Development & Events Associate

About MLRI

Founded in 1968, MLRI is a nationally-recognized nonprofit poverty law and policy center that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and underserved communities. We pursue systems change through litigation, legislative and administrative advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and other strategies that address systemic harm to low-income people. MLRI is also the statewide multi-issue poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system; our advocates provide substantive expertise, training, and technical assistance to frontline legal aid attorneys and to many other advocates and providers who serve low-income people and communities in Massachusetts. MRLI has approximately 50 staff members and an operating budget of $10M.

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic, organized, and enthusiastic Development & Events Associate to join our team. The successful candidate will play a critical role in managing our expanding fundraising efforts, coordinating events, and building lasting relationships with donors, sponsors, and volunteers. This position requires a self-starter who thrives working independently, takes initiative and ownership of their work, and has excellent communication and organizational skills.

Job Responsibilities

• Fundraising Appeals & Donor Communications
  • Coordinate the production and distribution of direct fundraising appeal campaigns and donor stewardship efforts.
  • Maintain, segment, and update mailing and email lists; schedule and coordinate print fundraising mailers and email communications.
  • Coordinate with the Communications Team on social media, web, and email content for each fundraising campaign and overall public-facing development pages
  • Work with the Communications Team to produce MLRI’s Annual Report, including drafting and editing donor-facing content and compiling donor recognition lists.
• Donor Stewardship & Development Team Administration
  • Manage donor recognition and ensure timely and appropriate acknowledgment of all contributions.
  • Process incoming gifts received by check and online, and enter them accurately into Salesforce.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of fundraising activities and donor interactions in the organization's database.
  • Monitor fundraising trends and adapt strategies to maximize engagement and revenue.
  • Measure effectiveness of engagement initiatives to ensure fundraising goals are met while deepening engagement with donors
  • Research prospective new individual, foundation, and corporate donors
  • Compile materials for donor cultivation and solicitation meetings
  • Manage monthly donor records and year-end summary acknowledgements, and handle returned mail and address updates.
• Event Management
  • Serve as project manager for events, especially the annual Catalyst for Change, from early planning through post-event wrap-up, including the event timeline, budget tracking, and run-of-show.
    • Research and source vendors for event logistics (venue, catering, A/V, printing); coordinate contracts and invoices, and reconcile event revenue and expenses with the Finance Team.
    • Develop and maintain event management technology and registration systems.
    • Coordinate speakers, honorees, volunteers, event committee, and board members, keeping all internal and external stakeholders informed.
    • Own planning and execution of all day-of-event logistics.
    • Manage sponsorships: track prospective and committed sponsors, collect logos and attendee lists, and record pledges and payments in Salesforce.
  • Work with the Communications Team on event promotion, including invitations, email communications, website updates, and social media.
  • Brainstorm, plan, organize, and execute a variety of new fundraising events to support donor pipeline, stewardship, and retention.

Qualifications:

• Excellent organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail and the ability to multitask.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in development, fundraising, event planning, communications or a similar role within a nonprofit organization.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Creativity and a passion for nonprofit fundraising
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with donor management software is a plus

Salary and Benefits:

MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. MLRI provides a very generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5%, as well as vacation, holiday, winter recess and family leave. MLRI’s salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant experience. The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 per year. MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

How to Apply:

To apply, please include “Development & Events Associate” in the subject line and email a cover letter and resume to humanresources@mlri.org. Application materials will be reviewed, and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis; interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to submit application materials promptly.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

MLRI is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We believe that having a staff, board, and volunteers with diverse personal and professional backgrounds and lived experience enhances our ability to meet our mission and creates an environment where all members of our community can thrive. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, immigrants, women, persons with disabilities, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with lived experience of poverty and/or racism, and people. from underrepresented and historically marginalized groups.

MLRI offers competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a supportive working environment. MLRI provides a very generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, 403(b) plan employer contribution of 5%, as well as vacation, holiday, winter recess and family leave. MLRI’s salaries are based on salary scale range and are commensurate with skills and years of relevant experience. The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 per year. MLRI is currently operating on a hybrid schedule and is committed to a fair and equitable workplace that promotes work-life balance.

English proficiency required