Development Associate; Part-Time

The Development Associate supports the fundraising and institutional advancement efforts of Sierra Madre Playhouse, a historic, intimate performing arts center serving the San Gabriel Valley. This part-time role manages the day-to-day operations of fundraising, including grant writing, prospect research, donor database management, and stewardship coordination.

Working closely with the Artistic & Executive Director, the Development Associate helps ensure fundraising systems run smoothly, deadlines are met, and proposals and reports are prepared and submitted on time. While the Executive Director remains the primary relationship-builder and solicitor, this role plays a key part in preparing materials, maintaining momentum, and expanding the organization’s fundraising capacity.

This position is ideal for an early- to mid-career development professional who is an excellent writer, highly organized, and interested in growing within nonprofit fundraising and the performing arts.

We recognize that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often apply only if they meet every qualification. If much of this role sounds like you, we encourage you to apply.

Grant Writing & Management

• Draft grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports for foundation, government, and corporate funders
• Adapt and tailor existing proposal language for new opportunities
• Prepare and compile required attachments, including budgets, narratives, board lists, and financials
• Track submissions, deadlines, reporting requirements, and outcomes
• Maintain a master grants calendar and ensure timely follow-up

Prospect Research

• Research and identify prospective foundation and individual donors aligned with the organization’s mission
• Prepare concise prospect profiles outlining alignment, giving history, deadlines, and next steps
• Support the Executive Director with prospect lists and preparation for cultivation and solicitation

Donor Database & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor and funder records in the organization’s CRM
• Enter and update gifts, contacts, notes, and donor segmentation
• Generate fundraising reports for internal and board use
• Support data cleanup, tagging, and basic list building

Stewardship & Communications Support

• Draft donor acknowledgments and stewardship communications
• Assist with funder updates and impact reports
• Support donor communications and appeals as needed
• Track stewardship touchpoints and follow-ups

Coordination & Systems

• Maintain organized digital files related to fundraising and grants
• Coordinate internally to gather information for proposals and reports
• Provide regular status updates to the Executive Director on deadlines, priorities, and progress

• 1–3 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or grant writing
• Strong writing skills with the ability to craft clear, compelling narratives
• Experience with donor databases/CRMs and spreadsheet-based tracking
• Familiarity with foundation research tools and grant guidelines
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and deadline-driven
• Comfortable managing multiple projects simultaneously
• Interest in the performing arts and nonprofit sector
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with leadership

• Part-time, approximately 20 hours per week
• Hybrid role with one day per week on-site in Sierra Madre, CA
• Flexible scheduling coordinated with the Artistic & Executive Director

• $26–$28 per hour, depending on experience
• Part-time, non-exempt position
• Benefits and professional development opportunities to be discussed