Development Associate

The Washington Square Park Conservancy seeks an enthusiastic and highly organized fundraising professional to serve as Development Associate. This new position will provide dedicated development support and will play a critical role in sustaining and expanding upon the organization’s growth. The Development Associate will join a small, dedicated team to advance our mission to help keep Washington Square Park clean, safe and beautiful.

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Development Associate will work collaboratively to coordinate fundraising activities for the organization, including donor prospecting, fundraising campaign management, database administration, and communications. The ideal candidate for this role is a team player with excellent organizational skills and the ability to effectively manage multiple projects at once, who is interested in pursuing a career in nonprofit fundraising.

Responsibilities

• Support the Deputy Director in executing an annual development plan to reach fundraising goals related to individual, corporate, and institutional giving 
• Conduct prospect research to identify new individual, corporate, and institutional donors that are aligned with the organization’s mission and goals
• Manage individual donor cultivation and stewardship, including the formation of a new donor membership program 
• Research, write, and submit grant proposals to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and other grant-making entities; ensure timely reporting for awarded grants
• Assist with securing and stewarding corporate partnerships, including preparation for pitch meetings, tracking deliverables, and assistance with corporate volunteer days
• Support the creation and implementation of annual fundraising appeal campaigns
• Manage donor database (Bloomerang), including regular maintenance of donor records, oversight of all donation processing and acknowledgements, and producing reports 
• Engage with board members through board meetings and regular fundraising reporting
• Collaborate with leadership team to produce an annual report and other marketing initiatives
• Assist with planning of fundraising events, including an annual Benefit and several smaller events throughout the year
• Support Deputy Director in developing and implementing new fundraising initiatives
• Work with bookkeeper to conduct donation reconciliation on a regular cadence
• Represent the organization at events in the park and elsewhere
• Assist with additional duties and projects, including in-park programming, as needed

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in nonprofit sector or related field
• Outstanding relationship-building skills with the ability to work effectively with a range of colleagues and partners 
• Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills
• Analytical, organized, proactive, and detail-oriented with superior time management skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks while meeting deadlines 
• Proficiency with Google Suite (docs, sheets, slides, etc.)
• Interest in and passion for parks and/or the nonprofit sector

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience using a fundraising database (Bloomerang preferred) and other digital fundraising tools
• Experience with event coordination
• Proficiency in digital design and experience with design software such as Adobe or Canva
• Familiarity with project management platforms such as Asana, monday.com, etc.
• Understanding of social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok)
• Experience developing and implementing digital marketing campaigns 

Working Schedule

This position is currently hybrid, with at least three days a week in the office/park and the remaining time working remotely. After hours work or weekend work may be required on occasion due to the nature of the position. The schedule (including whether hybrid, in-person, or remote) may change at the discretion of the Executive Director. 

About the Washington Square Park Conservancy

Washington Square Park is a beloved open space in the heart of Greenwich Village in New York City. Spanning 9.75 acres, this iconic park with its signature arch and fountain is one of Manhattan’s most popular landmarks. The park serves many functions for a diverse usership, acting as a critical green space, village square, playground, mecca for music and art, a place for reading and contemplation, gym, campus quad, performance space, and more. The Washington Square Park Conservancy (WSPC) is a nonprofit organization working with NYC Parks and neighborhood groups to ensure that Washington Square Park continues as a diverse and historic urban green space through engaging volunteers and raising funds to help keep the park clean, safe and beautiful. WSPC was formed in 2012 by local leaders who saw a critical need for ongoing operational support, following the city’s $30 million capital renovation, in order to maintain its lawns and gardens, promote safety, and offer programming that serves a diverse community. WSPC is led by a full-time staff of four with oversight by a twenty three member board of directors. 

WSPC is an equal opportunity employer and values the diversity of its staff. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. We foster a culture that values teamwork, employee development, and respect for the team as well as all people who use the Park. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the energy and diversity of Washington Square Park.