Development Associate

Level Status: Full time/ with benefits
Location: Santa Ana, Ca 

Hourly Range: $26.50 - $29.75 per hour (Hourly rate will be determined based on factors such as geographic location, skills, education, and experience)

Job Summary: The Development Associate is a highly organized, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment. This role supports fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, marketing efforts, and special events while working collaboratively with the Sr. Director of Development, Sr. Manager of Donor Stewardship, and Chief Development Officer.

The ideal candidate is proactive, solutions-oriented, and able to manage multiple priorities with accuracy and professionalism. This individual brings strong organizational and communication skills, a creative mindset, and a genuine passion for community impact, social media, and events., discretion, and sound judgment when working with donors and handling sensitive or confidential information.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Fundraising & Event Support
  • Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, donor cultivation gatherings, volunteer appreciation events, and corporate outreach initiatives.
  • Prepare event collateral including programs, signage, nametags, and sponsorship and recognition materials.
  • Support event mailings, registration management, sponsorship tracking, in-kind solicitations, and post-event follow-up.
  • Ensure accurate entry of event-related data into Raiser's Edge events module and maintain supporting documentation.
  • Assist with pledge reminders and follow-up communications.
  • Update database records related to event attendance and sponsorships.
• Donor Engagement & Stewardship
  • Support donor stewardship efforts with a focus on annual giving and membership program tracking in Raiser’s Edge.
  • With the support of the database manager prepare donor prospect research, reports, and briefing materials for leadership.
  • Coordinate donor recognition efforts including donor wall updates, website listings, and social media acknowledgments.
  • Support stewardship touchpoints including holiday cards, donor gifts, mailings, giving circle acknowledgments, and other engagement initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and relationships in the CRM.
• Marketing, Social Media & Website Support
  • In collaboration with the Director of Marketing & Events, assist with social media content creation, scheduling, and engagement monitoring.
  • Support email marketing campaigns including newsletters, appeals, and impact updates.
  • Help maintain and update website content, including event pages and donor recognition listings.
  • Assist with digital storytelling by gathering photos, quotes, impact stories, and program highlights.
  • Support creation of brochures, presentations, donor materials, and campaign collateral.
  • Assist with public relations efforts and organizational statistics reporting.
  • Monitor marketing metrics and compile basic performance reports to track engagement and campaign effectiveness.
  • Ensure consistent messaging and branding alignment across campaigns, events, and donor communications.
• Administrative & Team Support
  • Assist with calendar coordination, meeting preparation, and documentation.
  • Respond to general inquiries related to development, events, giving circles, or marketing through designated email inboxes.
  • Support cross-department collaboration initiatives and internal communication efforts.
  • Participate in team meetings, planning sessions, and strategy discussions.
  • Update annual memberships, seals, advertisements (including OCBJ ads), and related organizational listings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience in nonprofit development, events, marketing, communications, or a related field.1–3 years of experience in fundraising, events, marketing, or nonprofit administration experience with Raiser's Edge or similar CRM/database required.
• Familiarity with social media platforms, email marketing tools, and CRM/database systems.
• Advanced PC skills - Intermediate-advanced in MS Office 365 (including Teams)
• Strong writing and editing skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends for events.
• Ability to work effectively in both team and self-directed situations.
• Ability to set priorities, think strategically, take initiative, and solve problems while managing multiple deadlines. 
• Ability to maintain positive personal relationships with a wide variety of individuals and in various demanding situations and to respect the confidentiality of donor and client information. 
• Possess a valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance. 

PHYSICAL JOB REQUIREMENTS:  

• Constantly remains in a stationary position and occasionally traverses locations. 
• Constantly operates equipment, computers, or tools. 
• Constantly extends body, arms or hands as needed to perform essential duties and responsibilities.
• Occasionally ascends/descends and positions self as needed to complete essential duties and responsibilities.
• Ability to attend events, occasionally outside regular business hours
• Constantly speaks, communicates, interprets or exchanges information accurately.
• Constantly perceives objects over moderate or long distances, with or without accommodation. 
• Frequently moves, transports, and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Meals on Wheels Orange County is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment.