Development Assistant

Young Americans for Freedom at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 54,080 - 62,400; Full time

Job summary

Young America’s Foundation (YAF) is seeking a Development Assistant for the Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, CA. The role supports donor relations and major gifts fundraising through research, writing, and stewardship activities.

You will craft proposals, reports, and materials for key supporters, coordinate events, and help with donor communications. This is a full-time, on-site position with growth opportunities in a mission-driven nonprofit environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience in donor relations or fundraising is a plus.
• Ability to write, edit, and format proposals and reports.

Responsibilities

• Assist with all aspects of the development process at the Reagan Ranch Center, including research, writing, and stewardship projects supporting major gifts fundraising.
• Help create memorable experiences for supporters visiting the Reagan Ranch and Reagan Ranch Center.
• Write, edit, and design proposals, reports, and other presentation materials for key supporters.
• Write event reports and articles for YAF publications.
• Assist with supporter communications, including thank you notes and visit requests.
• Assist with donor inquiries, RSVPs, and event logistics.
• Coordinate with outside vendors to create memorable donor gifts.
• Provide background research ahead of tours, visits, and events.
• Learn Rancho del Cielo history and lead occasional Ranch tours.
• Assist with supporter events, including marketing, execution, and follow-up.
• Assist with day-to-day office duties as necessary.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Team collaboration

Customer service mindset

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Other Ways To Give

Development Assistant

Santa Barbara, CA

Reagan Ranch Center | 217 State St | Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Immediate

The salary range that YAF reasonably expects to pay for this position is $26-$30/hour.

Mission

Young America’s Foundation (YAF) is committed to ensuring that increasing numbers of young Americans understand and are inspired by the ideas of individual freedom, a strong national defense, free enterprise, and traditional values.

Reports To

Reagan Ranch Director of Donor Relations

Duties will include:

• Assisting with all aspects of the development process at the Reagan Ranch Center, including research, writing, and stewardship projects that support relationship building and major gifts fundraising.
• Helping to create memorable experiences for all supporters and potential supporters visiting the Reagan Ranch and Reagan Ranch Center.
• Writing, editing, and designing proposals, reports, and other presentation materials for key supporters.
• Writing event reports and articles for YAF publications.
• Assisting with supporter communications, including thank you notes and Reagan Ranch visit requests.
• Assisting with thank you calls, event RSVPs, and other general supporter inquiries.
• Working with outside vendors to create memorable gifts that reinforce the impact of support for YAF and affinity for the organization.
• Providing background research ahead of Ranch tours, home and office donor visits, and events.
• Learning the history of Rancho del Cielo and leading occasional Ranch tours.
• Assisting with supporter events, including event marketing, execution, and follow-up.
• Assist with day-to-day office duties as necessary.

Responsibilities

Specific physical demands that relate directly to the essential job duties and responsibilities include:

• Frequently moving to accomplish tasks in various environments, including outdoor trails covering uneven terrain, as well as confined spaces
• Frequently moves boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for various office and special events needs
• Occasionally operating motor vehicles in both urban and rural environments, with the latter sometimes involving uneven, unpaved roads and mountain trails

Requirements

Specific physical demands that relate directly to the essential job duties and responsibilities include:

• Frequently moving to accomplish tasks in various environments, including outdoor trails covering uneven terrain, as well as confined spaces
• Frequently moves boxes and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds for various office and special events needs
• Occasionally operating motor vehicles in both urban and rural environments, with the latter sometimes involving uneven, unpaved roads and mountain trails

Preferred Qualifications

• Committed to and enthusiastic about Young America’s Foundation’s mission and programs
• Energetic and passionate supporter relationship building and proper gift stewardship
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, and flexible
• Ability to work as a collaborative, constructive team member
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Some graphic design experience is preferred but not required
• An excellent customer service mindset
• Experience with Microsoft Office
• Willingness to comply with YAF policies, procedures, and practices
• A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

This job description is representative of the expectations of the position described. Additional duties, reporting relationships, and/or position criteria may be assigned. YAF reserves the right to revise this job description at any time.

This is a full-time position at YAF’s Reagan Ranch Center in Santa Barbara, California. This is not a remote work position.

Salary range: $55,000 – $65,000