Development Associate

Development Associate

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a non-profit legal organization working to remove barriers to education to achieve education equity for low-income students, children with disabilities, immigrant children, and Black and Brown youth. During this time when civil rights in education are under political attack, MAC is a key leader in fighting to maintain and enforce longstanding protections for children who face the greatest barriers to education.

Our work is multi-level, driven by a community-informed, ground-up advocacy model. Our multilingual helpline supports thousands of parents and caregivers each year, offering guidance, resources, and referrals to help them overcome educational barriers. We provide free legal representation to children with the greatest needs that will inform our systemic advocacy. We then take what we learn from our direct advocacy and create changes at the system level through both impact litigation and legislative and policy advocacy. Our issue-focused coalitions raise awareness and build strategic roadmaps for change, while our training and community engagement work empower parents to advocate for their children and become leaders in the movement for educational equity. Since 2016, MAC has been deeply and formally committed to advancing racial equity within our organization and the educational systems we seek to reform. We apply a racial equity lens to all of our advocacy. Our ongoing Racial Equity Initiative equips us to better identify, address, and respond to structural racism, ensuring that our work and organization reflect the values of justice and inclusivity.

To learn more about our mission and work, please visit MAC’s website or view a video about who we are.

How we envision the position:

MAC seeks a motivated, detail-oriented, and digitally savvy team member to support our impact as a Development Associate. The associate will contribute to both fundraising and communications work at MAC. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and support MAC during a dynamic and exciting period of growth. The Development Associate will report to the Director of Development and Communications and work closely with the Executive Director and entire staff.

The Development Associate will provide creative, systematic and administrative support to all areas of MAC’s fundraising and communications work. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and enjoy working collaboratively as well as independently with strong attention to detail. This position offers opportunities for growth as proficiency is demonstrated.

What you would be working on:

1. Development and Fundraising:

• Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications and Executive Director to execute fundraising strategies and initiatives.
• Research and identify potential funding sources, including individual donors, foundations, and corporations.
• Support logistics of grant submissions and reports, donor appeals, and sponsorship materials to secure financial support. Support program staff to produce data for grant reports.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and grant databases and records (e.g., documenting relationships and timelines) and sending timely acknowledgements for gifts.
• Support donor appeal campaigns through list development, follow-up correspondence, and tracking of gifts.

1. Communications and Marketing:

• Assist with maintaining MAC’s website, social media channels, and other digital platforms with engaging and relevant content.
• Create marketing materials consistent with MAC’s branding (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and promotional materials).

1. Event Support:

• Support the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events with development team.
• Assist with logistics for events, including venue coordination, guest lists and invitations, guest communications, and day-of event staffing and coordination.

1. Administrative Support:

• Provide general development and communications-related administrative support including support with maintaining deadlines in Outlook and other programs, scheduling internal and external meetings, and coordinating translation of communications materials.

Qualifications:

We appreciate and value that a wide variety of life and work experiences could prepare someone for this role. We also recognize that people from historically marginalized communities may not apply for positions if they do not have every qualification. We encourage anyone who believes they would be a good fit to apply!

• Detail-oriented and well-organized. Able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines independently.
• Previous experience in fundraising, development, or communications in a nonprofit or analogous setting is preferred but not required.
• Commitment to social justice and belief in MAC’s mission.
• Great communication skills. Ability to explain the organization's mission and impact effectively.
• Strong digital skills: experience using Microsoft Office Suite and basic design experience (for example Canva or equivalent program) required. At ease with learning or already experienced with other platforms such as Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Little Green Light.
• Experience with social media platforms and familiarity with digital marketing strategies.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a culturally and racially diverse team.

Salary and benefits

This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position requiring at least 2 days a week in our Boston office near South Station. The salary range is $54,000 - $60,000. The range has been established after a comprehensive analysis of market data, industry benchmarks, and our internal salary structures which have been adopted as part of our race equity commitment.

MAC offers a comprehensive benefits package alongside the base salary. A standout feature is the pilot 4-day work week program, providing 100% pay for a Friday-off schedule to enhance work-life balance. The package includes health insurance with an 85% employer contribution, employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution. Employees receive generous paid time off, including vacation starting at 2 weeks per year, 15 sick days, 11 holidays plus 2 floating holidays, an office closure from December 26 to January 1, and 2 personal days annually. Additionally, employees are eligible for a sabbatical after 7 years of service.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Elsa Liu, Office Manager, at eliu@massadvocates.org. Please indicate "Development Associate Application - [Your Name]" in the subject line. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and work to dismantle dominant cultural systems of workplace requirements and restrictive hiring practices. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

Note: The job description provided is a general outline and may be modified in communication with the Development Associate as needed to reflect the specific needs of Massachusetts Advocates for Children.