Development Associate (Advisory Organizations)

The Salvation Army Southern California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Development Associate to enhance donor engagement and support fundraising initiatives across the Division. The role involves drafting communications, coordinating campaigns, managing project timelines, and collaborating closely with various teams.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor's degree, 2-3 years in administration or project coordination, and proficiency in office software. A valid driver’s license in California is mandatory, alongside the ability to handle multi-tasking efficiently within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years experience in administration, project coordination, or development support.
• Ability to prioritize work and multitask simultaneous projects.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver license.

Responsibilities

• Draft and proofread donor-facing communications.
• Coordinate production of communication materials.
• Maintain project timelines and follow-up schedules.

Skills

Communication Skills

Project Coordination

Office Software Proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe Acrobat

Job description

Serving as the operational hub of the department, the Development Associate ensures timely delivery of donor communications, campaigns, and projects while maintaining consistency, quality, and alignment across all development activities. This position strengthens the donor experience and improves fundraising effectiveness through reliable follow-through on departmental priorities.

The Development Associate executes and coordinates key operational functions within the Development Department, with a primary focus on supporting and expanding fundraising initiatives across the Division. This role works closely with the Donor Relations Director, Planned Giving Directors, Annual Giving Team, Corporate partners, Volunteers, PR and Marketing, and Events teams.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft, edit, and proofread donor-facing communications, including emails, updates, and basic collateral
• Support development of communication calendars and scheduling of donor outreach
• Coordinate production of communication materials with internal staff or external vendors
• Ensure consistency with Salvation Army messaging and communication standards
• Assist in coordinating development campaigns, mailings, and departmental projects
• Maintain project timelines, task trackers, and follow-up schedules
• Support preparation of reports, proposals, and donor materials
• Ensure deliverables are completed on time and communicated effectively
• Maintain accurate donor and constituent records in the CRM/database
• Assist with acknowledgment tracking, data updates, and list preparation
• Perform basic data quality checks and support reporting needs
• Support segmentation and preparation of mailing and communication lists
• Assist with planning and coordination of donor events and development activities
• Support event logistics, including materials, lists, and follow-up communications
• Provide general development support, including meeting coordination and documentation
• Works closely in supporting key staff such as the Donor Relations Director, Planned Giving Directors, Annual Giving Team, and assisting with PR, Marketing, and Events

ADVISORY ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORT

• Collaborate with assigned Divisional Officer, Special Events, Entertainment, DRDs and Corporate Relations Director or Manager to create an Echelon young professionals' group
• Support Advisory board members and Nominee Committee aligned with organizational mission and fundraising goals
• Support and maintain board member pipelines through networking, referrals, and community outreach
• Support in onboarding new Advisory Board members, including orientation materials, role expectations, and introduction to key staff
• Steward board member relationships through regular communication, recognition, and engagement opportunities
• Support the recruiting of new members to the Women’s Auxiliary through targeted outreach events, and peer-to-peer referrals
• Coordinate auxiliary meetings, programs, and special events
• Serve as primary staff liaison to auxiliary leadership and committees
• Support Auxiliary fundraising initiatives and connect efforts to broader development goals
• Conduct field visits and in-person trainings with divisional groups

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience
• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in administration, project coordination, communications, or development support
• Ability to prioritize work and multitask simultaneous projects
• Proficiency in working with basic office computing systems and equipment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Access, WordPress, social media platforms, and Adobe Acrobat

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver license and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle
• Must be 21 years or older
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ livescan Fingerprint check
• Complete The Salvation Army vehicle course training
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Must be able to work independently

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis
• Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects
• Ability to reach overhead
• Ability to operate telephone
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for administrative positions
• Ability to operate a computer
• Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information
• Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools: PC, Fax Machine, Telephone, Calculator, Copier, Printer

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.