DEVELOPMENT & PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSISTANT

Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI)•Town of Smithtown, NY

2d•$21 - $25•Onsite

About The Position

About Brightway Living & Learning: Brightway Living & Learning is a premier non-profit provider of human services on Long Island, including educational, residential, day habilitation, and vocational programs. Building on a 65-year legacy as the Developmental Disabilities Institute (DDI), Brightway supports over 1,600 children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities through a full continuum of care. By employing persistence, adaptability, and the power of behavioral science, Brightway’s dedicated professionals enable individuals to grow, learn, and meet milestones at their own pace. Discover more about our mission and our "All Ways Forward" approach at brightwayny.org. The Role: The Development & Public Affairs Assistant supports the day-to-day operations of the department and gains hands-on experience across donor relations, event planning, and strategic communications. They will be an organized, proactive self-starter, playing a key part in keeping departmental operations running smoothly while ensuring all activities align with Brightway’s mission and culture.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required
Impeccable interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills
Able to think quickly and effectively manage day-to-day projects and tasks
A self-starter able to operate independently and collaboratively, balancing independent judgement and decision making with seeking clarification and collaboration

Nice To Haves

Empathic, compassionate, and patient
Positive, energetic, and enthusiastic
A good communicator and team player
Passionate about making a difference

Responsibilities

Support administrative functions to ensure daily operations run smoothly across the Development and Public Affairs teams, including assisting with routine communications and marketing materials.
Maintain and track departmental project management calendars, deadlines, and task boards to keep initiatives, campaigns, and deliverables on schedule.
Assist the Senior Director of Development & Public Affairs and team members with internal and external meeting logistics, including scheduling, agenda preparation, and action-item follow-up.
Monitor and route general department inquiries, ensuring timely responses and proper follow-through.
Provide hands-on logistics and outreach support for major fundraisers, community events, and donor cultivation initiatives; act as a primary point of contact for event volunteers and subcommittees, such as the Raffle Committee.
Assist with basic financial tracking, donation reconciliation, and department budget monitoring as needed.
Perform additional departmental tasks as assigned