Dynamic Development Associate Job Description

A development associate job description calls for an individual who is able to work very closely with various departments within a university, nonprofit organization or other corporation in order to help with fundraising activities. He or she will have varying duties depending upon the industry for which he or she works.

Position Description

The development associate is responsible for assisting in and supporting fundraising operations within a company. He or she often reports to a Development Director or Coordinator and works with a team of other associates.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Development Associate

• Works to acquire new donors and manages a donor database; keeps in regular contact with donors during fundraising events.
• Maintains the accuracy and integrity of databases by ensuring that all information is kept current and up to date.
• Troubleshoots database issues.
• Provides support to various committees and volunteers during fundraising campaigns and events.
• Assists with the creation and finalization of guest lists.
• Mails flyers and other correspondence to potential donors, volunteers and guests in order to inform them of events and activities.
• Provides support to other advertising efforts and works in public relations.
• Writes grant requests and proposals as necessary.
• Performs basic administrative duties such as filing, data entry, maintaining a filing system and more.
• Assists in scheduling meetings with prospective funders and donors.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Possesses experience in SalesForce or other databases.
• Has the ability to work extremely flexible work hours including late nights, holidays and weekends.
• Displays exceptional time-management and organizational skills as needed for meeting deadlines.
• Shows persuasiveness and the ability to procure donors, funders and items needed for fundraising efforts.
• Demonstrates a professional demeanor whether speaking to others in person, over the phone, via email or through letters.
• Works well alone as well as under direct supervision.

Education and Experience

While not all employers require a development associate to have a formal education other than a high school diploma or a GED, some may require a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, finance or a related field. In lieu of a degree, employers may allow candidates to substitute two to three years’ experience in a field related to business finance and fundraising. Experience in organizing fundraising events is preferred but not always required; on-the-job training is often available.

Work Environment

The work environment of a development associate fluctuates quite a bit. During the processes of finding donors and volunteers, he or she may spend time indoors in an office setting using a telephone and a computer. However, during the process of setting up for and overseeing a fundraising event, the associate may need to be present outdoors for many hours at a time. The job is not incredibly physically demanding, but the candidate may need to be on his or her feet for upwards of eight to 10 hours per day during events.

Salary

The average development associate salary fluctuates quite a bit since nonprofit organizations often pay much less than universities or other entities. However, across all industries and settings, these individuals earn an average of $57,671 per year. Those who are employed with smaller companies and nonprofits earn the least at around $34,000 per year; those employed with large renowned universities earn the most—some may earn upwards of $75,000 per year.