Development Associate

Title

Development Associate

Reports to

Development Operations Manager

Status

.5 FTE, regular, non-exempt

The Organization

Wild Salmon Center works to protect some of the most beautiful and productive rivers left on the planet. These “salmon strongholds” are home not only to the king of fish but grizzly bears, bald eagles, orcas, and more than 130 other species that depend on wild salmon. These rivers also support thriving coastal communities and Indigenous cultures. If you are called home to these kinds of wild places and live to protect them, then WSC is the organization for you. 

The Team

The Development department is the main engine of Wild Salmon Center’s conservation work, building the funds and relationships necessary to make a real difference for wild salmon watersheds. This is a team of 8 detail-oriented, hardworking, and highly collaborative staff who also appreciate work-life balance, are passionate about conservation, and take the time to get out to the places we work so hard to protect.

The Position

The Development Associate plays a key support role within Wild Salmon Center’s Development team, helping to advance our fundraising and outreach goals through strong administrative and operational support. This position is responsible for assisting with gift processing and donor acknowledgements; maintaining accurate data and reports within our development database; managing swag and development materials, including shipping gear store orders; and supporting prospect research, financial reconciliation, and file management across platforms. 

This part-time, 20-hour/week (0.5 FTE) non-exempt position is ideal for someone who enjoys logistics, systems, and organization, and who’s eager to build skills as the Development program continues to evolve and grow. Occasional evening or weekend hours and limited regional travel may be required.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the administration of WSC’s donor Raiser’s Edge database, including routine data entry and updates, generating reports and queries, and maintaining data quality.
• Administer gift processing and acknowledgement processes, including tracking thank-you letters, donor recognition items, and maintaining donation records.
• Help manage inventory of development materials and donor premiums, and prepare/ship gear store purchases and occasional promotional items.
• Maintain financial records for Gear Store purchases.
• Conduct research on prospective funders using WSC research tools.
• Support preparation of application materials and submissions for special fundraising opportunities (e.g., regional guides, federal campaigns).
• Assist with in-house mailings for annual reports, events, newsletters, promotional gear, and donor proposals.
• Help liaise between Development and Accounting, including monthly revenue reconciliation, and reporting on outstanding pledges and payments.
• Maintain organized electronic filing for the Development team in Google Drive.
• Support data quality and integration between the database, email/advocacy platforms, event tools, and external donation systems.
• Provide support for WSC events, including screenings, house parties and galas, as needed.
• Perform administrative task and other duties as assigned.

Desired Qualifications

• A strong interest in nonprofit fundraising and development operations.
• Outstanding attention to detail, organization, and ability to manage routine tasks and multiple deadlines with accuracy.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Experience with—or the ability to quickly learn—CRM systems such as Raiser’s Edge, as well as related tools for data entry, reporting, and reconciliation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly for internal coordination.
• Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• A proactive, resourceful mindset with an aptitude for logistics and an interest in building skills as responsibilities evolve.

Education

Related work/study experience.

Compensation

$28.00 / hr.

Additionally, a comprehensive benefits package, designed to help our employees stay healthy and plan for their financial future, includes:

• Prorated sick, vacation and holiday pay
• 401(k) plan that matches at 125% for the first 6% of salary contributed
• Support for continuing professional development
• Cell phone allowance & monthly stipend
• Flexible hybrid work schedule
• Outstanding work culture, including regular opportunities to visit and connect with salmon rivers.

To Apply

Submit cover letter and resume to careers@wildsalmoncenter.org and include “Development Assistant” in the subject line. Applications will be accepted by 11:59 pm PST on Friday, May 1,  2026

Wild Salmon Center is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We will gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please reach out to our HR Manager at eellis@wildsalmoncenter.org in advance to request assistance.