Development Associate, Special Projects

DEPARTMENT:  Development

REPORTS TO:  Director of Development

CLASSIFICATION: FT, Exempt

Position Summary

The Development Associate, Special Projects is responsible for implementing special event fundraising and cultivation strategies, annual fund projects along with other administrative duties including database management.  This position will coordinate fundraising initiatives and activities for the entire Easterseals Midwest territory, which spans across the state of Missouri.  Responsibilities include budgeting, planning and executing a number of events to include: galas, golf tournaments, auctions, house parties, trivia nights, fundraising luncheons, cause marketing campaigns, and educational forums.  This position will also be cross-trained in maintaining and supervising the stakeholder database(s), for producing both basic and advanced reports, gift entry and letter processing, and for reconciling financial statements each month with the accounting department.  This position will also be the lead in managing any and all special event technologies.

Principle Function

• Responsible for creating effective fundraising campaigns and tracking the results of the events. This involves contacting potential donors, maintaining relationships with existing donors, guiding fundraising events and creating and submitting reports that describe the progress and effectiveness of each campaign or event.
• Maintains accurate records of donations particularly around in-kind and special project related activities.
• Working with other team members, the Development Associate will be involved in identifying and reporting about possible events including third-party fundraising activities, annual fund operations and the like.
• Provides administrative support for grant writing efforts, assists in organizing newsletters and other communication materials.
• Will organization and maintain accurate records, communicate with donors and manage a calendar of events.

Core Functions

• Coordinates day-to-day duties to support execution of the organizations fundraising events, annual fund, and special projects.
• With support from the Director of Development, plans, budgets, and executes organizational events.
• Partners with other members of the team to solicit event sponsors and supporters, including in-kind auction donations, while keeping detailed solicitation lists, donor outreach information and providing communication follow-up.
• Partners in the coordination of event committee activities to ensure a quality volunteer experience.
• Uses digital event and auction management tools, keeping the information up-to-date and accurate, to ensure a smooth donor experience.
• Partners in obtaining, evaluating, and makes recommendations, on vendor proposals.
• Serves as a contact for all special event vendors while supporting on-site management of event logistics.
• Coordinates and supports third-party fundraising programs by serving as the main point of contact for inquiries and donor partners, and represents the organization at third-party events as needed.
• Maintains special event and third-party contracts; ensures compliance with organizational guidelines and requirements while maintaining event donor history, attendance, and other event-related information in the stakeholder database.
• Partners with marketing team on the design and production of event materials, including save-the-dates, invitations, programs, and various event collateral.
• Provides general administrative support for the development department leadership team that includes but is not limited to submitting and tracking invoices and submits check requests to supervisors and accounts payable in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

Core Competencies       

• Must have knowledge of database management, capacity, and usage, preferably with Raiser’s Edge NXT, as well as digital event and auction management tools.
• Must be knowledgeable with computer software such as Microsoft Office and Excel.
• Must have superior data analytics skills and the ability to produce and understand complex financial and fundraising reports.
• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, thorough, and timely work
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills: the ability to plan, to juggle many and varied priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including direct communication, generous provision of assistance to fellow team members, readiness to ask for assistance and support, and ability to keep focused on the overall goals and mission.
• The ability to work closely and effectively with senior and executive management, volunteers, and members of the Board of Directors.
• Able to manage and embrace change.

Contacts

Internal:  Regular interaction with all development staff about the organization, administration, and special projects.  Will interact with other program and administrative personnel about development needs.            

External:  Regular interaction with vendors, other organizations, volunteers, advocates, and donors at all levels.

Employees Supervised/Reporting Directly: None

Annual Budgetary Responsibilities: Limited

Qualifications

Education:  Bachelor’s degree preferred with 2 years of experience or 4-6 years’ experience in nonprofit special events in lieu of degree.

Experience:  Previous experience and demonstrated skill in fundraising event administration, planning, and other general fundraising activities.

Application Information:

Interested applicants should apply online at www.joineasterseals.com