Development Associate, Data and Operations

Heading Home's mission is to prevent and end homelessness. Through personalized support and shelter, as well as larger advocacy and affordable housing work, we provide stability and foster the independence every family and individual needs to thrive.

Founded in 1974, Heading Home is a leading provider of housing and support services for low and extremely low-income individuals and families currently or formerly experiencing homelessness in Eastern Massachusetts. For over 50 years, we have successfully helped thousands of people end their homelessness.

As an agency, our services are diverse; we provide emergency, transitional, permanent and affordable housing, and support services, to low-income individuals and families.

We are proud to share that for 17 years running, 90%+ of Heading Home's clients retained permanent housing. Last year, 97% of Heading Home clients remained housed after one year.

Job Title: Development Associate, Data and Operations

Reports To: Senior Director of Development

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $26.75 - $28.40

Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Development Associate, Data and Operations is an entry-level position that plays a vital role in supporting Heading Home's fundraising efforts. This individual will manage the organization's donor database, ensure the accuracy of fundraising records, assist with gift processing and reporting, and help coordinate logistics for four signature fundraising events each year.

This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, detail-oriented, enjoys working with data, and is interested in building a career in nonprofit development and fundraising operations.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Database & Gift Administration

• Maintain the integrity of the donor database by entering and updating donor records, gift information, and constituent interactions.
• Process donations, acknowledgments, pledges, matching gifts, and recurring gifts in a timely and accurate manner.
• Generate mailing lists, reports, dashboards, and donor data to support fundraising, stewardship, and leadership needs.
• Perform routine database audits to ensure data accuracy and consistency.
• Support donor stewardship by preparing acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and other donor communications.
• Assist with prospect research and donor segmentation.

Development Operations

• Support the day-to-day administrative functions of the Development team.
• Assist in creating reports that track fundraising progress, campaign performance, and donor activity.
• Help manage online fundraising platforms and event registration systems.
• Coordinate with Finance to reconcile gifts and ensure accurate reporting.

Event Logistics & Vendor Coordination

• Assist with planning and execution of four annual fundraising events, including logistics, timelines, and onsite coordination.
• Serve as the a point of contact for event vendors, including caterers, rental companies, venues, audiovisual providers, printers, and other partners.
• Manage vendor contracts, invoices, schedules, and deliverables in collaboration with the Development team.
• Coordinate event materials, registrations, auction logistics, volunteer assignments, and guest communications.
• Support event setup, execution, and post-event follow-up.

Team Collaboration

• Work closely with development, marketing, finance, and external partners to support fundraising initiatives.
• Participate in team meetings and contribute ideas for improving operational processes and donor engagement.
• Provide general administrative support for special projects as assigned.

Experience and Skills Required:

• BA required with a minimum of 1-3 years of experience in nonprofit organizations; development experience preferred
• Impeccable attention to detail and exceptional time management, ability to manage multiple tasks, define and set priorities, and problem-solve
• Excellent fluency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and experience working with development/CRM databases; knowledge of Blackbaud’s Raiser’s Edge a plus
• Proven initiator with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Affinity for providing excellent customer service, respectful donor engagement, and anticipating the needs of the team
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to interact professionally with individuals at all levels of the organization
• Genuine curiosity about people and their motivations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of client and donor information
• Must be able to work off hours as needed with an aptitude for teamwork

EEO STATEMENT/ AFFIRMATIVE ACTION

Heading Home, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic data, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or other