Development Assistant

Janus of Santa Cruz; California (MO); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Janus of Santa Cruz is seeking a Development Assistant to provide essential administrative support to the Development Department. The role focuses on donor management, event coordination, CRM data maintenance, and coordinating communications that advance fundraising and community engagement.

The candidate should have an associate degree and 1–3 years of related experience, with proficiency in CRM tools and MS Office.

Qualifications

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred in related field.
• 1–3 years in administrative support, fundraising, development, nonprofit, or related experience preferred.
• Experience with donor databases/CRM systems or data management platforms preferred.
• Experience supporting events, community outreach, or fundraising activities is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative support to the Development Department and leadership team.
• Assist with maintaining development-related materials and donor acknowledgements.
• Support website content updates and proofreading to ensure consistency.
• Maintain donor records in the CRM and generate basic reports.
• Assist with planning fundraising events, sponsorship tracking, guest lists, and post-event follow-up.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support communications and community engagement efforts.

Skills

Organizational skills

Verbal & written communication

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree in Business/Communications or related field

Tools

Salesforce

Bloomerang

DonorPerfect

Raiser's Edge

WordPress

Job description

Description

The Development Assistant provides administrative support to the Development Department at Janus. This position assists with donor management, event coordination, database maintenance, and general development activities that support the organization’s fundraising, community engagement, and communications efforts. The Development Assistant plays an important role in supporting Janus’ fundraising and development efforts and ensuring accurate donor and organizational information is maintained across systems and communications platforms.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Administrative Support

• Provide administrative assistance to the Development Department and leadership team.
• Assist with maintaining and organizing development-related materials.
• Support preparation of donor acknowledgements, sponsorship materials, and event communications.

Website Support

• Update and proofread website content for grammar, spelling, formatting, and consistency.
• Ensure website information is professionally presented and aligned with organizational standards.
• Coordinate with leadership regarding requested website updates while not creating or modifying organizational content independently.

Donor Database & CRM Management

• Perform data entry and maintain accurate donor records within the organization’s CRM database.
• Assist with donor tracking, gift entry, sponsorship records, mailing lists, and reporting.
• Help maintain confidentiality and integrity of donor information and records.

Event Support

• Assist with planning and coordination of Janus’ fundraising or community events.
• Support sponsorship tracking, guest registration, auction coordination, and event logistics.
• Help prepare event materials, attendee lists, and post-event follow-up communications.

General Development Support

• Assist with community outreach and donor engagement activities.
• Support fundraising campaigns and special projects as assigned.
• Collaborate with internal departments to support organizational communication and engagement efforts

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Associate degree required; Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• One (1) to three (3) years of administrative support, fundraising, development, customer service, nonprofit, or related experience preferred.
• Experience working with donor databases, CRM systems, or data management platforms preferred.
• Experience supporting events, community outreach initiatives, or fundraising activities is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to learn and effectively utilize donor management software, CRM databases, website content management systems, and online fundraising platforms.
• Strong proofreading and editing skills with attention to grammar, spelling, and formatting consistency.
• Ability to maintain confidential donor, financial, and organizational information.
• Demonstrated customer service skills and ability to establish positive relationships with donors, volunteers, community partners, and staff.
• Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively as part of a team.
• Strong problem-solving skills and resourcefulness in completing assignments.
• Commitment to supporting Janus' mission, values, and community impact.

Other Requirements

• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to travel locally for meetings, outreach activities, and fundraising events.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising events and community engagement activities.
• Successful completion of a background check and any other pre-employment requirements consistent with organizational policies.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a nonprofit, behavioral health, healthcare, or human services environment.
• Familiarity with donor stewardship practices, fundraising principles, and event planning.
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce, Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, Raiser's Edge, or similar donor management platforms.
• Experience updating website content through content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress or similar platforms.