Development Associate

St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie, LA seeks a Development Associate to begin immediately. The mission of St. Martin’s Episcopal School is to prepare students to thrive in college and in life through faith, scholarship, and service. Founded in 1947, St. Martin’s is a co-educational independent day school. The school seeks growth-minded, highly motivated, and collaborative faculty and staff who will continue to foster the school’s growth and focus on the development of each student’s full potential. The Development Associate is a professional fund-raising position reporting to the Director of Institutional Advancement.

• Support the department's Comprehensive Fundraising Plan: Working with the Director of Institutional Advancement, the primary responsibility of a Development Associate is to help implement the comprehensive fundraising plan, with a specific focus on the annual fund (for all constituencies) and special events. This involves identifying and cultivating all prospective donors in various constituency groups.
• Work with the Saints Community Organization (SCO): Plan and execute special events that engage donors and raise funds for the organization. The two key events at St. Martin’s are the fall Golf Tournament and the Spring Gala. The Development Associate must work closely with the Director of Institutional Advancement, Head of School and Board of Directors to develop fundraising goals and strategies that align with the school’s mission and values.
• Collaborate with the Communications and Alumni Teams: The Development Associate must work closely with the Communications team and Alumni team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials. This involves developing a compelling message that resonates with potential donors, creating donor recognition programs, and crafting targeted appeals that drive donations.
• Work as needed with the Board of Directors and Head of School: The Development Associate must collaborate closely with the Advancement Committee to develop fundraising strategies and goals that align with the school’s mission and values. This may involve presenting fundraising plans and performance metrics to the Board of Directors and working with the Head of School to ensure that fundraising activities are aligned with the organization’s overall strategic plan.
• Monitor and Analyze Fundraising Data: The Development Associate is responsible for monitoring and analyzing fundraising data to understand history, trends, opportunities, and then evaluating performance and adjusting strategies as needed. This involves tracking donor engagement and retention rates, analyzing revenue streams, and making data-driven decisions that help the school achieve its fundraising goals.

• Bachelor's Degree in Nonprofit Management or Related Field: A Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field is typically required for the role of Development Associate. This provides a solid foundation in the principles of nonprofit management and fundraising, as well as the financial and legal aspects of nonprofit operations.

• Minimum of 5 Years Experience in Nonprofit Fundraising: A minimum of 5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising is required for the role of Development Associate. This includes experience in major gifts, specific campaigns (such as Annual Fund, capital projects), corporate and foundation giving, and special events. Details on specific roles the applicant has played in the Donor Cycle are expected.

• Excellent Written and Verbal Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for the Development Associate, as they must craft compelling donor communications and marketing materials that resonate with potential donors. This requires excellent writing and editing skills, as well as the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

• Strong Leadership and Management Skills: The Development Associate must have strong leadership and management skills, with experience managing a team of volunteers and fundraising professionals. This requires the ability to set goals and expectations, motivate team members, provide guidance and support as needed, and recognize tangible results after completion of an event or campaign.

• Demonstrated Ability to Work Collaboratively: The Development Associate must be able to work collaboratively with colleagues, Board members, and volunteers to achieve fundraising goals. This requires excellent interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to build relationships and work effectively with diverse groups of people. 

• Experience with Fundraising Software and Donor Databases: Experience with fundraising software and donor databases is a critical qualification for a Development Associate role. This includes proficiency with popular fundraising software such as DonorPerfect, as well as experience with donor databases and online fundraising platforms. The ability to analyze and interpret data from these systems is essential for making informed decisions and developing effective fundraising strategies.

• Deep Commitment to the School's Mission and Values: The Development Associate must have a deep commitment to the mission and values of the school. This means that they must understand and believe in the school’s purpose and be passionate about making a positive impact in the community. A strong sense of personal integrity and ethical conduct is also essential in this role.

• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: The Development Associate must be a strategic thinker, with the ability to identify challenges and opportunities, and develop creative solutions to meet fundraising goals. They must be able to think critically and make data-driven decisions that help the school achieve its objectives.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: The Development Associate must be flexible and adaptable, able to adjust fundraising strategies in response to changing circumstances or unexpected events. They must be able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines, while maintaining a positive and solutions-oriented approach.

St. Martin’s Episcopal School is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email us at HR@stmsaints.com and let us know. St. Martin's Episcopal School is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks candidates from diverse backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity, or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

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