Development Associate

The World Science Festival (WSF) is seeking an organized, detail-oriented, and motivated Development Associate to join our team. The Development Associate will play a critical role in supporting fundraising efforts by managing donor records, assisting with events, and maintaining operational excellence. This is a fantastic opportunity for a highly-motivated individual with a passion for science and the arts who thrives in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities:

CRM Management and Gift Processing:

• Oversee the organization’s Customer Relations Management (CRM) system, Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Manage data entry, donation records, donor segmentation, donor and guest lists, and run queries and reports.
• Reconcile donations with the Finance Department on a monthly basis.
• Analyze and improve CRM systems and processes to maximize efficiency.

Donor Stewardship and Acknowledgment:

• Maintain foundation, corporate, and individual donor files.
• Process donations, prepare acknowledgment letters, and communicate updates to stakeholders.
• Coordinate production and mailing of seasonal appeal letters and acknowledgments.
• Assist in the development and management of membership circles.

Fundraising Events and Donor Cultivation:

• Support the planning and execution of events, including the donor cultivation events, and gala.
• Coordinate event logistics, including pre- and post-event planning, send out invitations and oversee guest lists.
• Attend WSF programming and events as needed, and assist with on-site event operations.

Donor Prospecting

• Conduct research to identify and evaluate potential individual philanthropists, foundations, and corporate partners to support the organization’s mission.
• Prepare detailed prospect sheets for events, highlighting attendee profiles and opportunities for engagement to maximize donor cultivation efforts.

Grant Writing Support:

• Assist in the grant-writing process, including research, drafting proposals, submissions, reporting, and tracking deadlines.

Administrative and Financial Support:

• Provide general administrative support for the Development team.
• Manage departmental expenses.
• Create monthly fundraising reports and dashboards.
• Route inquiries from donors and other stakeholders to appropriate team members.
• Other responsibilities as needed

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years of development experience in nonprofit fundraising.
• Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge NXT.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Flexible, collaborative, and team-oriented with a positive work ethic.
• Able to handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Strong organizational and computer skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks efficiently while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

About the World Science Festival:

World Science Festival (WSF) is a multimedia organization producing original content straddling science, the arts, journalism and education. Founded in 2008, WSF is viewed by many as the premier platform bringing the most transformative ideas at the forefront of discovery to mainstream audiences. With formats spanning innovative works of theatre, film, dance and music, immersive live and virtual experiences, as well as riveting discussions and debates, WSF is lauded globally for its groundbreaking live and digital content featuring world renowned scientists, artists and intellectuals, shifting science to the cultural center. Based in New York City, WSF is distinctive in its commitment to the highest of editorial standards and production excellence, providing worldwide audiences an exciting and impactful view of the near and far future.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range for this position is $60,000 to $80,000 annually, depending on experience. WSF offers a comprehensive benefits package.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their application here. The application process is accessible to all candidates. If assistance is needed accessing job openings or completing the application due to a disability, please reach out to jobs@worldsciencefestival.com.

Equal Opportunity Employment Policy:

The World Science Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information, citizenship, veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law. All applications will be considered in accordance with applicable “Fair Chance” laws.