Development Associate

Development Associate

Position Description

The Development Associate is a full-time, in-person position that works with and reports to the Director of Funding Resources as well as working with the Office & Development Manager and is an integral part of the development and institutional advancement work at Ragdale. This position is an integral part of the development, and institutional advancement work at Ragdale to ensure the success of organization in meeting its mission. Strong organizational and communication skills are essential for this position, as well as being a creative problem-solver. This successful candidate will bring initiative, strong communication skills, and a commitment to our work in supporting artists on an historic and architecturally significant campus.

Overview

The Development Associate responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

1. Contribute to the organization's overall development strategy in support of the organization’s mission.
2. Work with the Director of Funding Resources in all aspects of fundraising including work with major donors, business partners, and funders to develop strategies and relationships.
3. Assist with the planning, implementation, and promotion of all fundraising and cultivation events, and occasionally, take the lead on organizing specific projects.
4. Draft donor correspondences, help prepare meeting materials, and assist in the coordination of donor appeals and stewardship efforts.
5. Assist in grant and donor tracking, creating and populating spreadsheets and producing donor reports.
6. Serve as the point of contact for image and content requests for press, media, communications, and organizational partnerships.
7. Lead on the timely edits, updates and revisions needed for the Ragdale website to keep donor programs, opportunities, and information current.
8. Collaborate with the Office & Development Manager to enter donor information, process donations, generate acknowledgement letters, and report on donor activity.
9. Work with and lead development interns with their projects and tasks
10. Other special projects and tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

The Development Associate should ideally have the following background and experience:

1. 1. A minimum of two years’ experience working with non-profit organizations in any capacity and/or direct experience with fund raising, event planning and/or working with supporters and volunteers at a non-profit.
   2. Experience in engaging the public in a helpful and friendly manner and an appreciation for the arts, artists, the creative process, the natural environment, and architectural history.
   3. Demonstrated skill working with databases and other communication platforms.
   4. Experience with Microsoft systems and software is essential, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Familiarity with Donor Perfect or work with other CRMs is highly desirable, as well as Constant Contact, Canva or other similar email, digital marketing and design platforms.
   5. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are essential as well as being a creative problem-solver, with strong attention to detail.
   6. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree.
   7. Bi-lingual Spanish speaking a plus.
   8. The position requires occasional evening and weekend hours, that are time compensated with flexibility in scheduling.

Compensation

The salary range for this position is $52,000- $55,000, commensurate with experience. This position also provides health and dental insurance, paid vacation time, and participation in a 401(k)-retirement plan.

About Ragdale

Ragdale is an artist residency program located in Lake Forest, Illinois, that provides time and space for artists to develop new works. Individuals apply through a competitive review process, and we award over 150 residencies annually, making Ragdale one of the largest residency programs in the United States. Ragdale also provides ways for people from broad backgrounds to participate in themed residencies, creative sabbaticals, outreach programs for teens, and public programs that connect Ragdale with the broader community. Situated on the grounds of the former summer home of noted Chicago architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and poet/playwright Frances Wells Shaw, Ragdale is a stunning example of Arts and Crafts Architecture and listed on the National Register. Comprised of a series of historic homes, purpose-built studios, and access to 50 acres of protected prairie land, Ragdale provides artists with a remarkable environment to explore their work. As an organization we believe that engagement with creativity is essential to a healthy and vibrant world, and our mission is to steward an inspirational environment that fosters courageous creativity and inclusive community through our artist residencies. www.ragdale.org

How to apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position will remain open until filled. For FULL consideration, please send a PDF cover letter and resume to Mary Beth Sova, Director of Funding Resources at marybeth@ragdale.org, Subject Line: Development Associate. If the candidate’s letter and resume reflect a fit for the position, they will be contacted for a zoom interview. This position seeks to be filled no later than September 30. No phone calls, please.

Ragdale is committed to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an organization we are dedicated to the fair and equal treatment of all our employees without regard to age, gender identification, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, political affiliation, maternity status, parental status, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. All are welcome.