Development Associate

Job Description

Career Opportunity - Join our Development Team!

Development Associate

We are seeking a Development Associate to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, and implementing the individual mid-level to large donor and planned giving programs to meet the organizations’ fundraising goals, including building the individual donor base. The Development Associate is also responsible for supporting the planning and management of all aspects of the organization’s fundraising events.

What you get to do!

• Manage the mid-level to large donor program
• Solicit gifts on behalf of the organization
• Manage relationships with donors and donor prospects
• Manage fundraising events and related sponsorships

MANAGE THE MID-LEVEL TO LARGE DONOR PROGRAMS

• Assist in the development of goals and strategies for the development department.
• Track and report on progress of the major gifts program throughout the year.
• Manage effective systems for tracking and cultivating donors, and prospects through the organizational database under guidance of Director of Development.
• Maintain donor database to track donations, communications, and donor profiles
• Identify research and qualify prospective donors.
• Develop portfolios of prospects for cultivation and solicitation by the CEO, COO, Director of Development, Board, and provide on-going support, appropriate accountability, and strategic counsel to each to support their successful cultivation and solicitation.
• Provide direct support staffing to the CEO, COO and Director of Development for major donor related responsibilities (ex. scheduling meetings with donors, writing donor communications, etc)

 SOLICIT GIFTS ON BEHALF OF THE ORGANIZATION AND MANAGED ORGANIZATIONS

• Support the creation of marketing materials, including brochures, social media posts, newsletters, and event promotions.
• Manage a portfolio of prospects.
• Initiate contact and meet with existing and potential donors/sponsors.
• Identify new donor/sponsor prospects and research potential funding opportunities (grants, sponsorships, partnerships).
• Help write appeal letters and sponsorship requests.
• Develop cultivation strategies for prospects; engage staff, Board, or other organization supporters as appropriate.
• Move potential donors toward solicitation and closure.
• Make solicitations.
• Lead recruitment of host for special events such as house parties and other benefit events.

MANAGE RELATIONSHIPS WITH DONORS AND PROSPECTS

• Produce materials and tools in partnership with Marketing Department to communicate regularly with donors, supporters, and potential allies.
• Identify opportunities to network with donors and prospects and engage members of the staff and board as appropriate to make the most of those opportunities.
• Maintain consistent quality communications with donors in coordination with the CEO, COO,  Director of Development and the Board. 
• Ensure quality communications follow all gifts to provide thanks and document through personalized letters, emails or phone calls.
• Manage and track the fulfillment of donor benefits for different giving levels.
• Be highly organized with a demonstrated ability to pay attention to details, follow-through, and meet deadlines.
• Identify and implement opportunities for donor recognition, stewardship, and appreciation.
• Develop annual stewardship plan for organization donor portfolio.

MANAGE FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND RELATED SPONSORSHIPS

• Support all aspects of fundraising events, including the logistics, solicitation of sponsors, and execution of the events.
• Oversee and manage all aspects of solicitation of sponsors and auction items for fundraising events.
• Promote a collegial atmosphere within the development department, working cooperatively with all fundraising officers to help them and the department attain their overall financial and advancement goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

 What you need to have to be successful - Qualifications! 

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (Communications, Marketing, Sales Non-profit Management, or related areas) or equivalent experience. 1-2 years of experience in fundraising, sales, relationship management, or event planning is preferred.
• Experience with graphic design and design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva) is a plus.
• Proven ability to prospect, cultivate, and manage relationships with donors.
• Proven success in event fundraising and coordination, as well as ability to manage budgets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.   Experience with public speaking.