Development Associate

Job Description – Development Associate – Full-Time Position (Posted 12/9/24)

The Arc of Northern Virginia promotes and protects the human rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) and actively supports their full inclusion and participation in the community throughout their lifetimes.

For over 62 years, The Arc of Northern Virginia has represented and served people with ID/DD —such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, and rare chromosomal disorders—of all ages and their families throughout Northern Virginia. It is estimated that more than 39,000 individuals in Northern Virginia have ID/DD.

The Arc of Northern Virginia is seeking a Development Associate to support its plan for continued revenue growth. Under the supervision of the Director of Development and in cooperation with other staff members, the Development Associate provides support for all fundraising and development activities of The Arc of Northern Virginia. The Development Associate helps to ensure that the organization’s systems and procedures support development and fundraising goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

DATABASE MANAGEMENT AND DONATIONS PROCESSING:

• Oversee the management of the organization’s NEON Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database
• Maintain accountability of records, data entry and collection, reporting, mailing lists, and proper acknowledgement and recognition of donors and sponsors in a timely manner.
• Communicate and coordinate with accounting staff to ensure data in CRM and A/R are reconciled accurately.
• Create and produce fundraising and development reports as needed from NEON database.

RESEARCH, WRITING, AND GRANTS:

• Research and identify potential donors, funders and sponsors such as government agencies, foundations, corporations and individual supporters
• Produce well-written small grant proposals and reports, electronic communications, donor/funder updates, and acknowledgement letters.
• Provide input in the development of fundraising campaign materials and case statements
• Monitor ongoing status of grant-funded programs to assure progress in meeting goals.

SPECIAL EVENTS:

• As part of a team that includes a Special Events Manager, support fundraising and sponsorship efforts related to The Arc of Northern Virginia’s signature fundraising events—Gala, Benefit Breakfast, Arctoberfest, and Team Challenge.
• Assist as needed with special event committee meetings, event logistics, sponsor solicitations, auction item procurement, and other logistic pieces.
• Support day-of logistics in key roles at special events.

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM:

• Further the organization’s development plan and help to achieve specific fundraising goals that are in keeping with the organization’s values, mission, vision and plans.
• Assist in monitoring results and evaluating the effectiveness of the organization’s fundraising and development program.
• Use discretion and sound judgement in handling donor information and interacting with donors and other constituents.
• As part of team, implement joint development/communications plan to communicate with and engage program participants and new constituents
• Coordinate meeting preparation for Development Committee meetings
• Attend and participate in relevant meetings, presentations and events on behalf of The Arc of Northern Virginia
• Handle donor, funder, and constituent information in a confidential and secure manner
• Other special projects and related duties as assigned

Desired Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 1-2 years of experience in fundraising and grant writing required
• Non-profit organization experience is desired
• Demonstrated experience in supporting a comprehensive fundraising and development program.

Other Qualifications:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Strong presentation, interpersonal, and customer service skills
• Solid organizational and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work well independently performing duties under general supervision
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task while managing several projects simultaneously
• Ability to work well as part of a team and lead group tasks as needed                                                                                                                                  
• Some night and weekend work around special events; an estimated 4-6 times a year
• Passion for serving people with disabilities and their families

Computer/Technology Skills:

• Must be PC proficient and able to thrive in a fast -paced setting
• Proficiency in standard office software, including Microsoft Excel
• Proficiency with a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) database
• Experience with MailChimp, Constant Contact and Google AdWords for Nonprofits a plus

Please send your resume, cover letter, and a grant or proposal writing sample to: hstregack@thearcofnova.org

Salary: $50,000-55,000 depending on qualifications and experience, plus benefits. Standard work week at The Arc of Northern Virginia is 37.5 hours.

How to Apply:

• Please email your resume (saved as Lastname_resume) and cover letter (saved as Lastname_coverletter) to hstregack@thearcofnova.org.
• Please send also 1-2 grant or proposal writing samples (saved as Lastname_sample1) and cover letter (saved as Lastname_sample2)
• Please include the position title and your last name in the subject line.

Please be prepared to supply two references upon request.

No phone calls, please.

Research shows that women and underrepresented groups apply to jobs only if they feel that they meet 100% of the qualifications. If this role sounds interesting to you, we encourage you to apply! The Arc of Northern Virginia is committed to building a diverse team that draws on the strengths of people with a variety of identities, backgrounds, perspectives, and skills.