Development Assistant (Finance)
General Statement:
The Fleet Science Center's Development Assistant supports the Fleet mission by providing support with community and constituency relations activities, including but not limited to, interacting with donors, prospects and community stakeholders, creating/writing proposals and collateral materials; and assisting with planning and production of cultivation and fundraising events and activities.
This individual will partner with the Development team, members of the Board of Trustees and other volunteer leaders, and other staff to achieve goals of the institutional strategic plan and strategic fundraising plan, and to foster a culture of philanthropy throughout the Fleet. In addition to the duties outlined below, the Development Assistant and all Fleet employees are expected to professionally and openly collaborate and engage with their co-workers and our volunteers and interns.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities, including mental requirements of position:
1. Staff a variety of Development events and activities as directed and interact with donors, prospects and volunteers.
2. Assist with programs, events, tours and other opportunities to cultivate and steward Museum prospects and donors.
3. Coordinate department collateral including but not limited to Donor Recognition, Annual Fund Campaign, website pages and electronic invitations.
4. Ensure supplies, collateral materials, signage, follow-up, etc., are prepared and available for all Development events.
5. Help prepare and update written materials, proposals and requests for philanthropic initiatives throughout the department.
6. Assist with the annual Gala event in advance and on the day of the event.
7. Draft and revise donor correspondence as directed.
8. Assist in preparing mailings of various sizes, and file correspondence and records.
9. Work with the Director of Membership and Donor Relations to plan the Annual Fund campaign direct mail components and emails.
10. Work with Director of Institutional Engagement and Director of Corporate and Government Relations to ensure fulfillment of tangible benefits for donor organizations.
11. Assist in maintaining collaborative grant tracking documents and files.
12. Attend and take notes for meetings as directed.
13. Assist with processing gifts and pledges in Raisers Edge when needed.
14. Help maintain electronic files on donors, potential funding sources, and contacts with prospects.
15. Generate Activities in Raisers Edge for prospects and donors who attend events and assists the development team with Activity entry when needed.
16. Attend organization-wide meetings, training sessions, and professional development workshops.
17. Answers department phones and assists patrons, members, partners and prospects as needed.
18. Work occasional nights and weekends as required.
19. This job has no supervisory responsibilities, but is expected to work effectively with staff and high-level volunteers.
Tools and equipment used to perform this position: PC computer system including Microsoft Office, Raiser's Edge, telephone and other basic office equipment.
Supervision, direction, or guidance provided for this position: Should be able to work without supervision and with guidance. Must work collaboratively with all Development Department Directors, other key staff and community stakeholders.
Physical Requirements of this Position:
Sedentary Work: Position involves sitting most of the time. Standing and walking are required occasionally. Position requires the ability to exert minimal force of up to 10 pounds occasionally and minimal force to carry, lift, push, and otherwise move objects frequently.
Qualifications and Experience:
• Associate's degree (A. A.) or equivalent from a two-year college or technical school required, Bachelor's degree preferred; or a minimum of 4 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficiency in using donor databases, particularly Raisers Edge.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and confidentiality handling.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Desired Skills and Attributes:
• Project and budget management and financial reporting skills.
• Team-oriented approach with the capability to work independently.
• Up-to-date knowledge of philanthropic trends.
• Adaptability to dynamic project needs and priorities.
