Development Associate

The Wildcat Sanctuary; Sandstone (MN); On-site; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

IRA matching

Paid vacation

Sick time and holidays

Life insurance

On-site veterinary care

Family and friends tours

Job summary

The Wildcat Sanctuary is seeking a Development Associate to support day-to-day fundraising events, donor stewardship, and development operations. This on-site role in Sandstone, Minnesota, contributes to coordinating donor experiences, managing in-kind giving, and supporting campaigns with a focus on outstanding supporter service.

The position requires 2+ years in nonprofit fundraising and event planning, strong organizational skills, and a passion for wildlife conservation.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising and event planning experience.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, including strong writing skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Comfortable learning donor database software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

Responsibilities

• Plan and coordinate donor events and experiences, including VIP and tours.
• Assist with data entry and update donor records in CRM.
• Support fundraising campaigns and donor communications.
• Work with donors in sponsorship programs and back up Donor Services Associate.
• Maintain organization of in-kind giving and auction items.
• Adhere to sanctuary policies and maintain exceptional supporter service.

Skills

Fundraising

Event planning

Customer service

Data entry

CRM knowledge

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Writing skills

Tools

CRM software

Microsoft Office

Google Drive

Job description

The Development Associate provides day-to-day support for fundraising events, donor stewardship, and development operations. This position serves as an important member of The Wildcat Sanctuary's development team, coordinating donor events and experiences, managing in-kind giving and volunteers, supporting fundraising campaigns, and ensuring exceptional service for our supporters.

This is a full-time, on-site position at The Wildcat Sanctuary. The regular work week is Monday-Friday. Some evenings and weekends are required for campaigns and events.

The Wildcat Sanctuary’s mission is to provide a natural sanctuary to wild cats in need and inspire change to end the captive wildlife crisis. We are a leading, accredited, non-profit sanctuary that is internationally recognized for our work. Our marketing and development efforts reach over 5.45 million people around the world and raise $3.6 million annually to support the 150+ wildcats we care for.We partner with the Big Cat Sanctuary Alliance, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service USDA Confiscations Network to save illegally trafficked wild cats.The Wildcat Sanctuary is nestled between the beautiful lakes, fields, and forests in rural Sandstone, Minnesota, conveniently located between Duluth and the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Events and Experiences (35%)

• Plan and coordinate events and experiences including:
• Annual VIP Experience event
• Annual Summer Safari event
• Donor tours
• Media visits

Responsibilities include:

• Event communications
• RSVP management
• Hotel and transportation logistics
• Auction planning and execution
• Event setup and execution
• Post-event follow-up needs
• Rescue Retreat cleaning and preparation

Development Operations (30%)

• Assist with data entry.
• Update donor records in CRM.
• Assist with fundraising campaigns.
• Communicate with donors in sponsorship program.
• Serve as backup for Donor Services Associate.

In-Kind Giving and Auction Items (10%)

• Build relationships with individuals and businesses donating goods and services.
• Track in-kind donations and auction items for acknowledgment and reporting.
• Manage collection and organization of in-kind goods and auction items.

Other duties as assigned (~5%)

Qualifications and Experience

• 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising and event planning experience.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication abilities, including strong writing skills.
• High attention to detail.
• Comfortable learning donor database software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Drive.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining excellent customer service.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

Additional Expectations and Culture Fit

• Typical schedule is Monday-Friday, with flexibility required as needed
• Adhere to sanctuary policies, procedures, and values
• Must be results-oriented, self-reflective, and take responsibility for actions
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspects of work in a sanctuary and have a high level of resiliency
• Reliable transportation to our rural location in all four seasons is required
• Willingness to accommodate TWS dogs and domestic cats in the workplace

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, including event setup and breakdown, moving and arranging tables, chairs, coolers, and other event equipment, as well as transporting donations and catering supplies. This role requires standing and walking for extended periods and the ability to lift, carry, push, pull, bend, reach, and perform other physical tasks as needed. This role must be able to safely lift and carry packages weighing up to 30 pounds. This position also requires working outdoors on occasion in varying Minnesota weather conditions, including heat and humidity.

All employees support organizational needs, including cleaning and maintaining our offices and common spaces, including taking out garbage and recycling, dusting, and sweeping or vacuuming floors, and assisting with other cleaning tasks as needed.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Compensation: $21 - $23/hr
• IRA contribution up to 3% match
• Short-term disability
• Life insurance
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays
• At-cost veterinary care in our on-site hospital
• Family and friends tours

It is expected that employees of TWS support the mission and values of the Sanctuary. The employer reserves the right to modify, change, or add to the duties of this job description at any time. The employee understands and acknowledges that this position is terminable at will at any time by TWS. All donor names and contact information remain the property of The Wildcat Sanctuary and cannot be taken or used. All graphics and proprietary information remain the property of The Wildcat Sanctuary and cannot be used for other purposes.