SUMMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION : The Development Operations Associate is a key member of the Development department and works closely with both the Finance and Democracy teams. This individual is responsible for ensuring the smooth operations of the development department including: managing the donor database, ensuring data integrity, maintaining standards and protocols, organizing development related events, maintaining all gift records, and issuing acknowledgements in an accurate and timely fashion. This role maintains a variety of fundraising activities including prospect research, coordinating grant applications and reporting, planning and implementing membership and annual fund appeals, and supporting the Institute's signature fundraising gala and other development events. They serve as the liaison with the finance department for regular reconciliation of development department receivables. This position also provides support for the Democracy programs team by coordinating invitations, registration and leading the check-in process for public events and ensuring a positive experience for guests including members of the Institute and the general public.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development (80%)

**** -Development Operations & Administration

Manage the donor database and proactively ensure relevant donor and prospect data is collected, tracked and updated across the organization.

Ensure timely and accurate gift record entry, acknowledgements, and invoicing for prospects and donors.

Respond to questions from donors and members.

Organize development events

Analyze & distribute development reporting.

Perform regular reconciliation of gifts, pledges and other related financial information with the finance team.

Organize development items for the annual audit.

-Membership & Annual Fund

Contribute to the creation of an annual development plan.

Create and execute Membership and Annual Fund appeals throughout the year.

Manage member communications including special event invitations, etc. & coordinate all Alumni communications with Alumni Relations Manager.

-Grant Management

Conduct prospect research on potential institutional funders and make recommendations for applications.

Coordinate applications for funding and support internal staff and external contracted grant writers in developing proposals and submitting reports.

Draft grant requests using organization templates

Track application and reporting deadlines and coordinate with the finance team to ensure accurate financial reporting and grant compliance.

Democracy Programs Support (20% ** ) _ _
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-Public Events Audience Management

Coordinate invitation lists to target audiences (members, newsletter list, special interest lists and VIP contacts).

Responsible for sending and tracking invitations, RSVPs, and event attendance and for updating the Institute database accordingly.

Provides support during in-person and streaming events as needed including leading guest check-in process and coordinating reserved seating for VIPs.

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EDUCATION: Bachelor's degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE : 2+ years of experience in a development department required. Experience with fundraising databases required. The incumbent should have a general knowledge of a variety of software, apps and tools (Google Workspace, etc.) and a high level of comfort with learning new software and systems. Experience with Little Green Light and Mailchimp is a plus. This position requires the individual to exercise a high level of tact and discretion with both internal and external constituencies as well as the ability to work well collaboratively in a team environment.