Development Associate (DC)

Development Associate

Responsibilities

The Development Associate is a valued member of the Living Classrooms Development team and the local National Capital Region team. This person must be a self-starter, problem-solver, team player, and flexible to changing schedules and programs. This person will have strong interpersonal, writing/communication, and organizational skills with the following core responsibilities:

Proposal Writing/Prospect Research

• Write compelling proposals, solicitation letters, and reports
• Continually research and seek new sources of funding including government, corporate, and foundation grants
• Study and understand the history, structure, objectives, programs and financial needs of the organization.
• Research grant opportunities from government and non-government agencies.
• Draft grant proposals and supporting documents based on the funding requirements of the organization.
• Work collaboratively with organization, department, and program leadership to produce grant proposals and reports.
• Submit proposals to grant coordinators for approval.
• Respond to internal and external queries on drafted and submitted proposals.
• Maintain positive relationships with fund providers and other stakeholders.
• Maintain records and submit reports related to grant opportunities.
  
  

Fundraising and Special Events

• Assist in planning and staffing fundraising special events
• Assist in selling sponsorships
• Secure food donations and other vendor donations including, but not limited to lighting, sound, stages, music, and other donated goods and services as needed
• Secure silent auction items; assist with on-site or online auctions at Foundation special events as needed
• Attend and assist at fundraisers and networking opportunities on behalf of the organization
• Any other duties as assigned by the Vice President of Development
  
  

Administrative

• Support all administrative needs related to development, including mailings, tracking donations, and other tasks as assigned.
  
  

Volunteer & Partner Engagement

• Support volunteer events in the National Capital Region, leading corporate and community volunteer groups while stewarding strong relationships.
• Attend partner engagement speaking events at third-party sites to promote volunteerism and donor/partner development.
• Work directly with the Director of Volunteerism to plan, refine, and execute volunteer engagement strategies and initiatives.
• Coordinate logistics for volunteer events, including scheduling, materials prep, and onsite setup and breakdown.
• Cultivate positive relationships with corporate partners, community organizations, and recurring volunteer groups.
• Track volunteer attendance, engagement levels, and feedback to support reporting and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal teams and the Director of Volunteerism to identify meaningful and high-impact volunteer opportunities.
• Represent the organization at community fairs, corporate service days, and networking events to strengthen engagement.
• Help develop promotional content or materials to highlight volunteer opportunities and impact.
  
  

Required Skills, Experience, And Other

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, creative writing or a related area OR demonstrated superior writing skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel around the DMV for events and meetings.
• A minimum of two years of experience in grant writing is preferred
• Excellent knowledge of proposal submission and fundraising process
• Ability to work well under pressure and tight deadlines
• Strong research skills and knowledge of information sources
• Multitasking, organizational, and time management skills
• Attention to detail is a must
• Familiarity with the DMV in general, Anacostia River, Kingman Island, DC history, culture, and current events/climate preferred.
  
  

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Additional Information

The Development Associate reports to the Vice President of Development and works closely with the Managing Director of the National Capital Region as well as the Director of Volunteerism and will regularly receive both informal and formal feedback on job performance. LC-NCR manages multiple sites in the National Capital Region, and our principal office is located at 156 Q St SW. The Kingman and Heritage Islands Conservation Area can be accessed from RFK Stadium Lot 6, off Oklahoma Avenue in NE DC. The James C. Dent House is in SW DC.

Work will take place both in office and remotely.

The salary range for this position is $50,000-$55,000 plus benefits.

About Living Classrooms Of The National Capital Region

Living Classrooms of the National Capital Region is the DC-based affiliate of the Living Classrooms Foundation. It was established in 2001. Living Classrooms works to strengthen communities and inspire people to achieve their highest potential through hands-on learning opportunities in education, workforce development, and health and wellness, often leveraging environmental assets and maritime resources to serve as “living classrooms.” For more information, visit livingclassrooms.org.

The Living Classrooms Foundation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.