Development Associate

Friends of the Children Montana • Missoula, MT

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Development Associate Friends of the Children – Western Montana Friends of the Children–Western Montana is a growing nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty and trauma through long-term, professional mentoring. Since launching in 2021, we have built strong momentum—expanding our work in Missoula and on the Flathead Reservation with the support of a committed community of partners and donors who believe deeply in our mission and the children and families we serve. Our development program is strategic, relationship-driven, and highly effective—grounded in thoughtful systems, long-term donor engagement, and a clear vision for sustainable growth and impact. As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Development Associate to play a key role in supporting this high-performing fundraising program and contributing to the next phase of our growth. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team and contribute to a development operation already making a measurable difference across Western Montana. Position Objective The Development Associate is an integral member of the development team, working in close partnership with the Development Director and Executive Director to achieve fundraising goals. This role supports and strengthens an established program that increases awareness and generates sustained, long-term support for the organization.

Requirements

• Experience using CRM to manage donor data (Little Green Light preferred)
• Proficient in sending communications through email platforms like Mailchimp
• Creating marketing material using Canva and/or Adobe
• Comfortability using Microsoft Office Suite
• Creating and posting social media contact
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Driver’s License
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience
• 1–2 years of experience in development, fundraising, or communications

Responsibilities

• Manage the donor database (Little Green Light) to ensure accurate recordkeeping and data integrity
• Maintain clean, complete constituent records
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to track progress toward goals
• Organize and manage a high volume of tasks tied to donor strategies and annual action plans
• Conduct prospect research and support portfolio development and maintenance
• Prepare weekly task reports for fundraisers (Development Director and Executive Director)
• Assist with donor strategy briefing memos
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry following donor interactions
• Process gifts and acknowledgments on a timely, weekly basis
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliation with the operations team
• Respond to donor inquiries via phone and email
• Assist with stewardship mailings, appeals, and event communications
• Provide operational support for development-related events
• Assist with design and editing of promotional materials
• Draft, coordinate, and distribute the monthly newsletter
• Manage social media content and posting
• Support email campaigns through Mailchimp (appeals, updates, invitations)
• Secure corporate sponsorships for events
• Support planning and execution of community events
• Maintain a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects
• Engage actively in staff meetings, professional development, equity and inclusion work, and team initiatives

Benefits

• Employer covers 100% the employee only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability
• 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• PTO & Holidays: + 10 holidays

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree