Development Specialist

About the Global Virus Network (GVN) The GVN is essential and critical in the preparedness, defense, and first research response to emerging, existing, and unidentified viruses that pose a clear and present threat to public health. Working in close coordination with established national and international institutions, the GVN is a coalition comprised of eminent human and animal virologists from 80+ Centers of Excellence and Affiliates in 40+ countries, working collaboratively to train the next generation, advance knowledge about how to identify and diagnose pandemic viruses, mitigate and control how such viruses spread and make us sick, as well as develop drugs, vaccines, and treatments to combat them. No single institution in the world has expertise in all viral areas other than the GVN, which brings together the finest medical virologists to leverage their individual expertise and coalesce global teams of specialists on the scientific challenges, issues, and problems posed by pandemic viruses. The GVN is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, please visit www.gvn.org.

The Global Virus Network (GVN) is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Development Specialist to support fundraising, sponsorship, and donor engagement initiatives. This mid-level role will focus on cultivating donor relationships, supporting grant writing and reporting, and coordinating development campaigns and events. The Development Specialist will work closely with GVN leadership, partners, sponsors, and philanthropic foundations to strengthen GVN’s financial sustainability and advance its mission in global virus research, education, and preparedness.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Support cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Prepare donor correspondence, acknowledgments, and impact reports.
• Maintain and update donor database records.

Grant Development

• Research funding opportunities and track grant deadlines.
• Assist in preparing grant applications, proposals, and compliance reports.
• Support collaboration with program staff and leadership to align proposals with GVN’s mission.

Events & Sponsorships

• Coordinate logistics for fundraising events, sponsorship activities, and donor recognition opportunities.
• Support planning and execution of GVN’s Annual Meeting, research, and educational programs with a focus on sponsor engagement.
• Manage sponsor deliverables and ensure visibility across GVN programs.

Communications & Outreach

• Draft donor materials, sponsorship packages, and development presentations.
• Collaborate with communications staff to align messaging across campaigns and donor outreach.
• Assist in creating newsletters, donor spotlights, and fundraising content.

Administration & Reporting

• Track fundraising progress against goals and provide updates to leadership.
• Support development budget tracking and reporting.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of fundraising strategies.

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Health, Business Administration, Communications, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in development, fundraising, or advancement roles, preferably in a nonprofit or academic setting.
• Strong writing and communication skills with experience drafting proposals and donor materials
• Knowledge of donor management systems/CRMs and fundraising tools.
• Experience supporting events and sponsorship engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join GVN?

• Work with an international coalition of top virologists and public health leaders.
• Contribute to programs that shape global health preparedness and pandemic response.
• Be part of a mission-driven nonprofit making a global impact..

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• A current resume.
• A cover letter explaining your interest in the position and relevant experience.
• Writing sample(s) related to development or donor communications, if available.

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