Development Associate

Slo-Classical-Academy; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

SLO Classical Academy in San Luis Obispo, CA seeks a Development Associate to assist the Development Director in managing the capital campaign and annual giving. You will coordinate events, donor communications, and community outreach to build donor relationships.

The role is full-time, exempt, 40 hours weekly, reporting to the Development Director. Ideal candidates have 3+ years in fundraising or related fields and familiarity with Salesforce, GoFundMe Pro, Airtable, and Active Campaign.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of Administrative Assistant, Fundraising, Sales, or Public Relations experience.
• Familiarity with Salesforce, GoFundMe Pro, Airtable, and Active Campaign.
• Strong organizational, proactive problem-solving, and relationship-building abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support the Development Director in capital campaign and annual fund fundraising.
• Coordinate donor communications, events, and outreach to promote donor relationships.
• Maintain donor database, track gifts, and prepare gift receipts and stewardship materials.
• Assist with email campaigns, newsletters, and social media content.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Development teams on giving pages and campaigns.

Skills

Administrative support

Fundraising

Public relations

Sales

Team player

Relationship building

Event coordination

Communication skills

Tools

Salesforce

GoFundMe Pro

Airtable

Active Campaign

Job description

Highly desirable employees at SLO Classical Academy are those who are: passionate about education and children, committed to personal and professional growth and development, effective and loyal team players, creative thinkers, in full support of our core values and interested in the health and growth of SLO Classical Academy.

POSITION PURPOSE / JOB SUMMARY

The Development Associate supports and works with the Development Director to implement and manage fundraising activities that take place at SLO Classical Academy. Duties include supporting SLOCA’s capital campaign and annual giving by coordinating events, organizing donor communications, and planning community outreach while promoting donor relationships.

JOB STRUCTURE AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Full-Time, Year-Round, Exempt Employee Status
• 40 hours per week
• Reports to the Development Director
• Does not encompass supervisory responsibilities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Required
• 3+ years of Administrative Assistant, Fundraising, Sales, and/or Public Relations experience; experience with and/or familiarity with classical education a bonus
• Preferred
• An understanding of Salesforce, GoFundMe Pro, Airtable, and Active Campaign.
• Core Competencies
• Demonstrated organizational skills in handling, directing, and prioritizing multiple assignments and projects
• Proactive, thoughtful approach to projects and problem solving
• Enjoys people and has excellent relationship abilities
• Experience in event organization and management
• Ability to communicate with internal and external constituencies in a warm, professional manner, including articulating SLOCA’s message with clarity and enthusiasm
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated diplomacy, tact, discretion, and coolness under pressure
• SLOCA Specific
• Passionate about SLOCA’s mission and vision and able to communicate it clearly
• A willingness to learn about and support passionately the mission of SLO Classical Academy
• Committed to supporting and upholding the school’s unique makeup as non-sectarian and accessible to families and employees from various backgrounds and beliefs
• Clear a background check and TB screening
• Ability to carry out duties as described below

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential role of the Development Associate is to support SLOCA by assisting the Director of Development in SLOCA’s capital campaign and annual fund fundraising. This support manifests in many diverse roles, duties, and responsibilities, which include, but are not limited to, the following:

Donor Management and Administrative Support

• Provide support to donors and families with questions/comments/concerns via email, phone, and in person
• Assist the Director of Development in advancing donor relationships, including communicating with donors and prospects in a warmly professional tone
• Donor database administration including donation tracking and updating records
• Evaluate gifts, donor records, and relationships independently to make recommendations to the Development team
• Donor stewardship including preparing gift receipts, tracking stewardship, recommending next steps, and preparing stewardship materials
• Work with the Director of Development and Marketing Team to create email campaigns and manage distribution lists
• Grant assistance including information gathering, drafting copy, and creating supporting materials
• Draft and edit copy for newsletters and social media posts
• Develop and update giving pages, including peer-to-peer and individual giving

Event and Community Assistance

• Assist in event planning, coordination, and management to ensure successful fundraising efforts
• Recommend and support event follow-up and next steps, including prospect/donor communications
• Serve as liaison for community groups, attend mixers, organize attendees, and schedule presentations
• Attend events to create awareness of and interest in capital campaign and annual fund priorities
• Manage Foundation Circle donor program and events including, membership tracking and renewals, organizing luncheons, coordinating with presenters, and communicating with event hosts
• Staff members are expected to adhere to all Administrative Directives as well as any applicable SLOCA Policies including those specifically outlined in the Employee Manual.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Working hours may vary, and occasional evening or weekend work is required. Allows for flexibility in schedule, as approved by the Development Director.
• Work is generally performed in an office environment with occasional interruptions and/or irregularities in the work schedule.
• No special physical demands beyond coordination used for normal mobility and handling of everyday objects and materials are needed to perform the job satisfactorily.
• Incumbents may be required to lift and carry up to 25 pounds.

About San Luis Obispo Classical Academy

Highly desirable employees at SLO Classical Academy are those who are: passionate about classical education and children, committed to personal and professional growth and development, effective and loyal team players, creative thinkers, in full support of our core values, and interested in the health and growth of SLO Classical Academy.