Development Associate

Overview

Development Associate

Job Description
Bridge Over Troubled Waters provides effective and innovative services to runaway, homeless and high-risk youth, helps youth avoid a lifetime of dependency on social services, guides youth towards self-sufficiency, and enables youth to transform their lives and build fulfilling, meaningful futures.

The Development Associate plays a key supporting role within Bridge’s Development Department, providing logistical, administrative, and fundraising support across the annual fund, events, donor engagement, and community fundraising initiatives. Working closely with the Chief Development Officer and Development team, this position supports the execution of annual fundraising activities—including appeals, monthly giving, events, and donor stewardship—with a strong emphasis on organization, accuracy, and donor experience.

• Support the planning and execution of annual fundraising appeals, including direct mail and email campaigns. Responsibilities include preparing mailing lists, coordinating timelines, drafting and proofing content, tracking responses, and supporting follow-up and stewardship activities.
• Assist in the development and execution of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities, including drafting donor communications and supporting follow-up activities.
• Accurately capture, track, and maintain donor records, interactions, and gifts in the donor database to ensure data integrity, timely acknowledgment, and consistent donor stewardship.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for the Bridge Gala, including prospect research, sponsorship outreach support, auction item solicitation, pledge follow-up, and post-event stewardship.
• Support community-based fundraising efforts, including peer-to-peer and third-party fundraisers, helping to maximize participation and ensure a positive donor experience. Key initiatives include Winter Walk, shop-and-share campaigns, and similar efforts.
• Coordinate and solicit in-kind donations throughout the year, including support for holiday and programmatic needs.
• Assist with planning and supporting donor and volunteer engagement opportunities, working closely with program staff to ensure meaningful and well-organized experiences.
• Represent Bridge at select community events to promote the organization’s mission and fundraising and volunteer initiatives.
• Support the growth and administration of the monthly giving program, Bridge Builders, including donor outreach, reporting, and stewardship.
• Manage donor inquiries and requests, ensuring timely, accurate, and professional responses.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer.

• Work closely with the Communications and Marketing team to support consistent messaging, assist with donor-facing materials, and contribute to storytelling efforts as needed.
• Collaborate with members of the Development team to coordinate timelines, share updates, and support integrated fundraising initiatives.
• Work with the Development team to support corporate, individual, and volunteer engagement opportunities, including coordinating logistics, preparing materials, and assisting with follow-up and stewardship.
• Participate in cross-departmental meetings and projects as appropriate to support organizational coordination and learning.

This position requires evening and occasional weekend hours for donor events, volunteer programs, and corporate engagement activities.

Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Chief Development Officer.

Bachelor’s degree in business, nonprofit management, communications, or a related field required.

Minimum of 2-3 years of demonstrated experience in nonprofit fundraising.

Experience with youth-focused programming preferred.

Proven track record of meeting department and organizational goals.

Proficiency with donor management systems (e.g., Raiser’s Edge experience a plus).

Strong command of Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Strong written and verbal communication skills with excellent attention to detail.

Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Strong interpersonal skills and comfort interacting with donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Commitment to Bridge’s mission and sensitivity to issues affecting youth experiencing homelessness and housing instability.