strategic alignment. Reporting to the Director of Advancement, the Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the integrity of our donor records, supporting a robust grants calendar, and assisting with the storytelling and events that connect our community to the transformative work happening at BCAT.

Key Responsibilities:

Donor Stewardship and Database Management
The Development Coordinator ensures that every contribution to BCAT is met with timely and professional gratitude by processing all donations and preparing tailored acknowledgement letters and correspondence. This role is the primary steward of the donor database, managing updates and communicating with stakeholders to ensure data remains a reliable tool for organizational strategy. In addition to daily entry, the Coordinator maintains accurate physical and digital files for corporate, foundation, and individual donors, ensuring a high level of detail and confidentiality in all records. To support data-informed decision-making, the Coordinator creates monthly fundraising reports and dashboards that track key metrics such as lapsed donors and renewals.

Grants Coordination and Research
To support the expansion of BCAT’s impact, the Coordinator conducts preliminary research on prospective corporate, foundation, and individual donors to identify new funding opportunities. They manage the organization’s grants calendar with precision, ensuring that templates are prepared for the grant writer and that award notices are communicated effectively across internal staff channels. By keeping these critical processes on track, the Coordinator strengthens BCAT’s ability to secure the resources necessary for our barrier-free programs.

Administrative Leadership and Board Support
The Coordinator handles the administrative backbone of the Development Office, providing essential support for the Board of Directors, Advancement Committee, and other key leadership meetings. This includes the preparation and distribution of meeting notices, agendas, and minutes, as well as coordinating the logistical production and mailings for spring and year-end fundraising appeals. This role ensures that leadership and governance efforts move forward efficiently and with a clear focus on organizational priorities.

Communications and Events
Supporting the Advancement team, the Coordinator assists in various communication workflows, including the development of newsletters, social media content, and story-telling initiatives that elevate BCAT’s visibility. They also provide hands-on support for advancement events by managing RSVP tracking, preparing invitations, and assisting with event setup and follow-up activities. Through these efforts, the Coordinator helps foster a consistent, welcoming, and professional presence for all BCAT donors and community partners.

Organizational Participation and Support
In addition to their primary responsibilities, all BCAT team members contribute to the broader success of the organization by participating in key events and shared responsibilities. This includes supporting student showcases, program graduations, open houses, community outreach efforts, and other mission-driven activities that strengthen visibility and engagement. Team members may also be asked to assist with cross-departmental projects, contribute to organizational initiatives, and provide occasional coverage or support in response to evolving operational, student or program needs. This collaborative spirit ensures that BCAT remains a responsive, inclusive, and united workplace.

Skills and Qualifications:
3+ years of development database and fundraising experience
Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience in a development position
Strong written communication skills; ability to write clear, structured, articulate and persuasive communications
Strong editing skills
High attention to detail
• Ability to meet deadlines and to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and strategies
Knowledge and familiarity with research techniques for fundraising
Strong contributor in a team environment

Physical Requirements
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

Additional Information

BCAT is a not-for-profit whose mission is to provide opportunities for careers through the arts and technology for youth and workforce development for adults. BCAT offers opportunities and resources for a diverse population, supporting youth and adult learners in an equity-focused environment. Our learners are valued and respected for their authenticity. We capitalize on their strengths and prepare them for living healthy, creative, inspired, and productive lives in our community. BCAT is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. BCAT seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.

This job description is intended as a general outline of responsibilities and expectations for this position. At BCAT, we recognize that organizational needs evolve, and job responsibilities may shift over time. Staff members are encouraged to discuss any questions regarding their job description or duties with their Supervisor.