Development Associate

Organization Overview:

Minds Matter NYC (MMNYC) connects driven and determined students from low-income families with people, preparation, and possibilities to succeed in college, create their future, and change the world! MMNYC is the founding and largest of the 14 Minds Matter chapters nationally. Since 1991, every Minds Matter student has been admitted to a four-year college. Their success is rooted in holistic programming and a unique model that puts dedicated volunteers at the forefront of the work with students.

MMNYC has experienced tremendous growth — doubling the size of our student body (now reaching 600+ students annually), strengthening our volunteer corps and paid staff, and increasing our annual budget to $3MM. In the past 4 years, MMNYC expanded both its service population and scope of services — evolving from a 3-year college access program to a premier 7+ year college and career attainment program serving students from high school through college and into careers. We recently unveiled our new Strategic Plan and are excited to see the organization continue to grow — It’s the perfect time to join our team!

Position Summary & Key Responsibilities:

The Development Associate plays a key role in supporting Minds Matter NYC’s individual giving strategy and fundraising events. This position is responsible for executing donor engagement initiatives, coordinating fundraising campaigns, maintaining development systems, and supporting event logistics, while providing operational support to the Development team.

Reporting to the Director of Individual Giving & Events, and working closely with members of the Programs, Development, and Communications teams, the ideal candidate is a detail-oriented self-starter with strong organizational skills and a proactive approach to managing multiple priorities. We are seeking a data-driven, organized, and energetic professional who is excited to deepen donor relationships, strengthen fundraising systems, and contribute meaningfully to a mission-driven organization.

The Development Associate is a highly collaborative role that works with stakeholders across the organization, including MMNYC staff, the volunteer corps, the Board of Directors, individual donors, corporate partners, and students and families.

The key responsibilities for the Development Associate include, but are not limited to:

Individual Giving & Campaigns:

• Support execution of the individual giving strategy by engaging volunteers, alumni, and donors in giving and peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Support the monthly giving program and Impact Leaders (Minds Matter NYC’s leadership-level individual giving community), including cultivation of current recurring donors and outreach to prospective monthly supporters.
• Coordinate the planning and implementation of seasonal fundraising appeals, including the Annual Appeal and Spring Campaign.
• Lead outreach, tracking, and follow-up for key giving days, including Giving Tuesday.
• Provide fundraising tracking and engagement support to the Board and Associate Board, helping ensure members meet fundraising expectations and remain actively involved.

Events & Fundraising Initiatives:

• Under the supervision of the Director of Individual Giving & Events, coordinate logistics and support execution of fundraising events ranging from smaller fundraising initiatives (e.g., NYC Marathon and Half Marathon teams) to major annual events such as the Brilliant Minds Benefit.
• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events by assisting with timelines, vendor coordination, sponsorship tracking, guest lists, and event materials.
• Provide on-site event support and assist with post-event follow-up, including data entry, reconciliation support, reporting, and donor stewardship communications.

Development & Financial Support:

• Maintain accurate donor records in Salesforce and Salesforce dashboards, including gift entry, donor communications tracking, reporting, and list management.
• Support the Director of Individual Giving & Events to manage third-party fundraising platforms (e.g., GoFundMe, Stripe, and other online giving tools) to ensure data integrity and accurate reporting.
• Monitor campaign performance and generate reports to support data-informed fundraising decisions.
• Assist with monthly budget reconciliation and provide financial updates to the Development team.

Operations & Compliance Support:

• Coordinate and participate in regular meetings with the bookkeeper and auditor to prepare documentation for the annual audit and Form 990 filing.
• Assist with processing passthrough donations from Minds Matter National and ensuring accurate reconciliation.
• Record revenue weekly and ensure timely and accurate donor acknowledgments.
• Manage the MMNYC Support and Payments inboxes, responding to inquiries and payment support.

Professional & Educational Qualifications:

Specific education and professional requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• 2 – 3 years of professional experience, preferably in a nonprofit, education, fundraising, or mission-driven organization
• Experience working with CRM databases (e.g., Salesforce) or similar data management systems
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (e.g., excel) and comfortable working with and organizing data
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines
• Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally with donors, volunteers, board members, and colleagues
• Interest in fundraising, donor engagement, and nonprofit operations
• Able to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Available to attend Saturday program sessions or special events, as needed

Compensation & Benefits:

The salary range for this full-time, non-exempt position is $52,000 - $58,000 annually, commensurate with experience plus a comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous allowance for medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k plan, 35 vacation days, 5 sick days, national holidays, plus our closure between Christmas and New Years. This role is New York City based, operating in a hybrid model with an expectation to be in office (Midtown Manhattan) at least one day/week and external meetings or evening events as needed.

To Apply:

Please apply via this link with a resume in PDF format that addresses your qualifications and ability to fulfill the responsibilities outlined above. Applications will be reviewed and processed in the order received through Wednesday, June 10 or until the position is secured.

Minds Matter NYC is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone. We believe that starts with engaging people at every level of the organization who reflect, celebrate, and affirm multi-dimensional identities. This allows all of us to broaden our thinking, deepen our understanding, and expand our views on what is possible. We invite and encourage diverse candidates to apply for this position.

Minds Matter NYC prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth), reproductive health decision-making (including use or access to particular drugs, devices, or medical services, or for exercising rights under NYLL § 203-e), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, military status, Civil Air Patrol status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law class.

Minds Matter NYC is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees are treated in all aspects of employment without unlawful discrimination on these or any other protected characteristics. Applicants can learn more about their EEO rights here.

A comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous allowance for medical/dental/vision/life insurance, 401k plan, 35 vacation days, 5 sick days, national holidays, plus our closure between Christmas and New Years.