The Development Assistant will report directly to the Manager of Donor Relations and Special Events. S/he will have primary responsibility for maintaining the agency’s fundraising database (Raiser’s Edge). S/he will also work in close collaboration with the Senior Director, Major Gifts, the Senior Director of Grant Development, and the Director of Design and Digital Media. S/he must be a critical thinker with a strong passion and interest in fundraising for a nationally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to supporting successful re-entry from prison and promoting alternatives to incarceration. A positive, collaborative work style and comfort in a multi-cultural, multi-generational environment is extremely important.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

•   Act as a power user of our donor database, Raiser’s Edge;

•   Process individual contributions and acknowledgement letters and produce batch reports in close coordination with our Finance team;

•   Continually update and amend database records, with an eye toward quality control;

•   Produce standard and complex reports and mailing lists;

•   Maintain individual donor files;

•   Conduct research on prospects (individual and foundation) and current donors. Prepare donor profiles;

•   Under the guidance of the Senior Director of Grant Development, provide support in all facets of

  grant development, including information gathering and proposal generation;

•   Assist with coordination of fundraising and cultivation events as needed;

•   Assemble donor packets for events and meetings;

•   Perform administrative tasks as needed by the Development team; and

•   Other duties as required.
  
  
  

Qualifications:

• BA preferred and/or 1-2 years of experience working in a relevant field;  At least 1 year of experience using Raiser’s Edge;

•   Excellent written communication skills with great attention to detail;

•   Strong organizational and problem solving skills;

•   Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with colleagues, interns and volunteers;

•   Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, and to manage time effectively in a fast- paced, high-energy environment;

•   Ability to be a strong team player and willingness to work as part of a diverse team with shared responsibility and accountability;

•   Strong interest in professional growth and development in the fundraising field;

•   Knowledge of essential computer applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook);

•   Strong desire to support the work of The Fortune Society by increasing unrestricted funding; and We seek talented, dedicated individuals from all walks of life who possess a strong commitment to this mission. Relevant personal experience is a plus.

Travel Requirements - May require travel to our Harlem site along with some city-wide donor meetings, presentations, and events. 
Physical Demands:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities and requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skills, minimum education, training, licensing, experience and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
The Fortune Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be afforded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of conviction history, race, religion/creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, victim of domestic violence status or marital status.