Development Associate

Massachusetts Nonprofit Network; Friendly (MD); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Esplanade Association seeks a motivated Development Associate to manage donor relations, support fundraising initiatives, and ensure accurate database management. This role offers the chance to work with a dedicated team and contribute to a vibrant urban greenspace experience, promoting events and donor engagement.

Benefits

15 vacation days per year

Health and dental insurance

Health savings account contributions

Commuter benefits

Qualifications

• Familiarity with best practices and fundraising principles required.
• Demonstrable skill in database management is necessary.
• Strong communication skills with a customer service mentality.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and optimize the donor database.
• Execute strategies for annual fund campaigns.
• Prepare development-related audit materials.

Skills

Communication

Writing

Editing

Education

Bachelor's or associate degree

1-3+ years of experience in a development team

Tools

DonorPerfect

Microsoft Office Suite

PaperlessPost

Constant Contact

Job description

The Esplanade Association (EA) seeks a detail-oriented and motivated development professional to work closely with the Director of Development to help implement and coordinate effective annual and/or multi-year strategies and plans to support more than $3M in annual operations as well as a comprehensive $25M+ capital campaign. This is an essential role both on the team responsible for EA’s entire cultivation, fundraising, external relations and marketing portfolio, as well as between departments, including Programs, Projects & Planning, and Finance/Administration.The Development Associate must ensure exceptional development record keeping, including: efficient high-quality database management, support of special events, sponsorships, and donor engagement. This position will be most rewarding for those who can be both self-directed and collaborative, and who are passionate about urban greenspace!

About the Esplanade Association (www.esplanade.org):

Founded in 2001, the Esplanade Association (EA) is the community-supported non-profit dedicated to expanding the care of and for the historic Charles River Esplanade through projects, plantings and free programs that amplify the park experience for over 4 million visitors annually. The Esplanade is downtown Boston’s 64-acre state park maintained by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). This cultural landmark is revered for its natural and cultivated beauty, history, riverfront access, miles of popular running and biking trails, and dynamic programs with numerous organizations. EA’s contributions include funding and implementing the following enhancements, revitalizations and activations: over 100 free educational, recreational and cultural programs offered annually; 180 new trees planted through the Lasting Esplanade Arbor Fund (L.E.A.F.); repair or reconstruction of beloved amenities including Lotta Fountain and the Community Boating docks; both temporary and long-term public art commissions; playground maintenance and accessible design, including the Gronk Playground open in 2025; a new building and two-acre landscape at Charlesbank that will equitably welcome many neighborhoods to a year-round destination in the park; and much more. It's an exciting time to join a growing, impactful, and community-engaged non-profit.

Responsibilities:

Donor Administration (70%)

• Maintain and optimize the donor database (DonorPerfect) through current best practices to ensure quality records for up-to-date and effective donor interactions.
• Deliver essential internal records on a regular basis, including weekly annotated donation reports.
• Reconcile development records with EA’s Finance Manager; record updates or data corrections as necessary.
• Deliver essential records for external use including timely and accurate gift and acknowledgement letters, event invitations, appeals and more.
• Provide dashboard reports, and other presentations as needed, for meetings with donors, the Development Committee, and Board.
• Prepare Development-related Audit materials as needed.
• Manage Development invoices and expenses for designated events and other office operations.
• Track campaign-related solicitations, confirmed pledge and gift intentions.

Annual Support (30%)

• With DOD, execute strategies for EA’s annual fund campaigns that meet stated financial goals and increase participation and retention of donors.
• Participate in the preparation and execution of annual cultivation programs such as the Dock Party, Gala, and other stewardship gatherings, including Hatch Shell Dinners.
• Provide External Relations Manager content including web page registration/donation forms, Annual Report, #GivingTuesday, bi-weekly E-News content, and other social media solicitations and development-related links and correspondence as needed.
• Prepare and monitor all aspects of online and mailed appeals.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or associate degree, or 1-3+ years of experience in a development team required
• Must possess familiarity with best practices and fundraising principles
• Demonstrable skill and fluency in development donor database management
• Working knowledge of DonorPerfect fundraising software preferred
• Fluency with Microsoft office suite and related programs
• Strong communication, writing and editing skills
• Experience in direct and electronic mail services, such as PaperlessPost and Contant Contact, helpful
• Friendly, trustworthy, and team-oriented, with a positive attitude and customer service mentality
• Demonstrated capacity to effectively work independently with a proactive approach to problem solving
• A love for public parks and appreciation for the management of a dynamic, historic public space

Logistics:

• Organizational work hours for office-based staff are Monday through Friday (9a-5p), with the current option of a hybrid schedule of at least 3 days in the office and 2 remote.
• Flexibility and an ability to work mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends for select events; these may include Board, volunteer, fundraising, and programming activities as assigned.
• Applicants are subject to Criminal Offender Record Information (C.O.R.I) check, however, we believe in rehabilitation and will provide any applicant the opportunity to address past work and life experiences

Compensation:

• EA offers a competitive salary for the Boston non-profit and parks sector. Performance and compensation are reviewed regularly, and management provides all employees with transparent benchmarks and paths for professional development and promotion within the organization. The annual salary range for this position will be $50,000-55,000, commensurate with prior experience and demonstrated skills.
• 15 vacation, 12 sick & 2 personal days per year (After 2 years of service, vacation days increase to 17.)
• 7 holidays & 4 floating holidays to use as employee chooses
• Health and dental insurance, 80% of monthly premium paid by EA
• Health savings account with $2,000 EA contribution for those enrolled in EA health plan
• Commuter benefits, pre-tax deduction up to $300/month

Application Process:

• Please send your resume (including your preferred pronouns) and a brief cover letter outlining your development experience and knowledge of the Esplanade to [e-mail]
• No phone calls, please.

The Esplanade Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and greatly encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. Diversity of opinions, experiences, and backgrounds is a key and valued component of our work to promote a welcoming, accessible, and inclusive experience on the Esplanade through an organization that is itself diverse and inclusive.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? Research shows that men apply for jobs when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria. Yet, women and other people who are systematically marginalized tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to considering a broad array of candidates, including those with diverse workplace experiences and backgrounds. Whether you’re new to non-profit administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or take the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar. Please use your cover letter to tell us about your interest and what you hope to bring to this role.