Development Assistant

San Diego French-American School; California (MO); On-site; USD 32,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

San Diego French-American School, an independent bilingual French-English school in San Diego, seeks a Development Assistant to support the Development Office with operations, events, and communications.

This part-time, non-exempt role (up to 30 hours/week) reports to the Director of Development and requires excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, with occasional evenings and weekends for fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Must pass a background check.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute fundraising events and campaigns (Gala, Annual Fund, Giving Week).
• Coordinate event logistics, invitations, venue inquiries, setup and breakdown.
• Prepare and distribute campaign materials and donor communications.
• Maintain confidential donor records and databases.
• Create multimedia materials for campaigns and social media.
• Research prospects and donors to support cultivation and stewardship.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Event planning

Donor relations

Communications

Multimedia basics

Education

Associate’s degree

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Email marketing platforms

Canva

Video editing basics

Job description

San Diego French-American School is an independent, bilingual French-English school serving students from 18 months through 8th grade. Our diverse community brings together families from around the world and is united by a commitment to academic excellence, curiosity, open-mindedness, and global citizenship.

Our mission is to provide an exceptional bilingual education within a vibrant international community, preparing students to become confident, responsible, and engaged global citizens.

Position Overview

The Development Assistant supports the School’s advancement and fundraising efforts by providing high-quality operational, creative, and administrative support to the Development Office. This position requires exceptional interpersonal and organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. The Development Assistant reports directly to the Director of Development.

-Position type & Compensation: Non-exempt at $25/hour

-Schedule: Part-time, maximum 75% FTE (approximately 30 hours/week); This position requires the ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends, particularly in connection with fundraising events, donor engagements, and other School activities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns, including the Gala, Annual Fund, Giving Week, donor recognition events, new family receptions, alumni events, and other Development initiatives.
• Coordinate event logistics, including registration, invitations, venue inquiries, physical setup and breakdown, and day-of-event support.
• Support donor communications by preparing and distributing campaign materials, fundraising appeals, acknowledgements, newsletters, invitations, and other correspondence in a timely manner.
• Maintain accurate, confidential, and up-to-date donor records and databases.
• Create engaging multimedia, print, and digital campaign materials, including flyers, brochures, email graphics, social media content, and other communications.
• Capture, organize, and edit photographs and video content for social media, email campaigns, events, and other Development and School communications.
• Conduct prospect/donor research to support cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Assist with tracking, documenting, and reconciling event and campaign expenses.
• Maintain an organized inventory of Development supplies and event equipment.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with donors, families, alumni, volunteers, community partners, and other stakeholders in support of the School’s fundraising and engagement goals.
• Provide additional administrative and operational support as needed.

Other duties

• Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Successful completion of a background check.
• Proof of a negative TB test, as required by the School.
• Authorization to work in the United States for any employer.

Education and Relevant Experience

• Associate’s degree required; Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred.
• Prior experience in an office, administrative, coordination, or support role, with demonstrated ability to manage logistics and multiple priorities.
• Experience working or volunteering in a school, educational institution, or a nonprofit organization, but not required.

Interpersonal and Cross-Cultural Skills

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to establish positive, professional relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences.
• Strong judgment, professionalism, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.
• Ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to a team.

Language Skills

• Native-level English proficiency with exceptional oral and written communication skills is required.
• Bilingual English-French proficiency preferred, or fluency in an additional language is a plus, but not required.

Technology and Digital Skills

• Strong technology and computer skills, including high proficiency with:
• Google Workspace
• Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint
• Email marketing and e-newsletter platforms (e.g., Constant Contact)
• Canva and other graphic design tools
• Photo and video editing software using iMovie, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools.
• Social media platforms and digital communications tools
• Ability to learn new databases, software, and technology platforms quickly.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands/conditions described below are representative of those that must be met/tolerated by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Sit and stand for long periods of time
• Lift up to 40 lbs.
• Exposure to moderate noise level
• Have a high level of social interaction working closely with students, teachers, and other professionals.
• Communicate with students, teachers, parents and other professionals by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.
• Generally, have a set schedule each week.
• May participate in events that may occur outside of regular business hours, including evenings or weekends.

Equal Opportunity Statement

San Diego French-American School (SDFAS) is an equal opportunity employer and, as such, is committed to providing a work environment free of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and disrespectful or other unprofessional conduct based on: Race and traits associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hair styles, such as but not limited to braids, [locs], and twists; Religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices); Color; Sex/gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sex stereotype, gender identity/gender expression/transgender (including whether or not you are transitioning or have transitioned), and sexual orientation; National origin; Ancestry; Physical or mental disability; Medical condition; Genetic information/characteristics; Marital status/registered domestic partner status; Reproductive health decision making; Age (40 and over); Military or veteran status; Use of cannabis (“marijuana”) off the job and away from the workplace*; and any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law, or ordinance, or regulation. SDFAS also prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation based on any other characteristic or status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation. SDFAS is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and to employees and applicants with sincerely held religious beliefs or observances, as required by applicable law. SDFAS also complies with applicable laws protecting employees and applicants from retaliation for exercising their rights under those laws. Nothing in this policy prohibits SDFAS from maintaining and enforcing lawful workplace rules, including rules prohibiting the use of or impairment by alcohol or drugs while working or on school premises, or from taking other actions permitted or required by applicable law.