POSITION OVERVIEW: The Development Associate will work closely with the Development Director and ED in maintaining and growing financial support for the organization. The role will include grant writing, helping plan and implement events, database management, donor stewardship, etc. This role is a 12-14 month contract, with opportunities to learn and grow as a nonprofit and development professional. This is a great position for a person looking to grow the depth and breadth of their development/fundraising experience, looking to launch a career in development, and/or someone seeking to build professional skills.

TERM OF WORK:

• This is a 20 hour/week, part-time position with a 12 – 14 month contract (dependent on start date). Ideally, the term will run from November 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022.
• The Development Associate will report to Jessica Kahlman, Development Director. During the Development Director’s parental leave, this position will report to Laura Sears, Executive Director.
• The weekly schedule will be determined with the Development Director upon hire. A mostly consistent weekly schedule is required. A few nights and weekends are required for events. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES: Duties may include, but are not limited to:

Fundraising & Marketing

• Grant writing
• Email and phone communications with donors about gifts, pledges, events, etc
• Managing a donor database (DonorPerfect), including entering data, pulling lists, processing gifts, etc.
• Helping to write and publish marketing materials in a way that elevates the voices of our community members.
• Strategically collaborating with the Development Director and Executive Director around fundraising goals, approaches, strategies, etc., especially in response to changing guidelines and restrictions related to Covid-19.

Events

• Supporting the Development Director and Events Director in event tasks, including but not limited to: guest communications and RSVP tracking, materials preparation, seeking and organizing in-kind donations, coordinating and communicating with volunteers, etc.
• Holding a leadership role in preparation for and in the execution of our annual Celebration and Benefit. We are currently re-imagining this event due to shifts in Covid, and will have more information as we move through the hiring process. Additionally, working closely with the Events Director to manage the events team leading up to the event and during its execution.
• Helping to plan and implement our 21-year organizational celebration, which will include a farm party, a running/biking race, volunteer days, and regular community communications.

REQUIRED SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Inspired by the Vida Verde mission and values.
• Strong writing skills. Experience writing grants is a bonus.
• Highly organized with a strong attention to detail. Very comfortable using spreadsheets, calendars and other tools to track deadlines and project manage.
• Ability to think big picture and problem solve, especially in the face of sometimes rapid changes in response to outside circumstances (Covid-19, local fires, etc.).
• Highly competent with office software, including but not limited to the Google Suite, Excel, Word, etc.
• Experience with a database is a bonus, especially a CRM database like DonorPerfect.
• Ability to collaborate closely with a small, creative, diverse, fun, and dynamic team on development work as well as to support the broader mission, when needed.
• Commitment to doing the work to advance Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion within the organization (see below). - Responsible and reliable.
• Positive attitude.
• Ability to follow directives, work unsupervised, and to problem-solve as needed.
• Committed to great work and full of integrity.