Development Associate - The Helix School : Job Details

Development Associate Full-Time | Reports to Director of Development Location: San Rafael, CA Website: www.thehelixschool.org Are you ready to help build a brighter future for neurodiverse students? The Helix School is redefining what's possible for autistic children in the Bay Area. We serve students ages 5 and beyond using an integrated model of academics and therapy. As we evolve our fundraising strategy to reflect a more dynamic and community-engaged approach, we're looking for a detail-oriented, mission-aligned Development Associate to support this important work. This role is ideal for someone with nonprofit development experience who excels at event planning, data tracking, and operational support-and is excited to work on a small but mighty team that is changing lives every day. Our Purpose We're not just here to educate; we're here to change trajectories. Our evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach supports the whole child-addressing cognitive development, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and communication with care, intention, and respect. Our Values

• Quality of life is our bottom line
• Children with neurodiversity deserve to grow to their full potential
• Small and focused allows us to go deep, not just wide
• Integration and collaboration are our cornerstones
• Student and parent voices matter deeply
• Relationships drive everything

About the Role The Development Associate plays a key role in executing Helix's development strategy by managing event logistics, supporting campaign implementation, maintaining donor records, and helping to craft communications. The role reports to the Director of Development and provides essential operational support for all fundraising initiatives. Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics and planning for all fundraising events (e.g., Luminary Gala, donor receptions, cultivation events)
• Support development and execution of donor communications, print and digital campaign materials
• Maintain donor database and ensure accurate data entry, reporting, and segmentation
• Manage donor acknowledgments and help implement stewardship strategies
• Assist with grant writing, tracking, and background research
• Prepare fundraising reports and help maintain an annual development calendar
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Development and cross-functional teams on fundraising initiatives
• Content creation and posting on social media

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or event planning
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with donor databases or CRMs (experience with Salesforce or similar platforms preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a collaborative spirit
• Enthusiasm for Helix's mission and a desire to make a difference

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 depending on experience
• Benefits:
  • 75% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan (Traditional and Roth, no match at this time)
  • 32 paid holidays per year
  • 2 additional paid weeks off (typically during school breaks)
  • 5 sick days annually

Development Associate Full-Time | Reports to Director of Development Location: San Rafael, CA Website: www.thehelixschool.org Are you ready to help build a brighter future for neurodiverse students? The Helix School is redefining what's possible for autistic children in the Bay Area. We serve students ages 5 and beyond using an integrated model of academics and therapy. As we evolve our fundraising strategy to reflect a more dynamic and community-engaged approach, we're looking for a detail-oriented, mission-aligned Development Associate to support this important work. This role is ideal for someone with nonprofit development experience who excels at event planning, data tracking, and operational support-and is excited to work on a small but mighty team that is changing lives every day. Our Purpose We're not just here to educate; we're here to change trajectories. Our evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach supports the whole child-addressing cognitive development, sensory integration, emotional regulation, and communication with care, intention, and respect. Our Values

• Quality of life is our bottom line
• Children with neurodiversity deserve to grow to their full potential
• Small and focused allows us to go deep, not just wide
• Integration and collaboration are our cornerstones
• Student and parent voices matter deeply
• Relationships drive everything

About the Role The Development Associate plays a key role in executing Helix's development strategy by managing event logistics, supporting campaign implementation, maintaining donor records, and helping to craft communications. The role reports to the Director of Development and provides essential operational support for all fundraising initiatives. Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate logistics and planning for all fundraising events (e.g., Luminary Gala, donor receptions, cultivation events)
• Support development and execution of donor communications, print and digital campaign materials
• Maintain donor database and ensure accurate data entry, reporting, and segmentation
• Manage donor acknowledgments and help implement stewardship strategies
• Assist with grant writing, tracking, and background research
• Prepare fundraising reports and help maintain an annual development calendar
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Development and cross-functional teams on fundraising initiatives
• Content creation and posting on social media

Qualifications

• 2-4 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or event planning
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency with donor databases or CRMs (experience with Salesforce or similar platforms preferred)
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with a collaborative spirit
• Enthusiasm for Helix's mission and a desire to make a difference

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 depending on experience
• Benefits:
  • 75% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance
  • 403(b) retirement plan (Traditional and Roth, no match at this time)
  • 32 paid holidays per year
  • 2 additional paid weeks off (typically during school breaks)
  • 5 sick days annually

Ready to Apply? If you're organized, motivated, and excited about creating a more inclusive future through education, we'd love to hear from you. Please visit to apply. The Helix School is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building an inclusive and welcoming environment for staff, students, families, and community partners.