Program Assistant, Development

Association of Zoos and Aquariums; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance options

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Hybrid work schedules

Parental leave

Job summary

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) seeks a Program Assistant, Development to provide administrative support for the development and fundraising areas at its Silver Spring, MD headquarters. The role helps expand the AZA donor base and supports prospective donor research, outreach, and campaign development.

You will work on donor data management, reporting, acknowledgments, and collaboration with the Marketing and Development teams.

Qualifications

• High school degree or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, development, non-profit management, business administration, or related field preferred.
• 1–2 years of experience with development, non-profits, or associations preferred.
• Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and responsive support to donors of AZA.
• Research funding prospects using online resources and database.
• Administrative management of donor data, pulling reports, tracking metrics on key performance indicators, managing regular donor acknowledgments, and assisting with stewardship plans.
• Assist the Development Director with annual campaigns, grant submissions, and coordinating an annual silent auction.
• Coordinates fundraising collateral, including solicitation materials and case statements.
• Works cross departmentally with conservation and communication teams to help build community engagement and program/brand awareness.
• Attend conferences and events to provide general support, performing a variety of logistical, administrative, and on-site tasks as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Microsoft Office 365

CRM tools

Data analysis

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

High school diploma or GED required

Tools

Excel

NetForum

Bonterra

Constant Contact

SurveyMonkey

Job description

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) is seeking a Program Assistant, Development to join the Member Services team. This role provides administrative support for the development and fundraising areas, with the goal of helping to expand the AZA donor base for AZA programs. This role focuses on supporting the activities of prospective donor research, outreach efforts and communication, and developing fundraising campaigns.

This position is based in our Silver Spring, MD headquarters and reports to the Director, Integrated Marketing and Development. This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely and responsive support to donors of AZA.
• Research funding prospects using online resources and database.
• Administrative management of donor data, pulling reports, tracking metrics on key performance indicators, managing regular donor acknowledgments, and assisting with stewardship plans.
• Assist the Development Director with annual campaigns, grant submissions, and coordinating an annual silent auction.
• Coordinates fundraising collateral, including solicitation materials and case statements.
• Works cross departmentally with conservation and communication teams to help build community engagement and program/brand awareness.
• Attend conferences and events to provide general support, performing a variety of logistical, administrative, and on-site tasks as assigned.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• High school degree or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, development, non-profit management, business administration, or other related field is preferred.
• 1-2 years of experience with development, non-profits, or associations is preferred.
• Previous experience with zoos and aquariums or related organizations is a plus.

Skills and Abilities

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 suite
• Demonstrated skills in the use of internet applications, databases, and CRM tools (Excel and NetForum preferred) to gather and analyze data. Knowledge in working with a web-based content management system, as well as websites such as Bonterra, Constant Contact, Survey Monkey, etc.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a high level of customer service.
• Creative problem solver with superior organizational skills, analytical abilities, strong attention to detail, and ability to handle multiple projects.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment while meeting deadlines.
• Skilled in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, members, and vendors.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Demonstrated good judgment and strong decision-making skills.
• Ability to travel required

The hiring range for this role is $40,560 - $45,630. AZA considers a candidate’s previous experience, skills, education, and relevant qualifications, as well as internal consistency with salaries of current employees when making employment offers.

AZA offers a comprehensive benefits package, including but not limited to health insurance options, life and disability insurance, and a 401(k) retirement plan. To encourage work/life balance, AZA also offers a variety of paid time off plans including vacation, sick, and personal time; holidays; and parental leave. AZA also offers hybrid work schedules and flexible work weeks for eligible positions. We regularly review our benefits to ensure they remain competitive and responsive to employee feedback.

AZA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic. We use E-Verify to confirm the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires.