Development Assistant

Harmony Project is an award-winning research-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. We promote positive youth development through year-round music lessons and ensemble participation. Our mission is to harness the transformative power of music to increase access to higher education for underserved students by removing systemic barriers to achievement through academic and social support.

Job Overview: As a Development Assistant at Harmony Project, you will play a crucial role in supporting the fundraising and development efforts that enable us to continue our important work in the community. Reporting directly to the Director of Development, you will contribute to building relationships with donors, managing donor information, and ensuring the efficient operation of our development activities. Harmony Project is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Key Roles (Essential Job Responsibilities)

• Collaborate with the Director of Development to execute strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Maintain and manage donor databases, utilizing systems such as Salesforce, Razors Edge, Blackbaud, and others, to track donor interactions, contributions, and engagement history.
• Communicate with existing and prospective donors in person, on the phone, and by email.
• Generate and distribute acknowledgment letters, tax receipts, and other correspondence to donors in a timely and personalized manner.
• Assist in the planning and execution of fundraising events, including logistics coordination, guest communication, and post-event follow-up.
• Conduct research to identify potential individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
• Participate in the development of fundraising materials, grant proposals, and reports to effectively communicate the organization's impact and funding needs.
• Support the implementation of online fundraising campaigns and maintain accurate donation records.
• Provide support to the Director of Development during critical event time, such as preparing and mailing sponsorship letters, obtaining auction items, ordering awards, etc.
• Collaborate with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging across all donor-related materials.
• Generate and maintain reports, lists, data analysis for viable donor prospects, strategies, and track results.
• Liaison and support to event producers for special events as needed.
• Coordinate volunteer and staff assignments and needs for special events.
• Support Club Public Relations efforts as needed.
• Provide administrative support, including scheduling meetings, preparing materials, and assisting with other tasks as needed.
• Coordinate with program staff to gather compelling stories and data that demonstrate the impact of donor support.
• Conduct research on grant opportunities and fundraising trends.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail are essential for accurate donor data management and event coordination.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize responsibilities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for donor correspondence and collaboration with team members.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating a flexible and adaptable approach to tasks.
• Passion for the mission of Harmony Project and a genuine interest in contributing to the organization's growth.
• Experience or aptitude in coordinating and executing events, from small donor appreciation gatherings to large fundraising galas.
• Proficiency in using MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher, and Canva.

Education and Experience

• An AA degree in communication, public relations, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 1 year of experience in fundraising.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in an office setting, preferably a nonprofit company.
• Previous experience with donor management systems (e.g., Salesforce, Razors Edge, Blackbaud) is required.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods, often while working at a computer or attending meetings.
• Ability to read, write, and interpret documents, including reports and donor correspondence.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, including computers, calculators, telephones, and copiers.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to travel for events, meetings, etc.
• Flexible work schedule to include some weekends, weeknights, and holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $25.00 - $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person