Development Associate (Fundraising and Events)
About The Position
Serving as the operational hub of the department, the Development Associate ensures timely delivery of donor communications, campaigns, and projects while maintaining consistency, quality, and alignment across all development activities. This position strengthens the donor experience and improves fundraising effectiveness through reliable follow-through on departmental priorities. The Development Associate executes and coordinates key operational functions within the Development Department, with a primary focus on supporting and expanding fundraising initiatives across the Division. This role works closely with the Donor Relations Director, Planned Giving Directors, Annual Giving Team, Corporate partners, Volunteers, PR and Marketing, and Events teams.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience
- Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in administration, project coordination, communications, or development support
- Ability to prioritize work and multitask simultaneous projects.
- Proficiency in working with basic office computing systems and equipment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Access, WordPress, social media platforms, and Adobe Acrobat
- Ability to maintain confidentiality.
- Must be able to work independently
- Must possess a valid California Class C Driver license. and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle.
- Must be 21 years or older.
- Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ livescan Fingerprint check.
- Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training
Responsibilities
- Draft, edit, and proofread donor-facing communications, including emails, updates, and basic collateral
- Support development, communication calendars and scheduling of donor outreach
- Coordinate production of communication materials with internal staff or external vendors
- Ensure consistency with Salvation Army messaging and communication standards
- Assist in coordinating development campaigns, mailings, and departmental projects
- Maintain project timelines, task trackers, and follow-up schedules
- Support preparation of reports, proposals, and donor materials
- Ensure deliverables are completed on time and communicated effectively
- Maintain accurate donor and constituent records in the CRM/database
- Assist with acknowledgment tracking, data updates, and list preparation
- Perform basic data quality checks and support reporting needs
- Support segmentation and preparation of mailing and communication lists
- Assist with planning and coordination of donor events and development activities
- Support event logistics, including materials, lists, and follow-up communications
- Provide general development support, including meeting coordination and documentation
- Works closely in supporting key staff such as the Donor Relations Director, Planned Giving Directors, Annual Giving Team. And assisting with PR, Marketing, and Events.
- Plan, coordinate, and execute fundraising events such as galas, auctions, donor receptions, golf tournaments, and cultivation dinners
- Develop event timelines, run-of-show documents, and logistics plans
- Secure venues, vendors, and suppliers; negotiate contracts and manage relationships
- Coordinate ticket sales, table purchases, and registration processes
- Support in-kind donation solicitation and auction item procurement
- Track event revenue and expenses against budget goals
- Serve as a primary point of contact for event attendees, donors, and sponsors
- Prepare and send donor acknowledgment letters and event follow-up communications
- Support stewardship activities connected to event participants
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
