Development & Communications Associate

Position:
Development & Communications Associate

Reports to:

Development Manager

Category:
Full-time, non-exempt position

Compensation: $21 – 24/hour depending on experience

Schedule:

Flexible schedule, with some evenings & weekend

Start Date:

Late July or early August 2026

The Development & Communications Associate is a full-time role that supports the work of an integrated team that manages GTCYS’ fundraising, storytelling, and community stewardship. Reporting to the Development Manager, this position is primarily responsible for accurate and timely gift processing, acknowledgements, and reconciliation. The Associate is also responsible for maintaining constituent records in Neon CRM and supporting the production of reports, mailing lists, and digital communications via Mailchimp.

The role provides event support, donor stewardship and contributes to alumni engagement efforts. The Associate also supports the work of GTCYS’ storytelling initiatives, coordinates student involvement in social media and donor stewardship, assists with advertising and website updates, and produces concert programs. Successful candidates will bring exceptional attention to detail, comfort working with data, and the flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.

This is a hybrid role with some regular required in‑office work at GTCYS’ St. Paul office.

• Process charitable gifts and pledges, including gift entry in database, appeal coding, tracking matching gift requests, and preparing backup gift documentation.
• Prepare, track, and send timely gift acknowledgements and
• Perform regular gift reconciliation to ensure accurate

• Manage all donor information and maintain accurate donor and alumni records in Neon
• Make regular updates and perform maintenance in Neon CRM, including maintaining records of event attendees and donor activities and notes.
• Help create accurate reports for donor recognition lists, stewardship, and other
• Help create mailing lists for appeals, communications, and event invitations and digital communication via Mail Chimp.
• Perform maintenance and updates in

In coordination with the Communications Manager:

• Support storytelling initiatives by gathering quotes and testimonials, photos, and
• Coordinate student involvement for departmental needs including social media posts and donor stewardship (i.e. thank you notes).
• Create social media content with student involvement as
• Coordinate print and digital advertisements (paid and trade).
• Perform regular website updates including creating and maintaining surveys and forms.
• Create community concert programs.

• Provide on‑site support at key program events/concerts and serve as an ambassador for
• Provide coordination support for stewardship activities and annual fundraising events and activities; including invitations, venue and vendor management, online auction, and day‑of set‑up.
• Assist Development Manager with alumni engagement by collecting and sharing alumni stories and developing ways to maintain alumni contact information and engagement.
• Oversee volunteers for development/communication activities and special events.

• Process mail in the office and deliver bi‑monthly deposits to the bank as
• Understand and ensure adherence to GTCYS’ policies and
• Coordinate merchandise purchases.
• Monitor, maintain, and order departmental equipment, materials and supplies.

• A least one year working in a professional environment.
• Confidence using PC-based Microsoft 365, especially Microsoft Excel and mail merge capabilities.
• Experience with database entry software and email marketing platforms (GTCYS uses Neon CRM and Mail Chimp).
• Exceptional attention to detail and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of donor and other contact
• Ability to communicate effectively with administrative staff, students, stakeholders, and broader community through verbal and written communications.
• Self‑motivated and ability to set priorities and meet
• Strong analytical skills and aptitude for working with
• Demonstrated comfort with DSLR cameras and editing short‑form content.
• Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events as
• Passion for GTCYS mission.

Compensation is $21 - $24/hour depending on experience. Benefits include health insurance (70% paid by GTCYS), 3% match to 401(k) plan, long term disability insurance, access to dental insurance, generous paid time off, paid holidays, weeklong closure during the winter holidays, and summer Friday half‑days.