Development Assistant

Position Summary:

The Development Assistant supports and advances the organization’s overall fundraising and development strategy, with greater responsibility for donor relations, fundraising initiatives, prospect research, grants, sponsorships, communications, and development operations. The position works closely with leadership and development staff to strengthen donor and client relationships, identify new funding opportunities, analyze fundraising and market trends, and implement strategies that increase engagement and revenue. The Development Assistant is expected to take ownership of assigned projects and contribute to the planning and execution of development initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the development and implementation of fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with donors, clients, sponsors, and prospective supporters.
• Analyze fundraising results, market trends, donor activity, and external conditions to identify opportunities for growth.
• Manage and maintain accurate donor, prospect, client, and sponsor databases.
• Track and analyze recurring donations, campaign performance, engagement metrics, and fundraising goals.
• Support key fundraising campaigns, year-end appeals, and program- or event-specific campaigns.
• Draft donor communications, stewardship materials, appeals, follow-ups, and other development correspondence.
• Conduct prospect and funder research and identify new opportunities aligned with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Assist in developing grant proposals.
• Coordinate sponsor outreach and follow-up.
• Develop and deliver presentations and prospect materials as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, donor relations, communications, client relations, or a related area preferred.
• Understanding of fundraising, donor engagement, and development operations.
• Research, analytical, organizational, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience supporting or coordinating fundraising campaigns, events, sponsorships, or donor initiatives.
• Familiarity with grant research, proposal development, reporting, and funder relations preferred.
• Ability to create and deliver presentations to internal and external audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build productive relationships with donors, clients, sponsors, partners, and colleagues.