Associate

Location: Greenwood/Indianapolis, IN (Hybrid)

Classification: Full-Time/Salary

Reports to: Senior Consultant

Salary Range: $75,000-$89,000

Anticipated Start Date: December 2026

To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to:

Carrie Rickenberg

Consultant, JGA

[email protected]

The Opportunity

JGA seeks an Associate to assist in client engagements and support the consulting team. The Associate will serve as a key member of the team, delivering high-quality service to clients and strengthening JGA’s culture through teamwork.

The ideal candidate will bring direct fundraising experience in nonprofit leadership or consulting, with demonstrated success working with donors and senior leadership and an understanding of the key tenets and functions of a strong advancement team.

About JGA

Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA) is a national philanthropic consulting firm that serves mission-driven organizations to strengthen generosity, deepen donor relationships, and achieve ambitious philanthropic goals. We partner with nonprofits across higher education, healthcare, arts and culture, and social and community services to provide strategic counsel grounded in experience, partnership, and trust.

JGA advances the practice of philanthropy through thought leadership, national research, and innovative tools—including predictive analytics that help organizations uncover opportunities and make more informed decisions. For more than 30 years, we have combined data-driven insight with a deep understanding of people, leadership, and relationships to help our clients navigate change and create lasting impact.

Values and Commitment

JGA is guided by values of authenticity, innovation, and client-focused excellence, which shape how we serve clients and work together as colleagues. Our employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) reinforces a culture of trust, shared accountability, and investment in the firm’s long-term success. JGA is also committed to advancing equity, access, and inclusion of diverse people and perspectives within our team, in partnership with our clients, and across the philanthropic sector. We approach our work with humility and curiosity, continually learning and adapting to deliver high-value work and create lasting impact for the organizations and communities we serve.

Duties and Responsibilities

Client Engagement and Consulting Delivery:

Work as a member of JGA consulting teams to support high-quality delivery of client engagements.

• Conduct interviews and information gathering to inform feasibility studies, development audits, philanthropic assessments, strategic plans, and other consulting work.
• Participate in client meetings, training sessions, and planning conversations. Support lead consultants in facilitating discussions and implementing recommendations.
• Support and increasingly lead components of JGA’s Acuity® predictive analytics engagements, working with JGA’s data and consulting teams to translate analysis into actionable insights and recommendations for clients.
• Manage assigned responsibilities and next steps to support the timely delivery of client work, in coordination with the lead consultant and Client Service team.
• As experience and responsibility grow, independently lead defined portions of client engagements and manage assigned client work.

Analysis and Written Deliverables:

Analyze information and develop high-quality draft materials that support JGA’s consulting recommendations.

• Synthesize interview findings, survey data, research, and other information to identify themes and inform client recommendations.
• Develop initial drafts of findings, recommendations, reports, development plans, and other client deliverables.
• Revise written materials through rounds of review and feedback with lead consultants and project teams.

Firm and Team Contribution:

Contribute to JGA’s consulting practice, team culture, and continued growth.

• Participate in JGA team meetings, strategic planning, and other firm initiatives.
• Support proposal development and other new-business activities in partnership with consultants and the Client Service team.
• Contribute ideas, expertise, and observations that strengthen JGA’s consulting practices and client service.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Experience developing and coaching strategies for managing major and planned gifts.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated prior success in annual support, planned giving, and capital campaigns, combined with solid exposure to alumni or other constituent programming and support.
• Demonstrated understanding of board dynamics and experience helping to shape and guide board decision-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to synthesize data and present information persuasively and clearly.
• Superb time management and organizational skills.
• Sound judgment, critical thinking, and a high degree of emotional intelligence.
• Ability to act as a representative of JGA at all times and therefore maintain the highest professional standards in philanthropy, personal discretion, and professional demeanor.
• Commitment to community or professional sector service.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five to seven years of active experience in the fundraising field.

Physical and Work Requirements

• Ability to work long hours, nights, and weekends as needed.
• Extensive local and out-of-area travel with some overnights required.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk, working on a computer, and talking on the phone.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

• JGA offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees’ well-being, professional growth, and long-term success. Benefits currently include:
• Medical, dental, and vision options for employees and dependents
• Voluntary benefit options and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) retirement benefits
• Generous PTO that increases with tenure
• 12 paid holidays and a holiday break between December 25-31
• Paid parental leave and volunteer time off
• Hybrid working options, as appropriate for the position
• Individualized onboarding and development planning
• Professional development opportunities
• $50 monthly cellphone reimbursement

Additional Information

The posting provides an overview of the primary responsibilities and qualifications for the position. JGA values agility, collaboration, and continued growth; responsibilities may evolve over time based on the needs of the firm and the strengths of the individual in the role.