Development Assistant

Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Excellent Benefits Package Available

Summary: This position is responsible for working on various fundraising projects including grants, database management, mailings, digital fundraising, the in-kind donation program, donor correspondence and cultivation, development volunteer supervision, and various administrative duties.

Essential Duties:

• Responsible for managing the grant cycle: researching, contact cultivation, applications, and stewardship.
• Ensure high-quality data within the database:
• Uphold donor confidentiality through database security.
• Learn, follow, and train others in proper protocols and strategy for data entry.
• Steward data through clean-up procedures, etc., to maintain database integrity.
• Develop and maintain best practices for donor data and database architecture as our approach to engaging with donors evolves.
• Facilitate mail campaigns by querying for and exporting data files, reviewing/ editing copy, maintaining schedules, and coordinating with direct response marketing contractors.
• Help develop social media strategies and content.
• Coordinate with the Communications Manager and contractors to keep development-related webpages current and engaging.
• Write articles for and edit drafts of the quarterly Pawprint newsletter and the monthly eNews email.
• Communicate with donors: clarifying donations and/or donor information, in-kind acknowledgement letters, sympathy cards, and stewardship.
• Cultivate positive relationships with donors that allow them to engage with and contribute to PHS.
• Train and supervise development department volunteers.
• Maintain department supply inventory; edit drafts of and order new supplies.
• Act as a backup to the Donation Processing Associate for gift batch entry, thank you letters, etc.
• Maintain the PHS wish lists.
• Complete administrative tasks such as reports, task lists, errands, etc.
• Coordinate with other departments (Finance, Customer Service, etc.) to facilitate an efficient and effective development program.
• Maintain a professional demeanor while interacting with the public, donors, volunteers, and other coworkers.
• Work effectively under pressure to deliver accurate results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from four-year college or university; or two to five years related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proficient working with Microsoft Office. Experience with Raiser’s Edge (and/or other development software) preferred, but not required.
• Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to write routine reports, newsletters, and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of donors or potential donors.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, procedures manuals and a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Professional, enthusiastic and positive demeanor.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Possess a valid CA driver’s license with a satisfactory record to be insured by our insurance company.

Physical Demands:

They include, but not limited to the following: regular use of hands and fingers to handle and feel; reach to an arm’s length; talk or hear and taste or smell; frequently standing, walking, and sitting; occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds; vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The majority of the work performed is in an office setting and the noise level is usually moderate. Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions. Occasional local travel to pick up donations, etc. May be exposed to zoonotic diseases.

EOE/M/F/D/V/SO