Description
The Development Assistant is the operational backbone of Jefferson Center's fundraising program. This role is primarily responsible for maintaining the accuracy and integrity of donor data, supporting grant administration, and managing the logistics of donor communications and events. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, comfortable moving between relationship-facing and data-focused work, and eager to grow within a mission-driven organization.
MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Development
•Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in SalesForce, including entering contributions, pledges, and grant payments; generating acknowledgment letters; processing pledge reminders; and conducting ongoing data clean-up.
•Prepare development reports and queries for regular analysis, including gift reports, donor recognition lists, LYBUNT reports, and segmented mailing lists.
•Support moves management by generating updated donor reports for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship purposes, including tracking of individual, foundation, and corporate relationships.
•Maintain a system to track corporate sponsorships, including agreement forms, signed contracts, acknowledgments, payment and invoice processing, and benefit fulfillment.
•Assist with grant proposal preparation and reporting, including organizing materials in shared Google Drive folders, transferring narrative to online portals, uploading attachments, and submitting final applications.
•Support donor communications and campaigns, including e-blasts, newsletters, website updates, and annual reports.
•Assist with logistics for fundraising, cultivation, and stewardship events.
•Support the Development and Marketing Committee and other board committees as requested.
Finance Support
•Prepare daily bank deposits and enter deposits into the accounting system.
•Create accounts receivable invoices for facility and tenant rentals; enter payments; maintain client records; and follow up on past-due receivables.
•Enter approved accounts payable invoices into the accounting system; prepare checks for payment; and maintain vendor records.
•Provide clerical support to the Director of Finance, including assistance with the annual audit, 1099 reporting, and fiscal year-end filing.
OFFICE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT
•Serve as one of the organization's initial points of contact for visitors and incoming calls.
•Coordinate with the mail processing and copy machine vendors as needed.
•Order and maintain office supplies.
Requirements
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing, with donors, volunteers, staff, and board members.
• Demonstrate proficiency with standard office technology, including word processing, spreadsheets, mail merges, and email.
• Learn and use specialized development and accounting software with proficiency; prior experience with a CRM or donor management platform is helpful.
• Maintain absolute confidentiality in all aspects of the role.
• Plan, organize, and prioritize work while managing multiple deadlines with limited supervision.
• Maintain a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly in data entry and financial record keeping.
• Work both independently and collaboratively; exercise sound judgment in day-to-day decision-making.
• Engage with Jefferson High School alumni, donors, and patrons with enthusiasm, sensitivity, and professionalism.
• Work occasional evenings and weekends for events.
ADA QUALIFICATIONS
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a workstation.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds, such as moving files to storage or storing supplies.
• Ability for close visual acuity to prepare and analyze data, view a computer terminal, and read documents.
• Ability to hear and use a telephone system and direct calls to staff members.
• Ability to type and use desktop computer software to perform job duties.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• One to three years of experience in a nonprofit, administrative, or customer-facing setting; relevant experience is valued over formal credentials.
• Familiarity with donor management, CRM, or fundraising software; prior experience with SalesForce is a plus but not required.
• Comfort with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and general database tools.
• Ability to work accurately across both relationship-facing and data-focused responsibilities.
• A genuine interest in the arts, community, and mission-driven work.
Jefferson Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages the recruitment and retention of qualified candidates for all positions. Jefferson Center encourages members of all diverse groups to seek employment with us.