Development Assistant

Reports to: Senior Director of Major Gifts

Staff reporting to this position: None

Department: Development

Position classification: Exempt, full time; Nonunion - Level 1

Compensation range: $52,000–$57,200 per annum

Work site: On-site (Washington, D.C., office)

Summary

American Progress seeks a Development Assistant who is a self-starter able to help effectively manage multiple priority projects in a fast-paced environment. Reporting to the Senior Director of Major Gifts and working closely with fundraising staff across the Individual and Institutional fundraising units, the Development Assistant will help drive a robust development giving program aligned with American Progress’ institutional priorities and aimed at expanding support over the coming years.

Key responsibilities include tracking donor outreach, maintaining accurate CRM data, managing calendars and scheduling, coordinating departmental workflow, preparing meeting agendas, taking meeting notes, researching prospects, monitoring philanthropic trends, drafting and editing briefings and proposals, and supporting other Development department functions as needed. This role is ideal for a deadline-driven, detail-oriented, and highly organized development professional who is committed to advancing a progressive policy agenda.

The Development department works with program staff at both the Center for American Progress, a 501(c)(3) organization, and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, a 501(c)(4) organization.

Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate and complete Salesforce database records in coordination with the Development Operations unit.
• Conduct regular data integrity audits for the unit and assist with resolving issues as needed.
• Ensure timely and consistent tracking of key communications and correspondence in Salesforce.
• Oversee and maintain internal workflow processes and systems to ensure accuracy and efficiency.
• Manage agendas and meeting minutes for weekly Individual Giving and Institutional Giving team meetings.
• Provide scheduling support across the Individual and Institutional Giving units.
• Maintain departmental files, documents, and procedures for easy access and consistency.
• Manage the donor acknowledgments program for both the Individual and Institutional Giving units.
• Support donor and prospect research in coordination with the Prospect Research Manager by monitoring the philanthropic landscape, identifying and profiling prospective donors and funding opportunities aligned with American Progress’ institutional priorities, and supporting the Development department in tracking outreach and measuring outcomes in Salesforce.
• Help prepare donor and prospect briefings in coordination with the Prospect Research Manager for policy staff and leadership in advance of meetings and calls.
• Support logistical planning of special events, including guest list management, registration, and production of materials.
• Draft, edit, and proofread development and event materials, partnering with front-line fundraisers to coordinate donor communications such as newsletters, outreach copy, and invitations.
• Oversee internal grant data and manage the cross-departmental approval process.
• Maintain a library of CAP and CAP Action institutional language for use in proposals and reports, and liaise with Legal, Finance, and Human Resources to keep these materials current.
• Compile attachments for letters of inquiry, proposals, and reports as required by foundation guidelines, and coordinate with Legal and Finance to obtain necessary signatures.
• Enter application and reporting materials into foundation portals as needed.
• Issue reporting prompts to gather information from relevant staff for grant reports.
• Review grant reports for accuracy and consistency with American Progress style guides, grant expectations, and donor intent.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements and qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• At least one year of experience in a development department or relevant work experience supporting the cultivation and stewardship of donor relationships.
• Experience conducting research using secondary source materials.
• Computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and donor databases are preferable. Salesforce, Smartsheet, and SharePoint experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of current affairs and familiarity with progressive issues, causes, and organizations.
• Excellent organizational, research, and written and verbal communications skills.
• Ability to think strategically and anticipate and orchestrate next steps.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Familiarity with the basic tenets of fundraising and nonprofit management.
• Comfort working with basic financial data.
• Ability to initiate, prioritize, and follow through on plans.
• Ability to balance big-picture thinking with attention to detail.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Commitment to American Progress’ mission and the ability to translate that commitment into compelling donor communications.
• Commitment to the departmental values of being progressive, donor-centric, and entrepreneurial; demonstrating integrity; making decisions driven by data; and fostering a culture of mutual respect.

American Progress offers a full and competitive benefits package. Candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.