Development Associate

Job Location

Development

Job Summary:

The Development Associate provides critical support to the Development Department by assisting with logistical tasks, event planning, donor database management, and other administrative functions. This role ensures the smooth operation of fundraising efforts, donor stewardship, and special events, contributing to the overall mission of the organization by maintaining effective communication and providing organizational support to development team members.

The Development Associate will promote a positive work environment that celebrates our vision, mission and core values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness and Empowerment in every action and interaction with team members, donors, customers, management and persons served.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Maintains and updates donor information in the database (Donor Perfect).
• Ensures accuracy of donor records, gift tracking, and acknowledgments.
• Generates reports and analyzes donor data to inform fundraising strategies and monitor progress toward goals.

• Assists in planning and coordinating logistics for fundraising events, including luncheons, galas, cultivation events, and donor stewardship activities.
• Manages event registration, invitations, RSVPs, and follow-up correspondence.
• Liaises with vendors, venues, and volunteers to ensure the successful execution of events.
• Coordinates the production of event materials, including programs, signage, and promotional items.

• Assists with annual fundraising campaigns, appeals, and grant submissions.
• Supports direct mail efforts by coordinating with printing vendors, updating mailing lists, and managing distribution.
• Helps draft donor communications, including thank-you letters, updates, and reports.

• Provides day-to-day administrative support to the Development team, including scheduling meetings, preparing meeting materials, and note-taking.
• Manages the department’s calendar and tracks important deadlines.
• Assists in managing relationships with corporate sponsors, individual donors, and foundations.
• Maintains inventory of fundraising and event supplies.

• Ensures timely and accurate acknowledgment of all gifts.
• Assists in executing donor stewardship plans, ensuring donors are recognized and kept informed of the organization’s impact.
• Supports donor retention efforts by organizing and coordinating donor recognition events or personalized communications.

• Conducts research on potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors to identify new funding opportunities.
• Prepares prospect profiles and briefings for leadership and the development team.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, marketing, or related field preferred; equivalent experience will be considered.

Experience

• 1-3 years of experience in fundraising, event coordination, or nonprofit administration.

Knowledge / Skills

• Proficiency in donor management software (Donor Perfect, Raiser’s Edge, or similar), Microsoft Office Suite, and event planning tools.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with keen attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with donors, volunteers, and team members professionally.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization.