Development Assistant

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Development Operations and Individual Giving and working closely with the Development Manager, the Development Assistant is a key entry-level role providing administrative and operational support across donor communications, events and stewardship efforts.  This position requires a highly motivated individual with the desire to work in a fast-paced environment, a high level of professionalism and attention to detail, and the drive to achieve mutually agreed upon goals. This role offers hands-on experience across all aspects of fundraising and is designed as a launching point for a career in nonprofit development.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned)

Communications

• Draft, proof and finalize all written and digital communications for the Development department according to the timeline and directions from the Director of Development Operations and Individual Giving and Development Manager.
• Manage the monthly renewal for all levels of donors, including Friends of Artis—Naples ($75 - $1,599), Leadership Circle ($1,600 - $4,999) and Major Gift donors ($5,000 ).
• Manage donor benefit card mailings on a weekly basis.

Event Support

• Support the Development Manager in the coordination, execution and evaluation of donor events.
• Oversee the general Development Event Tracker.
• Prepare and traffic drafts of invitations from conception through mailing.
• Based on criteria provided, pull and merge lists for invitations from donor database, Tessitura.
• Intake RSVPs for events via email, phone and digital forms in a timely and cordial manner, often managing multiple event lists simultaneously.
• Attend Development department events as assigned; with the oversight of the Development Manager, coordinate event check-ins, staff needs, event flow and beyond. 

Administration 

• Oversee administrative functions and donor benefit fulfilment for the Development department.
• Ability to efficiently learn donor database Tessitura, which will be referenced daily to achieve the goals of this role.
• Manage the development department’s phone line and inboxes, responding appropriately to a high volume of requests from donors. Identify and connect with colleagues if input is needed.
• Generate and validate donor listings for the monthly Program Book, which requires Tessitura database reporting, data review, organization, proofing and approval routing.
• Track and replenish Development department’s supply inventory, ensuring that all necessary materials are in-hand in advance of upcoming mailings.
• Provide assistance in the research of prospective donors.

Additional Duties

• Support and maintain the vision, mission, priorities and guiding principles of Artis—Naples. Understand the strategic direction and purpose of the organization and conform to stated fundraising and development strategies and business needs.
• Perform day-to-day support activities. Due to the nature of fundraising in the Naples area, full office and telephone coverage are critical operational needs.  
• Support stewardship activities and benefit fulfillment to donors, including staffing events, especially during peak season (January – April). Evening and weekend work expected.
• Observe safety requirements. Report safety issues and items requiring work orders to Supervisor or Security.
• Work effectively with all Artis—Naples team members.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should possess and demonstrate the following competencies:

• Analytical: Analyzes and interprets data and prepares accurate and insightful reports, statements and projections. Is also able to conceptualize the multi-step timeline of deliverables for a project or event from conception through execution and evaluation.
• Problem Solving: Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in-group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with sensitive topics.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Has experience using computerized donor information systems, office systems and customer or donor database systems such as Tessitura and iWave.
• Oral Communication: Speaks clearly, confidently and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; participates constructively and thoughtfully in meetings. Maintains poise under pressure.
• Written Communication: Writes clearly and persuasively; presents information effectively.
• Teamwork: Contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; builds morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports other’s efforts to succeed; fosters a cooperative work environment.
• Quality Management: Improves and promotes quality; demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness. Demonstrates attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and commitment to achieve deadlines.
• Cost Consciousness: Works within approved budgets; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to positive revenue generation; conserves organizational resources.
• Diversity: Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; educates others on the value of diversity; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics: Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works ethically and with integrity; upholds organizational values.

Organizational Core Values

• Collaborative: Work internally and externally to accomplish something together that we may not be able to accomplish separately in order to realize shared goals.
• Transparency: Behave and communicate in a manner that exudes openness and sheer honesty.
• Excellence: A standard of performance that surpasses ordinary standards.
• Accountability: The acceptance and assumption of responsibility for actions, decisions and results.
• Patron-first: Place the patron at the center of our efforts.
• Integrity: A commitment to the highest standards, values and principles through every action and decision.

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Prior administrative and event experience a plus.
• Capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously with a strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work evenings and weekends.
• Professional computer skills proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Tessitura experience a plus.
• High energy, sense of humor and grace under pressure.
• Knowledge of and/or interest in both visual and performing arts preferred.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.

Work Environment
The work environment is consistent with general office conditions, with moderate noise.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.