Development Associate

Job Summary

The Development Associate is responsible for managing fundraising systems for the Gift of Life Marrow Registry and reports directly to the Senior Development Associate. This includes reporting and analyzing data, gift processing and acknowledgments, data import, data entry, mail merge, data extraction, data quality initiatives, and other related activities.

The Development Associate will develop and maintain a portfolio of active donor prospects and create strategies for solicitation of these prospects. The candidate will work independently, self‑motivated, initiating contacts with potential supporters. S/he will work closely with the Development team in creating and implementing strategies for cultivation, solicitation, and closure, and achieve annual fundraising and activity goals. S/he will report to Supervisor.

• Conduct detailed constituent research on individuals, corporations, and foundations to support the development staff in efforts to increase donor participation, enhance donor cultivation and stewardship, create and manage solicitation strategies, develop strategic plans for major gifts initiatives, and improve the accuracy of all donor information maintained by the organization.
• Generate donor acknowledgment letters and gift receipts for cash and in‑kind contributions. Ensure all correspondence is issued timely and includes appropriate tax information.
• Create queries and analytical custom reports that allow in‑depth analysis of income trends, donor attrition, and similar statistics to assess the success of all fundraising projects and initiatives.
• Ensure all pledge payments due to the organization are current. Track constituents not up to date on their pledge payments and conduct follow‑up as requested. Prepare pledge reminders for all constituents that maintain a pledge balance.
• Maintain and operate the fundraising database to optimize its functionality to support the development team and their constituent relations goals.
• Secure local Corporate Sponsor ships for 5k and other events.
• In consultation with the Director of Development, identify, cultivate, build, and solidify relationships with new and established contributors. Analyze historic patterns of giving and assist in developing strategies to encourage new gifts and increase contributions. Directly solicit and close gifts from prospects and maintain relationships through mail, phone, or in‑person contacts.
• Ensure required donor records are maintained in Match Quest®.
• Identify potential speaking engagements.
• Manage and track gift activity by creating reports monthly for review by the Director of Development.
• Participate in development‑related functions such as marketing, design/preparation of print materials, event logistics, and post‑event follow‑up based on individual skills and office needs.
• Attend cultivation events; plan local events.
• Travel as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Two (2) years of position‑related experience.
• Proven skills in researching and analyzing a variety of reference materials to compile, evaluate, and disseminate data on corporate and foundation funding sources.
• Understanding of budget preparation principles and practices related to restricted funding.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and a high level of confidence and comfort in making presentations before diverse groups.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Flexibility to travel periodically if needed.

This position is essentially sedentary with some walking, standing, stooping, and lifting required. May lift objects weighing from 0 to 40 lbs., with occasional lifting of objects over 40 lbs. Travel required.