Development Assistant

YOUR POSITION WITH TNC:

As a member of the Development team, the Development Assistant provides general administrative support for the Wisconsin Development Team. In this role you will coordinate mailings for donor audiences, frequently serve as the first point of contact for questions from member and colleagues, collaborate with fundraisers to plan special events, and provide general program support as required. The successful candidate will bring a people-focused, proactive approach to their work; is flexible and adaptable with a strong commitment to continuous learning; and demonstrate genuine enthusiasm for supporting fundraising efforts of a team.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Development Assistant is an integral part of the Wisconsin chapter’s inclusive, donor-centered philanthropy program and plays an important role to ensure major donor experiences are personalized, meaningful, and fun.

The Assistant is a problem solver and takes initiative to facilitate the efficiency of the development team. As the Assistant, you are responsible for providing general administrative support to the Wisconsin Development Team, such as handling logistics for special events and field trips for our donors, preparing thank you letters to donors, coordinating development mailings including renewals and event invitations, ordering supplies, managing files, answering phones, and scheduling meetings and travel. You will coordinate these activities (with multiple variables), set realistic deadlines, and manage the timelines.

The Assistant is an excellent communicator and a responsive, driven teammate. In this role, you may have substantial contact with staff, donors, legal, and financial professionals and must provide accurate and prompt responses as needed. You will work cooperatively with fundraising staff, providing information necessary to make decisions and solve problems. In addition, you may handle inquiries about chapter activities and assist in the development of program materials and correspondence. The Assistant is often the first person donors (and others interested in supporting TNC) will interact with and must provide high level of customer service.

The Assistant will be required to use the Conservancy’s donor database and related technology for donor/constituent management. As Assistant, you also may assist with writing development publications and proposals and donor research.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE:

• Duties are performed under general supervision and established guidelines. 
• Make day-to-day decisions within the scope of work assignments and prioritize work independently 
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information 
• Financial responsibility may include working within a budget, purchasing, processing invoices, contracting with vendors, and assisting with budget tracking 
• Refers difficult questions and unusual problems to supervisor 
• Serve as a team member for assigned projects 
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain 
• Be willing to travel, work overtime, and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed 
• Does not supervise any staff, but may supervise volunteers, interns, or temporary staff

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience or equivalent combination. 
• Experience in business writing, editing, and proofreading. 
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team. 
• Experience managing diverse activities while meeting deadlines. 
• Experience in general program support such as event planning, meeting preparation, data tracking, or related experience. 
• Experience working and communicating with a wide range of people. 
• Experience working with databases.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to analyze information for the purpose of preparing reports, coordinating efforts and solving problems. 
• Experience writing and editing written materials for use with donors and special events. 
• Database skills, including managing data and tracking donor prospects. 
• Experience, coursework, or other training in fundraising principles & practices. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.