What is a Development Associate?
A Development Associate, who might also be referred to as a fundraiser, assists in overseeing fundraising activities and recording donations for nonprofit organizations. They are involved in contacting and developing relationships with donors and sponsors and in creating grant programs. Development Associates work closely with development managers and other staff members to identify potential sources of donations and track the progress of fundraising campaigns.
Development Associates work mainly for nonprofit organizations or agencies. They might also be employed by hospitals or other healthcare facilities and colleges and universities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the expected job growth rate for this profession is 9 percent through 2024. The continuing need for nonprofit organizations to raise donations and the increasing use of social media to conduct fundraising campaigns are the major reasons cited for this projected employment growth rate.
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Development Associate Duties and Responsibilities
Create and Track Fundraising Events
Record Donations
Research Funding Sources
Provide Administrative Support
Development Associate Skills
Successful Development Associates should be strong problem-solvers and be detail-oriented individuals with above-average organizational and verbal and written communication skills. They should work naturally within a team environment as well as possess the ability to work with little supervision as needed. Strong project management skills are also essential, as Development Associates are usually active in creating fundraising campaigns and projects. An understanding of marketing and promotions practices are beneficial to this position. In addition to these attributes, potential employers of Development Associates might prefer candidates with the following abilities:
Cultivating donor relationships Communicating with donors and sponsors to maintain strong relationships to ensure continued donations
Overseeing fundraising campaigns Organizing and tracking fundraising events to expand funding opportunities
Reporting to management staff Creating reports that show fundraising progress and effectiveness of current and past campaigns
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Development Associate Tools of the Trade
Nonprofit fundraising software
Electronic records management systems
Microsoft Office applications
Development Associate Salary
Additional Development Associate Resources
To fully complete your research into this occupation, we have provided a list of several resources that provide further insight into job duties and responsibilities as well as professional development, personal reflections and more. Refer to the links below to help you gain a better understanding of what is it like to be a Development Associate.
On the Web
Future Fundraising NowWritten by a professional fundraiser, this blog focuses on ways to contact and maintain relationships with donors.
101 FundraisingThis crowdblog provides links to relevant articles and blogs covering many aspects of fundraising for Development Associates.
The Fundraising CoachFind articles, training tips, effective strategies and case studies that would be of interest for those seeking to work or currently working as a Development Associate.
Industry Groups
Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)This organization provides professional development opportunities such as webinars and online courses as well as publications, conferences and other material of interest to Development Associates.
Direct Marketing Fundraisers Association (DMFA)Offering workshops and networking opportunities for Development Associates, DMFA is a great resource to use to find information about fundraising techniques, current trends and more.
Podcasts
The Fundraising AuthorityGet free tips and overviews of techniques and strategies for Development Associates from leaders and professionals in the fundraising field.
Fundraising is BeautifulThis podcast offers personal insight into the rewards and enjoyment of working as a fundraiser or Development Associate.
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