Development Associate
The Development Associate helps support The Retreat's fundraising, events, and donor stewardship initiatives. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the smooth execution of special events, donor communications, and in-kind giving programs while maintaining accurate records in the donor database. The Development Associate will work closely and collaboratively with the Development & Marketing team, program staff, and volunteers to advance the organization's mission through effective donor engagement and event management.
Key Responsibilities
Event Coordination & Logistics
- Coordinate logistics for fundraising and cultivation events (golf outing, gala, tennis benefit, cultivation receptions, etc.).
- Serve as primary liaison with vendors, sponsors, and event volunteers.
- Manage event timelines, guest lists, and on-site execution.
- Track auction items, sponsorship benefits, and post-event follow-up tasks.
- Assist in preparing event collateral in collaboration with the Marketing Manager.
- Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.
Donor Stewardship & Database
- Accurately record gifts, pledges, and in-kind donations in the donor database (Bloomerang).
- Generate timely acknowledgment letters and stewardship touchpoints.
- Support donor research and prospect tracking for major giving program.
- Maintain clean, up-to-date donor records.
- Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.
In-Kind Donation & Volunteer Coordination
- Manage shelter in-kind donation intake and coordinate with shelter staff.
- Oversee Adopt-a-Family program, including gift card solicitation, distribution, and donor acknowledgment.
- Coordinate in-office volunteers for administrative and event-related needs.
- Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.
Departmental Support
- Assist with preparation of fundraising materials, presentations, and mailings.
- Support Annual Appeal production and mailing.
- Respond to donor and community inquiries, ensuring warm, timely follow-up.
- Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or manager.
Qualifications
- 12 years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, event coordination, or related field (internships and volunteer experience considered).
- Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Comfort working with donor databases (experience with Bloomerang, Salesforce, or Raiser's Edge a plus).
- Ability to work collaboratively in a small, high-functioning team.
- Collaborative, proactive, and willing to pitch in across functions.
Work Environment & Requirements
- Based in East Hampton with some flexibility for remote work.
- Occasional evening/weekend work required for events.
- Ability to lift up to 20 pounds for event and donation handling.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience in the range of 55,000 - 65,000 with the possibility of bonus structure based on merit and hitting donor engagement goals.
- Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement plan.
- Professional development opportunities.
The Retreat, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing compassionate, empathetic, and culturally aware services to all clients and community members.