Development Associate

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Are you energized by building relationships and mobilizing support to protect our environment? At Save the Sound, we combine science and strategic legal expertise to defend and restore our region’s waterways and green spaces. Join us in turning passion into impact—securing the resources today that will sustain our planet for generations to come.

For over 50 years, Save the Sound has been at the forefront of environmental action within the Long Island Sound watershed. As an organization, we build resilient communities while fighting climate change, save endangered lands, protect the Sound, and restore its rivers and coastlines. We do this in many ways, from legislative advocacy and legal action to engineering, environmental monitoring, and hands‑on volunteer efforts.

The Development Associate is an entry‑level position that provides essential administrative and project support to the Executive Vice President (EVP) of Philanthropy and the Development team. This position supports our Sound Future Campaign and ongoing major gift efforts, assists with donor record‑keeping, and helps organize and execute key fundraising activities to advance Save the Sound’s mission to protect and improve the land, air, and water of the whole Long Island Sound region.

• Collaborate with the capital campaign team to plan and execute donor events, recognition programs, engagement activities and campaign marketing materials specific to Save the Sound’s mission and stakeholders.
• Support the preparation of personalized solicitation strategies for prospective campaign and major donors, including appropriate follow‑up and stewardship efforts.
• Maintain detailed and accurate records of donor interactions and progress toward campaign goals. Ensure all pledge and donation entries are accurate in the donor database (Raiser’s Edge), with training and supervision provided as needed. Pull and run reports to support fundraising initiatives and leadership needs.
• Assist the EVP of Philanthropy, Major Gift Managers and other primary relationship managers in coordinating strategy and the solicitation of their portfolio of campaign and major gift prospects. Provide administrative support, track tasks and deadlines and help prepare relevant materials.
• Assist with drafting, proofreading and editing proposals, letters, PowerPoint presentations, and other donor‑facing materials, including thank‑you notes, stewardship letters and appeals tailored to Save the Sound donors.
• Order mailing supplies and major donor gifts/swag.
• Ensure donor communications are timely and consistent, reflecting Save the Sound’s values and strategic priorities.
• Conduct donor and prospect research using internet and database sources.
• Support team activities by assisting with scheduling, developing agendas, compiling meeting materials, preparing follow‑up communications, making reservations for external meetings and ordering meeting lunches as needed.
• Organize development files, track project timelines and support the planning and execution of stewardship programs and cultivation activities.
• Work collaboratively with the Development team to achieve campaign and annual fundraising goals.
• Support other development projects and activities as agreed upon.

• Bachelor’s degree in philanthropy and/or nonprofits or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong organizational, writing, administrative and communication skills. Comfortable and willing to make phone calls.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (especially Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint).
• Willingness to learn donor database tools (Raiser’s Edge or similar); training will be provided.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent attention to detail and professionalism.
• Ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks and work both independently and as part of a team.

• Experience managing relationships with donors or other members of the public.
• Ability to manage successful events.
• Interest in environmental issues.
• Skills in promoting or…