Development Associate - ArtYard : Job Details

ArtYard is looking for a Development Associate to join our collaborative, supportive, and diverse team. The Development Associate is a new role that will support fundraising initiatives and execute the day-to-day activity of development operations. This position will be based on-site to allow for relationship building.

The Development Associate will be engaged in many aspects of development, including database and gift processing, preparing reports, donor engagement, donor communications, researching and helping prepare grants and proposals, providing customer service to patrons and trustees, engaging in special projects, helping to establish a future membership program, and possible event management.

A typical week might include:

• Assisting with activities related to fundraising from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies, including the development of campaigns and appeals, grant proposals and reports, and sponsorship decks.
• Identifying and researching funding opportunities from various sources, creating prospect profiles and other materials for executive leadership meetings, and entering prospect profiles in database.
• Collaborating with other departments to integrate development efforts into overall organizational activities.
• Helping with special events, including trustee meetings, exhibition receptions, and public events.
• Managing grant reporting calendar.
• Helping to launch a forthcoming membership program and manage membership database and events.
• Maintaining CRM database, including: managing donation web portal and email platform; entering gifts in database and processing timely gift acknowledgment letters with attention to detail; ensuring data is up to date by merging duplicate records, correcting inaccuracies, updating outdated information, and adding action items and notes; providing reporting, tracking, and administrative requirements to support development initiatives, donor engagement strategies, and analysis of fundraising; generating and managing mailing lists for appeals, events, and other activities.
• Handling donor and general public inquiries and providing exemplary customer service virtually, in the office/at events, and over the phone.
• Having fun working in a lively collaborative environment!

We're looking for an enthusiastic, hard-working, flexible, self-motivated problem solver. Prior experience working with fundraising software is preferred. The successful candidate will have an appreciation of culture and community; enjoy being part of a close-knit team; and thrive in a nimble, fast-paced, evolving environment.

Additionally, the following qualifications are preferred:

• Strong computer skills, preferably with experience working with donor database software as well as the Microsoft suite and PowerPoint or equivalent.
• Working knowledge of fundraising operations and best practices.
• Excellent verbal and written skills, and capable of crafting messages that engage and motivate donors.
• Ability to occasionally work flexible schedule to manage events and programs that occur outside core working hours (e.g., weeknights, holidays, and weekends).
• Curious self-starter with great time management and organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently and in a time-sensitive manner.
• Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of experience working in, with, and for non-profits desired (or equivalent combination of experience); preference for previous fundraising with development software experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working and communicating with a wide range of people.
• Ideal candidate will live in or have strong ties to the region.
• Passion for the arts.

If you're excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you don't meet all the qualifications. We look forward to hearing from you!

ArtYard is a friendly place that brings provocative art, performance, and creative mischief to Frenchtown, New Jersey. We are an incubator for creative expression and a catalyst for collaborations that reveal the transformational power of art. We host a residency program dedicated to developing original work, art exhibitions, and live events and communal engagements, including performances, music, storytelling events, and our biennial Hatch and Aqualumina festivals. Our campus includes ArtYard Center (home to exhibition spaces, a 162-seat theater, and offices), two artist residency buildings, and a warehouse accommodating a workshop, our partner organization Studio Route 29, and other commercial space.

We offer a collaborative, supportive work environment and value innovation and inclusivity. Full-time position, $60,000 salary, 403(b) with employer match, health insurance. Please be advised: We are known to break out the hula hoops to lighten things up and we always celebrate birthdays!

ArtYard is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation. Please send a resume, short writing sample (needn't be development related), and cover letter to: [email protected]. Thank you for considering this opportunity.