Development Assistant - In Office Position

Development Assistant - In Office Position

Merage JCC of Orange County, One Federation Way, Suite 200, Irvine, CA 92603

The Development Assistant plays a key role in supporting fundraising initiatives that grow revenue and strengthen donor relationships to advance the organization's mission. Working closely with the Senior Director of Development (SDOD), the Development and Grants Manager, and cross-functional teams, this role supports development strategy execution, donor engagement, data management, and fundraising campaigns and events. This position is ideal for a motivated development professional who is eager to grow their fundraising skills while contributing meaningfully to a mission-driven organization.

• Assist the Senior Director of Development in the planning and execution of an annual fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Manage a limited portfolio of donors and prospects through all stages of the development cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship
• Provide interim support for grant research, writing, proposal submissions, and reporting
• Serve as a central organizer for development data, including donor interactions, prospect research, proposals, and solicitations
• Prepare and deliver regular development reports and key performance metrics for the fundraising team, leadership, and Board of Directors
• Take meeting notes and track follow-up actions and deadlines for development initiatives

• Maintain a donor portfolio with personalized engagement and stewardship strategies
• Manage the donor database (CRM) to ensure accurate gift tracking, reporting, and donor communications
• Prepare donor-facing materials, including fundraising appeals, acknowledgements, thank-you letters, and impact reports

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities
• Flexible to modified work schedule for donor events held on scheduled evenings; partner with staff and volunteers to engage donors before, during, and after events
• Coordinate with vendors to support event logistics and execution

• Support development operations, including CRM maintenance, gift processing, acknowledgements, and reporting
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to ensure alignment of fundraising strategies and messaging

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 2 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, including donor cultivation and stewardship
• Proficiency with common office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; comfort learning new systems
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, volunteers, and community partners
• Demonstrated willingness to learn, grow, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Work Schedule:
  
  Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in-office, within a cubical setting

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience soliciting gifts or sponsor ships in the $1,000-$5,000 range, with interest and capacity to grow into managing mid-level gifts ($5,000-$25,000)
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit development, or a related field
• Familiarity with donor databases Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar platforms
• Experience with annual giving campaigns, major gifts, grant writing, or sponsor ships
• Event planning or donor cultivation event experience
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical standards
• Candidates residing in Orange County, CA, with familiarity with OC community fundraising

• Relationship building and donor stewardship
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Project and time management
• Data-driven decision-making
• Collaboration, adaptability, and teamwork

• Hourly Rate: $25 to $28/hourly; over time eligible
• Paid Medical, Dental, Life and Vision
• Vacation and Sick Time Accrual
• Paid Employee Fitness Membership Retirement Pension Plan

$45,000 - $55,000

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.