Development Associate

Casita Maria creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural art and educational experiences and programs. We are searching for a Development Associate to join a dynamic and thriving team of professionals, celebrating arts and culture as integral to our vitality and success. We are committed to working together as a team to enhance the intellectual, creative, physical and emotional growth of everyone we serve. We strive to demonstrate understanding and compassion in the workplace embracing curiosity and transparency while aspiring to set the gold standard as a non-profit. Casita Maria is a safe space where everyone values each other and the community as we aspire to greatness.

At Casita Maria, we view diversity of cultures, backgrounds, identities, and perspectives as a source of collective strength. In pursuit of our mission to cultivate thoughtful individuals who engage the world meaningfully, we value every young person, parent/guardian, caring adult, neighborhood resident, and staff member regardless of race, religion, gender or beliefs. 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Associate will assist the Director of Development and Executive Director in managing fundraising activities. She/he will be responsible for operations, administrative, and logistical tasks, as well as drafting correspondence, reports, and sections of proposals.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate superior interpersonal skills, excellent follow-through, and sharp attention to detail. S/he will be a dynamic self-starter with the ability to meet deadlines and to manage multiple tasks at once. 

This is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of fundraising operations for a growing non-profit. 

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Departmental coordination: Assist with execution of fundraising plans, including tracking deadlines, setting up meetings, and coordinating with staff inside and outside the department. 
• Donor database:  Assume primary responsibility for updating and maintaining Casita Maria's donor database (maintained on Bloomerang software), including files on individual donors, institutional supporters, and event sponsors. Generate reports from the database as requested. 
• Electronic document archive: Maintain electronic archive of Casita Maria's government funding archive, separate from the donor database.
• Correspondence: Generate donor acknowledgement letters and other routine correspondence.
• Fundraising campaigns: Assist in development and execution of annual appeals and fundraising campaigns.
• Events: Assist Event Planner with coordination of fundraising events, including the annual gala.
• Institutional donor cultivation: Maintain schedule of institutional proposal and reporting deadlines; help to prepare periodic reports and proposals as directed. 
• Government contracts: Assist with contracting requirements for public funders, including city and state agencies.
• Materials preparation: Prepare briefings and follow-up materials for Executive Director and senior Development staff conducting donor and funder cultivation.
• Board of Directors: Support Executive Director with Board-related activities.
• Other tasks: Complete other assignments as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• 1 to 2 years’ experience working in a non-profit office setting; fundraising experience a plus.
• Minimum of a Bachelor's Degree or equivalent.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including an ability to interact with staff and funders across multiple levels of seniority, backgrounds, etc.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; keen attention to detail.
• Self-starter, able to juggle multiple tasks and projects and complete work with minimal supervision.
• Experience with donor database management; extra credit for knowledge of Bloomerang.
• Interest in, and dedication to, arts, education, and the South Bronx community.
• Spanish speaker preferred, but not required. 
• Available to work weekends and/or evenings, as needed.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

 PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS 

• Works in an office environment.
• Frequently sits for long periods of time.
• Frequently speaks, reads, writes, uses a computer and computer keyboard.
• May require occasional standing, walking, lifting, stooping, and bending.