Development Associate

The Development Associate is a key member of the development team responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major donors and prospects whose philanthropic commitments advance the mission of Project Self-Sufficiency. This position will manage a portfolio of individual donors and prospects, develop personalized cultivation strategies, prepare compelling proposals, and partner with leadership, board members, volunteers, and program staff to secure significant charitable gifts. The ideal candidate is a relationship-centered fundraiser who is passionate about helping families achieve stability and self-sufficiency, skilled at communicating impact, and comfortable asking for meaningful financial support from donors who share the organization’s values. Minimum five years of non-profit industry development experience and bachelor’s degree required. Salary for this position is $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with previous experience, references, and other factors.

Preferred Experience

• Experience securing gifts of $5,000 or more from individuals, family foundations, or private philanthropic sources.
• Knowledge of planned giving, annual giving, capital campaigns, or comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Familiarity with Sussex County, northern New Jersey, or regional philanthropic networks.
• Experience working in human services, family services, workforce development, education, healthcare, or community-based nonprofit settings.

Key Skills & Abilities

• High-level positive multi-tasking, organizational and project management skills
• Outgoing people person and confident public speaker
• Collaborative, with ability to work on projects with a team or independently
• Knowledge of fundraising software and tools preferred
• Excellent leadership, organization, interpersonal, listening, and written and verbal communication skills
• Attention to detail, with the ability to see the big picture and meet high-level goals.
• High level of ownership and initiative
• Deadline driven
• Desire to make a positive impact on the people of Sussex, Warren, Morris and Hunterdon Counties
• Availability to work select evenings and weekends

Selected Duties

• ·Oversee donor gift processing and stewardship, including logging, entering, and coding all donations (mail, web, event, etc.) and generating thank you letters using timely, effective, appropriate and consistent methods
• Create mailing and emailing lists when needed by the organization
• Ensure accuracy and security of all donor and gift data, maintain strict confidentiality
• Assist with campaigns for current, lapsed, acquisition and donor prospects
• Coordinate special events including managing event logistics, program outline support, catering, invitations, RSVP’s, “day of” support, and post event stewardship
• Prepare detailed reports on giving, events, and campaigns
• Assist with the creation and dissemination of materials (drafting, copying, filing, mailing, emailing)
• Track grant application and report deadlines, organize grants and related materials as needed
• Assist at agency events as needed, particularly development programming and events, such as: Autumn Harvest Shoot, A Taste of Talent, Season of Hope Toy Shop, Project 300 and other events as assigned.
• Ability to multi-task, knowledge of Microsoft Office, and experience working in a related field a plus.

Health benefits, on-site childcare, and 401K plan available.

Project Self-Sufficiency is a non-profit organization located in semi-rural northwestern New Jersey which has assisted low-income families along the path to economic self-sufficiency for more than 35 years. The agency is dedicated to empowering individuals and families to achieve economic independence and self-reliance, providing a safe and inclusive environment that fosters growth, learning, and opportunity. Services include career guidance and assessment, computer classes, high school diploma instruction, parenting workshops, childcare, legal assistance and education, help with emergency basic needs such as clothing and food, health education, support groups, life skills classes, family activities, home visitation, and more.