Development Assistant

LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

LIVE OAK PUBLIC LIBRARIES seeks a Development Assistant to support fundraising operations, donor communications, events, and prospect materials. You will learn DonorPerfect, prepare donor letters, and assist with travel and meeting logistics.

The role requires strong writing, organizational skills, and the ability to work evenings and weekends; some travel within the city and state may be required. You will collaborate with Engagement and Public Services teams to reflect the library’s values.

Qualifications

• Three years of relevant experience.
• Proficiency with donor management software and Microsoft Office.
• Issues related to travel and driving require a valid license and insurability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends and travel as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage gift acknowledgement process and donor letters.
• Coordinate special events planning and execution with internal teams.
• Prepare folders and materials for development prospect meetings.
• Assist with travel bookings and conference registrations.
• Provide backup coverage for main library phone and room reservations.
• Supervise volunteers and oversee meeting logistics.
• Review venues for accessibility and setup; manage AV needs.
• Draft donor letters, proposals and fund agreements; proofread communications.
• Develop procedures for private events and donor relations.

Skills

Database proficiency

Accounting spreadsheet software

DonorPerfect

Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Problem solving

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Ability to travel as needed

Evenings and weekends availability

Education

Associate degree or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Hospitality Management or related field

Tools

DonorPerfect

Microsoft Office

Accounting spreadsheet software

Job description

Job Summary

The Development Assistant is responsible for assisting with the administrative processes to manage Live Oak Public Library’s fundraising relationships. The role also coordinates development and special events with the Special Events Coordinator, providing detailed, donor‑focused support such as scheduling, booking, logistics, on‑site organization, feedback collection, and ensuring events reflect the library’s values and enhance visibility.

Essential Functions

• Manage gift acknowledgement process and produce donor letters.
• Work with Finance on incoming gift processes.
• Assist with special events planning, preparation, and execution.
• Compile folders and marketing materials for development prospect meetings.
• Achieve proficiency in DonorPerfect for development gift management functions.
• Process check requests for department expenses.
• Provide backup coverage for answering the main library number and meeting‑space reservations.
• Meet and greet visitors for department meetings.
• Write, proofread, edit and send correspondence, including donor letters, gift proposals, and fund agreements.
• Manage printing and assembly of travel packets and other meeting decks.
• Assist with travel bookings, conference and event registrations, and creation of travel itineraries.
• Coordinate special library‑hosted events such as fundraising galas, donor recognition events, and other programs with Engagement, Special Collections Coordinator, and Public Services departments.
• Develop, implement and oversee procedures for private special events.
• Coordinate with IT for audio and video needs and become an expert on in‑house technology.
• Be available to work evenings and weekends within a 29‑hour work week.
• Supervise volunteers.
• Review venues for accessibility, signage, audio‑visual equipment, room set‑up, staffing, and crowd control.
• Embrace LOPL Core Values and strategic priorities.
• Demonstrate commitment to inclusion regardless of age, cultural background, ability, ethnicity, family status, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or national origin.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Proficiency with database and accounting spreadsheet software.
• Must have reliable transportation.
• Intermediate technology skills for social media, donor management software, Microsoft Office, and a curiosity to learn new platforms.
• Ability to travel within the city, state, and out of state as needed.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Ability to manage donor interest and personal information with tact and confidentiality.
• Three years of relevant experience required.
• Associate degree or higher in Public Relations, Communications, Hospitality Management or a comparable discipline (preferred).
• Valid driver’s license and insurability required.
• Proven strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Outstanding organizational skills and precise attention to detail in presentations and written documents.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, highly organized, able to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to work effectively and cooperatively with a diverse group of people with strong service orientation.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision in a flexible environment.
• Strong teamwork, communication, ethics, trust and patience.
• Enjoy being involved in all aspects of making the organization successful.

Physical Demands

• Work is typically performed while sitting at a desk, standing for extended periods, or bending/stooping.
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds routinely; climb ladders and stairs; stand for extended periods; walk within and outside branch locations; reach, bend, and stoop.
• Full range of hand and finger motion is required for data entry.
• Ability to distinguish color for network wiring purposes.
• Balancing, climbing, crouching, grasping, handling, manual dexterity, hearing, kneeling, lifting, mental acuity, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, visual acuity, and walking as described in the detailed requirements.

Work Environment

Typical office/library environment with occasional fluctuations in building temperature and noise levels. Some periods of elevated noise and stress related to periods of high‑volume activity and multiple demands are possible. Work week totals 29 hours.