Development Associate

Job Title: Development Associate

Join a team dedicated to building community, inspiring generosity, and welcoming all into the heart of Jewish life in Rockland County.

Position Summary

The Development Associate is an integral member of the Lewis JCC & JCC of Northern New Jersey Development team, supporting fundraising, donor engagement, special events, and development initiatives that advance the mission of the organization. This position works closely with the Chief Development Officer and development team to cultivate relationships with donors and prospects, support fundraising efforts, coordinate events and campaigns, and ensure thoughtful and timely donor stewardship.

The Development Associate will play an important role in helping to grow a strong culture of philanthropy across the Lewis JCC & JCCNNJ by supporting individual giving, major gifts, corporate and foundation support, special events, and other fundraising initiatives.

Our Mission

The Lewis JCC & JCCNNJ are dedicated to the enrichment and continuity of Jewish life and to the preservation and celebration of our rich heritage. The center shall strengthen individual awareness and connection to the Jewish community, the state of Israel, and the community at large through recreational, physical, educational, social, and cultural programs.

Our Vision

Welcoming all into the heart of Jewish life in Rockland County and Northern NJ. Primary Responsibilities:

Fundraising & Development Support

● Assist the Chief Development Officer and development team in implementing the annual development plan across individual giving, major gifts, corporate support, grants, special events, and other fundraising initiatives.

● Support fundraising campaigns and initiatives by helping identify prospects, preparing materials, tracking outreach, and following up on donor opportunities.

● Assist with donor and prospect research to identify new opportunities for engagement and support.

● Help track fundraising goals, activity, and progress and provide information and reports to support departmental and leadership needs.

● Identify opportunities to strengthen donor engagement, campaign strategy, and fundraising communications.

Major Gifts & Donor Relations

● Assist with managing and growing a focused portfolio of donors and prospects. ● Support the Chief Development Officer and development team with donor meetings, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities.

● Prepare donor briefing materials, meeting materials, proposals, recognition materials, and other resources.

● Build meaningful relationships with donors and prospects through thoughtful, timely, and personalized communication.

● Support stewardship efforts that deepen donor relationships and reinforce a culture of philanthropy.

Events & Sponsorships

● Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising and donor engagement events.

● Support sponsorship outreach, tracking, fulfillment, and recognition.

● Help ensure fundraising events are mission-aligned and contribute to organizational fundraising and stewardship goals.

● Work collaboratively with internal teams and volunteers to ensure successful execution of development events and initiatives.

Data Management & Development Systems

● Maintain accurate and confidential donor and prospect records within the Bloomerang CRM database.

● Assist with timely gift processing, acknowledgments, pledge tracking, and donor record updates.

● Generate reports, lists, and data pulls to support fundraising initiatives, donor outreach, and leadership requests.

● Monitor development activity and help track key performance indicators and progress toward fundraising goals.

● Ensure data integrity and adherence to organizational procedures.

Collaboration & Communications

● Collaborate with Marketing to develop and coordinate clear, compelling, and donor-centered communications.

● Work cross-functionally with staff throughout the JCC to identify opportunities to highlight impact and philanthropy.

● Support Board of Directors, volunteers, and organizational leadership with materials, information, and assignments.

● Contribute to a collaborative, mission-driven team culture grounded in community, connection, generosity, and philanthropy.

Other Duties

● Perform other duties and support special projects as assigned by the Chief Development Officer.

Qualifications:

Required:

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit both a resume and a cover letter outlining their relevant experience, interest in the Development Associate role, and what they would bring to the Lewis JCC & JCCNNJ Development team.

● 2 years of progressive development or fundraising experience preferred, including experience with individual giving, major gifts, campaigns, events, or donor relations. ● Strong relationship-building skills and a donor-centered approach to fundraising and stewardship.

● Demonstrated ability to communicate professionally and build trust with donors, prospects, volunteers, community partners, and colleagues.

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

● Strong organizational, project management, and follow-through skills with exceptional attention to detail.

● Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively with colleagues, leadership, and lay leaders.

● Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, adaptability, positivity, and a can-do attitude. ● Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. ● Proficiency with Google Workspace.

● Experience with Bloomerang or another donor database platform preferred, with the ability to quickly learn new systems.

● Ability to handle confidential donor and organizational information with discretion. ● Willingness and ability to work occasional evenings and weekends in support of donor meetings, fundraising activities, and special events.

● JCC or Jewish nonprofit experience is a plus.

Skills & Competencies

● Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills

● Donor-centered mindset

● Excellent written and verbal communication

● Strong organizational and project management abilities

● Attention to detail and accuracy

● Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects

● Collaborative and team-oriented approach

● Adaptability and willingness to learn

● Commitment to the mission and values of the Lewis JCC & JCCNNJ

Benefits

● 403(b)

● Employee discount

● Free Family Fitness membership

● Health insurance

● Life insurance

● Paid time off

Working Conditions

● Office-based with flexibility depending on organizational needs

● Occasional evening and weekend hours in support of donor meetings, fundraising initiatives, and events

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Lewis JCC is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply.

Pay: $62,000.00 - $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $62,000 - $65,000