Development Associate

Job Summary:

The Development Associate is accountable for assisting the Director of Development with achieving the fundraising goals of CASA Youth Advocates through execution of a strategic development plan, including annual giving, donor relations, special events, corporate and individual sponsorships, grants and fundraising communications. The Development Specialist works collaboratively with the Development Director and the Programming team to create awareness and support of CASA development goals. Collaborative work with Operations and Program Departments to ensure thatexternal communications are cohesive and mission based will also be required.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the Development Director to execute all fundraising activities supporting the annual Development Funding Plan. Implement fundraising strategies to meet revenue goals, including annual giving campaigns, major gifts, grants, online giving campaigns and special events.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with potential donors, including individuals, corporations, foundations, and other organizations.
• Work with contracted grant writing consultant to research and support the completion of grant proposals, reports, and fundraising materials to secure funding from foundations, government agencies, and grant-making organizations.
• Provide excellent stewardship to donors by acknowledging gifts, providing regular updates on the impact of their contributions, and ensuring donor recognition. Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the organization's database, including gift processing and acknowledgment.
• Write, edit, and distribute fundraising communications, including website content, social media, annual reports, e-blasts, and other marketing material communicating the organization's development related activities.
• Work with contracted marketing and graphic design agency to oversee all deadlines, objectives, and schedules and ensure all messaging aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and guiding principles.
• Stay informed about trends and best practices in fundraising and philanthropy, continuously seeking opportunities to improve fundraising efforts.
• Represent CASA Youth Advocates at community events, networking functions, and donor meetings as needed. Seek opportunities for partnership to increase our visibility and support volunteer and donor recruitment.
• Other duties as assigned to ensure CASA Youth Advocates programs are operated in an ethically and fiscally responsible manner. Last revised: 10/9/2024

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as Nonprofit Management, Fundraising, Communications, or Business Administration).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related field.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively communicate the organization's mission and fundraising priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with donors and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage donor data, maintain donor stewardship and understand donor confidentiality.
• History of submitting grant proposals, knowledge of routine grant submission requirements and ability to meet grant deadlines.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, Canva, Constant Contact and donor management software (e.g., Bloomerang, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge).

Successful completion of FBI fingerprint clearance, Pennsylvania Child Abuse History clearance, and Pennsylvania State Police background check is a condition of employment. CASA Youth Advocates serving Delaware and Chester Counties does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

The diversity of our staff is critical to fulfilling our mission and demonstrating our values. We are committed to actively recruiting and hiring from communities most impacted by our work and we strive to create affirming and inclusive workplace spaces. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to apply and to self-identify during the application process.