Development Associate

The Development Associate  for the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation has energy and passion for the mission and vision of the REC Foundation. This position is primarily responsible for supporting the fundraising and development efforts of the REC Foundation. The role is crucial in helping the REC Foundation secure and manage the financial resources necessary to sustain its programs and fulfill its mission.

Responsibilities

• Donor Relations: Build and maintain relationships with donors, both individual and institutional, to ensure ongoing support for the organization
• Donor Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor databases, tracking donor contributions and communication history
• Fundraising Campaign Support: Assist in the planning, execution, and management of fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, online giving, and major gift initiatives
• Grant Writing and Research: Identify potential grant opportunities, assisting the grant writer with preparing grant proposals, and ensuring compliance with grant reporting requirements
• Financial Administration: Assist in budgeting and financial tracking related to fundraising activities, including gift processing, gift acknowledgment, and financial reporting
• Stewardship: Ensure that donors receive appropriate recognition, gratitude, and information about the impact of their contributions
• Research and Data Analysis: Conduct research on donor demographics, trends in philanthropy, and fundraising best practices, as well as analyzing fundraising data for insights
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the development team, which may include scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and handling correspondence.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations related to fundraising and donations, as well as preparing and submitting reports to funding sources
• Relationship Building: Cultivate positive relationships with donors, board members, staff, and other stakeholders in the nonprofit's community

Other Responsibilities

• Performs other duties as assigned
• Uphold organization policies and standards, including but not limited to policies found in the Employee Handbook
• Ensure and maintain an ethical, trusting, inclusive, and productive work environment

Additional Information

• Pay: $55,000 - $60,000
• Job Type: Full Time
• Primary Location: DFW Area
• Schedule: Specific schedules will be discussed with your direct manager but will typically fall within our regular hours of operations,  Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
  • Alternate times and/or days may also be required periodically

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience; background in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, marketing, or a related field
• 3+ years of relevant work experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field
  • This experience should include progressively responsible roles with a demonstrated track record of success in fundraising initiatives
• Fundraising Knowledge: Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices, including experience with individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, and events
• Grant Writing and Research: Experience in researching grant opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and managing grant reporting and compliance
• Donor Relations: Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors and other stakeholders
• Database Management: Proficiency in using donor management and fundraising software to maintain donor records, track contributions, and analyze donor data
• Event Planning: Experience coordinating fundraising events, including planning, logistics, execution and follow-up
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to create compelling fundraising materials, donor communications, and reports
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting, as well as an understanding of nonprofit financial management
• Marketing and Outreach: Ability to assist with the development of donor communication strategies, including newsletters, emails, and social media updates
• Research and Data Analysis: Strong research skills to identify funding opportunities and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies
• Compliance: Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising regulations and requirements, including the ability to ensure compliance and prepare reports for funding sources
• Collaboration and teamwork skills to work effectively with other members of the team and different departments
• Proactive problem-solving skills that lead to innovative thinking and resolutions
• Ability to interface on a professional level with a variety of customers (co-workers, sponsors, customers, etc.)
• Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office products
• Computer competency and ability to learn new programs
• Skilled in setting priorities to manage varying tasks/projects and time management
• Maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information
• Attendance at the annual VEX Robotics World Championship for the full duration is required; please note that this event is typically 10-12 days, depending on event configuration and your specific duties, as assigned
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically (15% - 20% is expected) to REC Foundation events, to the Greenville, TX office for meetings, and to the annual VEX Robotics World Championship