Development Assistant

Spark the Journey • Washington, DC

3d • $24 - $29 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is more than an entry-level role, it’s a launchpad into the world of nonprofit development, fundraising, and mission-driven work. As a Development Assistant, you’ll play a hands-on role in helping Spark the Journey grow its impact. You’ll work closely with a collaborative and supportive team, gaining exposure to donor relations, fundraising campaigns, events, and the behind-the-scenes operations that power a nonprofit. You will create impact by keeping the team running smoothly, creating seamless experiences behind the scenes, power our fundraising through strong data and systems and support campaigns, events, for growth. You’ll be at the center of the action, learning how meaningful work gets funded and scaled and have the opportunity to work cross-functionally.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of professional experience
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Clear and professional communication skills, both written and verbal
• Proactive mindset, ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
• Experience with or willingness to learn a donor CRM (such as Salesforce)
• Legal authorization to work in United States without sponsorship
• Mandatory state criminal background check

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting fundraising efforts, events and/or donor engagements
• Familiarity with nonprofit development operations and tools such as Salesforce

Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day administrative support to ensure smooth Development team operations
• Serve as a point of contact for donor inquiries via email and phone, ensuring timely and professional responses
• Assist with preparation of donor communications, presentations, and outreach materials
• Receive and sort incoming mail and deliveries on a weekly basis
• Support across development functions, special projects, and other duties as assigned
• Manage scheduling and calendar coordination for the Development team and CEO
• Coordinate logistics and materials for Board and Development Committee meetings (virtual and in-person)
• Maintain and update development calendars and key deadlines
• Ensure meetings are well-organized, with materials prepared and follow-ups tracked
• Accurately enter and process donor gifts and pledges
• Maintain clean up-to-date donor records and support overall data integrity in collaboration with the Data & Systems team
• Partner with Finance to reconcile contributions and ensure accurate reporting
• Collaborate with the Data & Systems team to maintain high-quality data hygiene across databases
• Coordinate donor acknowledgment process, grant data tracking, and regular donor record updates
• Support execution of fundraising campaigns and donor engagement efforts
• Assist in planning and coordinating fundraising events and donor meetings
• Generate reports to support fundraising strategy and track fundraising progress
• Contribute to improvements in systems, processes, and team resources

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums fully funded by Spark, with FSA options
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Life and disability insurance fully funded by Spark
• 15 days of paid vacation in each of the first two years; 20 days in subsequent years
• Office closed on national and state holidays and between December 24-January 1
• Professional Development and Remote Office supply funds
• Flexible hybrid and teleworking environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed