Development Associate

FTE and type: FTE (40 hours/weekly, non-exempt)

Target Salary: $45,000-$52,000 / annual

Benefits: Generous paid time off inclusive of four weeks of school breaks throughout the academic year and office wide holidays; professional development; paid medical insurance with company sponsored eye and dental

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm with some flexibility and occasional nights and weekend hours.

Location: Wilmington, DE, intermittent travel to site locations.

Summary:

The Music School of Delaware seeks to add a continuous improvement-oriented Development Associate (DA). Serving as a member of the Development Team, the DA will work closely with the Director of Development (DOD) through database and acknowledgement management, project and event management, student and alumni relations, and administrative duties.

• Manage donor database (CRM), gift entry, data integrity, and donor records.
• Process and acknowledge gifts; generate thank-you letters and tax receipts.
• Produce fundraising reports, KPI dashboards, and trend analyses.
• Monitor KPIs (retention, lifetime value, online gifts, lifecycle migration).
• Implement SOPs for data, coding, communication, and stewardship.
• Perform prospect research, donor qualification, and wealth screening.
• Create donor/prospect segments for marketing, appeals, and initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality; follow AFP fundraising ethics.
• Prepare reconciliation documentation with Finance.

• Manage mini-campaigns and appeals (I Love Music Month, Do More 24, Spring Appeal, Annual Report, Fall Appeal, Giving Tuesday).
• Produce and oversee development office mailings and write other communication as needed including periodic social media content in collaboration with the communications team.
• Collaborate cross-functionally on school-wide letters, appeals, initiatives, reporting, and systems implementation.
• Coordinate and attend assigned concert receptions and fundraising events.
• Maintain guest lists and prepare registration materials.
• Support special event fundraisers and house parties.

• Build alumni relations through outreach and promotional campaigns.
• Support engagement initiatives for graduating seniors and alumni.
• Maintain student/alumni records and coordinate segmented outreach.

• Provide administrative support and documentation management.
• Assist with duties as assigned by Director of Development.

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or related field – or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience preferred in donor relations, fundraising, or database management, preferably in a nonprofit setting.
• Proven analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with Donor Perfect (or similar database) with proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Music School of Delaware.

• Regular, predictable in-office attendance.
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral.
• Strong interpersonal skills including relationship and trust building, communication, listening, and personal engagement that helps build positive working relationships across departments and campuses.
• Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information and institutional matters.
• Flexible self-starter with professional maturity and a diplomatic style.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet and manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously.
• High level of comfort in taking initiative and willingness to navigate new situations.
• Can support, promote, and ensure alignment with the organization’s vision and values to foster a welcoming and collaborative arts environment.

Language: Ability to read and understand instructions, correspondence, and memos; write clearly; and effectively present information in one‑on‑one and small group settings.

Mathematical

Skills:

Ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference,…