Development Associate, Major Donor Communications

Position Overview:

The Development Associate, Major Donor Communications, reports to the Director, Philanthropic Giving. The Associate is part of a eighteen-member fundraising team that raises over $10 million annually. The Development Associate works under the supervision of the Director, Philanthropic Giving, in the planning and implementation of initiatives to increase the number of major donors in the Parks Conservancy Leaders Circle ($1,000+) and increase the giving levels of current major donors. This position will assist in the planning and is responsible for the implementation of communication for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities for major donors, along with all related support activities. The Development Associate also works with the Director to acknowledge and tracks gifts of $1,000 or more. The Development Associate supports the Chief Development Officer on solicitation and acknowledgment of key volunteers.  

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:                          

• Under the direction and supervision of the Director, Philanthropic Giving, the Associate, Major Donor Communications, participates in the development of an annual comprehensive solicitation plan (i.e. including identifying strategic segments of donors to receive letters at specific times during the year to ask donors to renew and increase their giving) for major donor solicitation by mail. The Associate:

o Drafts, edits, and produces all major donor mail solicitation letters in alignment with the solicitation plan.

o Gathers information from program/communications staff to include in solicitation letters.

o Drafts solicitation letters based on that information a number of times throughout the year.

o Manages/manipulates the mailing lists each month to tailor it to meet the needs for each segment of monthly renewal mailings for Leaders Circle ($1,000+) donors; as well as adjusting and updating acknowledgement letters throughout the year to match the content of the solicitation letters.

o Work with the Director, Philanthropic Giving to ensure timely implementation of written acknowledgements for all gifts over $1,000, including Trustee and Board Associate giving. *(Preferably within 48 hours.)

o Work with membership team to recommend and/or initiate upgrade strategies.

• Under the direction and supervision of the Director, Philanthropic Giving, draft and edit stewardship and cultivation communications for the Leaders Circle team. This will include:

o Drafting informational/cultivation print communications on a semi-monthly basis to keep donors informed about the uses of their gifts

o Updating and maintaining Leaders Circle webpages to reflect most up to date events and benefits;

o Creating occasional updates/reports for donors who request more detailed information on a given topic

o Managing the overall process and writing articles for the quarterly Leaders Circle e-Newsletter. Other ad hoc writing assignments as needed. 

• Attend and provide support for volunteer fundraising groups, such as the Leaders Circle Advisory Council meetings and Family Campfire committee meetings:

o Prepare quarterly membership and financial reports for the Leaders Circle Advisory Council

o Analyze and report on progress toward goals for Leaders Circle (through written solicitations)

o Recommend improvements to current practices

o Aid key fundraising volunteers with any questions/problems they might have

• Assist with donor events, including helping create invitation lists, taking RSVPs, fielding phone calls and emails leading up to events, generating name-tags and check-in lists, attending and providing necessary assistance on event day.

• Serve as excellent customer service contact to Leaders Circle members and key volunteers. Focusing on stewardship, ensure that every member receives timely and excellent customer service and information.

• Provide occasional support to the Chief Development Officer, including providing giving reports for the Board of Trustees, and reporting and analyzing giving program results.

• Ensure integrity of the database of donors and prospective donors and recommend improvements of procedures. Problem solve database issues for development staff. 

• Work with Director and other staff to create, test, and document procedures.

• This position will also copy edit and/or draft and develop written and electronic materials as needed/requested by the Chief Development Officer and Director, Philanthropic Giving.

• Other duties as assigned by the Director, Philanthropic Giving. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 2 years or more experience in a fundraising/development position

• Communication and interpersonal skills must be at the highest possible level

• Excellent writing and editing skills with excellent attention to detail, copy editing and experience writing in multiple “voices”

• The individual should be energetic, self-directed and assertive, and also flexible, creative, and understanding

• Experience working with volunteers to achieve fundraising goals a plus

• Detail oriented with good organizational and problem-solving skills

• Analytical and technical aptitude

• Experience with relational databases such as The Raiser’s Edge

• Ability to make independent recommendations to resolve and advance projects

• Computer proficiency, especially with Microsoft Office programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Powerpoint.

• Ability to work independently as well as to serve as a key member of a collaborative team

• Must be available to periodically work on evenings and weekends

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Regularly works at a computer station and operates electronic equipment for 6-8 hours per day.

• Work is performed at a desk in an indoor setting.

• Position requires participation in donor outings including hikes and event set-up and take-down.

• Regularly requires positioning, lifting, and carrying objects up to 30 pounds. 

 The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All employees may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

The Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Recruitment, placement and promotions are conducted without regard to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical handicap, veteran status or sexual orientation, or any other classification protected by Federal, State, and local laws & ordinances. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.