Development Associate

About Us:

Dare to Revitalize Education thru Arts and Mediation (DREAM!) is a nonprofit dedicated to dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline by equipping students, educators, families, and underserved communities with the practical skills and confidence to resolve conflicts creatively and productively. Our work increases student engagement, supports personal and academic success, and transforms learning environments.

DREAM! offers youth-centered programming, professional development, coaching, and resources for school staff, as well as workshops for community-based organizations (CBOs) and families. To reduce suspensions and foster positive learning spaces, we engage young people and all their stakeholders through a unique three-prong approach: restorative practices, arts education, and social-emotional learning.

Position Overview:

Location: Remote / Hybrid

Position Type: Contractor

DREAM! is at a pivotal moment of growth, building stronger fundraising systems and expanding our impact. We’re seeking a seasoned Development Associate to be a trusted partner in this work—supporting and helping shape our grant strategy, strengthening donor engagement, and advancing our fundraising systems at a transformative stage for the organization.

This role works closely with the Director of Development, supporting strategic initiatives while ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The ideal candidate is highly skilled, collaborative, and committed to contributing expertise in a way that complements leadership and enhances DREAM!’s overall impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Grants Management

• Maintain the grants calendar and tracking system to ensure deadlines are consistently met.
• Draft compelling grant proposals in collaboration with the Director of Development.
• Revise proposals following feedback from leadership.
• Submit proposals and follow up as needed.
• Assist in drafting and sending donor acknowledgments and processing gifts.

Database and Data Management

• Support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of fundraising databases.
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date records for grants, donors, and fundraising activities.

Fundraising Support

• Collaborate with the Director of Development on individual giving, campaigns, and events (virtual and in-person).
• Conduct prospect research and support donor cultivation strategies.
• Contribute to other fundraising initiatives and administrative tasks as needed.

Qualifications:

• Exceptional writing skills; able to produce compelling, persuasive, and evocative proposals while maintaining clarity and professionalism.
• Minimum 5 - 7 years of experience in grant writing, nonprofit development, or fundraising, with a proven track record of securing funding and supporting organizational growth.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and complex projects simultaneously.
• Detail-oriented, with strong accuracy in data entry, record-keeping, and grant reporting.
• Comfortable working independently within a collaborative, leadership-aligned framework.
• Demonstrates professionalism, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate respectfully with organizational leadership.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, or similar productivity tools.
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems, including tracking prospects, managing relationships, and reporting metrics, is strongly preferred.

Time Commitment:

This is a hybrid, up to 1 year contract role (with the ability to renew), averaging 10 hours per week. Flexibility is possible, but reliability and meeting deadlines are essential. In this hybrid position, the Associate will be expected to work on-site at our Bronx office once or twice per month on average. Certain special events may require additional on-site hours.

Compensation: $75/hour

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing samples. Applications without a writing sample and cover letter will not be considered.

This is a hybrid, contract role, averaging 10 hours per week. Flexibility is possible, but reliability and meeting deadlines are essential. In this hybrid position, the Associate will be expected to work on-site at our Bronx office once or twice per month on average. Certain special events may require additional on-site hours.

Compensation: $75/hour