VISTA – Development Associate

Guardian Angel Settlement Association; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Guardian Angel Settlement Association seeks an AmeriCorps VISTA member as a Development Associate. This full-time role involves strengthening fundraising infrastructure and enhancing organizational capacity to support community impacts in St. Louis. Key responsibilities include donor database management, prospect research, and donor stewardship. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented with strong communication skills and interest in nonprofit development. This role offers professional development opportunities within a mission-driven team.

Qualifications

• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Audit and strengthen donor database systems and data integrity.
• Create and document Development Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
• Lead donor stewardship efforts, including thank-you calls and mailings.

Skills

Strong organizational and time management skills

Excellent written and verbal communication abilities

Experience with research, data tracking, or database management

Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, community engagement, or social impact work

Job description

Since 1859, Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) has served people living in poverty by helping them improve the quality of their lives and become economically independent.

To do so, we’ve welcomed hundreds of skilled professionals to carry out our work. From early childhood educators to social workers, everyone on our team plays a critical part in helping thousands on their path to possibility.

AmeriCorps VISTA – Development Associate

Position Overview

Guardian Angel Settlement Association (GASA) is seeking a dedicated and mission-driven AmeriCorps VISTA member to serve as a Development Associate within the Development Department.

This full‑time service position focuses on strengthening fundraising infrastructure, improving donor stewardship systems, and enhancing organizational capacity to support long‑term sustainability and community impact. The Development Associate will work closely with the Senior Director of Development and the Development team to build systems, processes, and engagement strategies that support fundraising growth and operational effectiveness.

This is a capacity‑building role designed to create sustainable systems that strengthen the organization’s ability to serve individuals and families throughout the St. Louis community.

About Guardian Angel Settlement Association

Guardian Angel Settlement Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families and communities through education, social services, and community support programs throughout the St. Louis region.

About AmeriCorps VISTA

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service program focused on developing sustainable solutions to alleviate poverty across communities nationwide.

This position is hosted at Guardian Angel Settlement Association and supported through the St. Louis AmeriCorps VISTA Program in partnership with Mission: St. Louis.

AmeriCorps VISTA members receive professional development opportunities, networking experiences, monthly trainings, and hands‑on nonprofit experience while serving their communities.

Key Responsibilities

Development Systems & Infrastructure

• Audit and strengthen donor database systems and data integrity
• Create and document Development Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
• Assist in creating monthly fundraising dashboards and tracking tools
• Support reporting processes related to fundraising and program data

Prospect Research & Pipeline Support

• Research prospective donors, foundations, grants, and corporate partners
• Maintain donor prospect and moves management tracking systems
• Assist with identifying and re‑engaging lapsed donors
• Support donor cultivation and engagement strategies

Donor Stewardship

• Lead donor stewardship efforts, including thank‑you calls, mailings, and follow‑up communications
• Develop and maintain a donor stewardship calendar
• Track engagement activities and donor retention metrics
• Help document and improve stewardship processes for long‑term sustainability

Campaign & Communications Support

• Assist with donor mailings and campaign coordination
• Manage mailing lists and track distribution efforts
• Support segmented donor communications and reporting
• Maintain campaign response and engagement tracking systems
• Support corporate and community volunteer groups during on‑site service activities
• Assist with relationship‑building efforts to encourage long‑term volunteer engagement

Desired Qualifications

• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Experience with research, data tracking, or database management preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Interest in nonprofit development, fundraising, community engagement, or social impact work
• Self‑motivated, detail‑oriented, and adaptable in a fast‑paced environment

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Occasional evening and weekend availability may be required for events and volunteer activities
• Office and administrative work environment
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with measurable goals and accountability
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds for event and volunteer support activities
• Position may require extended periods of sitting, standing, bending, and other physical movement

Guardian Angel Settlement Association is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive and mission‑driven workplace.