The Development Assistant will be part of a small, energetic team working to advance Desert X’s mission by generating a sustainable, growing funding base. Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Assistant will support a range of critical cultivation and stewardship activities including donor appeals, special events, sponsorships, grant writing, and membership drives. The position will maintain and develop day-to-day administrative systems which support the overall fundraising effort.

Position Duties:

• Assisting the Director of Development with the following duties:
  • scheduling and arranging logistics for meetings
  • calendar and contacts maintenance
  • meeting preparation and follow-up
  • expense reports and other additional responsibilities
• Regularly manage and update constituent database (eTapestry) and Mailchimp mailing lists
• Research potential individual and institutional prospects and add information to constituent database, e.g. meeting notes and emails
• Manage donor and gift data from various online portals into central constituent database
• Manage gift acknowledgement process and produce donor letters on a weekly basis
• Manage and execute membership and donor mailings, gift solicitations and renewals, and overall fundraising correspondence
• Work closely with the Finance department on incoming gift processes
• Provide support on special events including planning, preparation and execution and processing of online RSVPs, and on-site support
• Prepare gift and fundraising reports for department and Executive use
• Achieve proficiency in various frequently used fundraising software
• Write, proofread, edit and send correspondence, including but not limited to: Fund agreements, addendums, donor letters and gift proposals
• Support cross-functional/department activities, when related to fundraising
• Undertake special projects as assigned by the Director of Development or other senior staff. 

Experience & Skills

• BA preferred with minimum of 1-2 years of experience in an area related to administrative support, development, project management or event coordination. Prior nonprofit work experience a plus
• Exceptional skills in the areas of organization, attention to detail, time management, ability to manage multiple tasks, define and set priorities and problem solve
• Excellent customer service abilities
• Excellent reading, writing and grammar skills. Both written and verbal
• Excellent skills and experience with Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook, working with databases and internet research; knowledge of eTapestry a plus
• Demonstrated team player with strong collaboration abilities
• Ability to take initiative with projects to work both independently
• Flexibility in schedule required

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to jobs@desertx.org.