DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Oct 17, 2024 - The Development Associate excels in using analytical tools for effective nonprofit fundraising and data analysis. Proven capabilities in managing multiple projects with tight deadlines are enhanced by exceptional research, project management skills, and a strong foundation in financial management. Independent and detail-oriented, the role effectively leads teams and handles complex programs, leveraging MS Office proficiency to support fiscal and technical tasks.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for a Standout Development Associate Resume
  • Data Analysis
  • Project Management
  • Fundraising Techniques
  • Budgeting
  • Grant Writing
  • Statistical Software
  • Database Management
  • Research Skills
  • Report Writing
  • Technical Proficiency
  • Communication
  • Teamwork
  • Problem-Solving
  • Adaptability
  • Attention to Detail
  • Time Management
  • Empathy
  • Leadership
  • Networking
  • Critical Thinking

Summary of Development Associate Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Development Studies with 2 Years of Experience

  • Strong ability to multi-task
  • Excellent interpersonal skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong critical thinking abilities
  • Ability to work under pressure with deadlines and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Professional demeanor and ability to handle all situations in a calm manner
  • High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential, sensitive issues with diplomacy and discretion
  • Experience with data entry and complex databases
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
  • Ability to attend evening or weekend events
  • Ability to provide donors, constituents and colleagues with a consistently excellent customer service experience
  • Demonstrated success using the Microsoft Office suite
  • Working knowledge of nonprofit fundraising practices.
  • Experience working on special events and fundraising campaigns

2. BS in Nonprofit Management with 3 Years of Experience

  • Exceptional organizational skills
  • Ability to follow through on tasks
  • Ability to multi-task between routine operations
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • Meticulous attention to detail
  • Ability to work effectively in collaboration with teammates, and operate with high a degree of professionalism
  • Extensive background in Salesforce
  • Understanding of trends in the philanthropic world
  • Experience and proficiency with Salesforce and Microsoft Office Suite (i.e. Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook Calendar)
  • Experience with Raiser’s Edge
  • Knowledge of multifamily (build to rent), student or related industry developments
  • Development and project management experience on residential/mixed-use schemes.

3. BA in Public Administration with 4 Years of Experience

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to work efficiently, juggle multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and achieve goals, all while demonstrating extreme organization, production of high-quality work, and exceptional attention to detail and follow-through in a fast-paced and busy environment.
  • Ability to exercise good judgment with a customer-service mindset towards solicitor and donor needs and to handle confidential and sensitive information with the utmost discretion.
  • Strong writing and editing skills with a mastery of grammar, spelling, and content structure, as well as a demonstrated skill in organizing and visually displaying information and data in the appropriate format for the document.
  • Ability to take initiative, work independently in a team environment, and be adaptable in the face of changing priorities.
  • Ability to support multiple programs and projects at once including supporting the execution and experience of multiple stakeholders.
  • Ability to prioritize and complete assignments promptly.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate and work collaboratively with diverse population groups (constituents, physicians, faculty, staff, vendors, volunteers etc.).
  • Experience supporting multiple individuals.
  • Knowledge of constituent relationship management database systems (Raiser’s Edge).
  • Proficiency in InDesign and Adobe Acrobat Suite

4. BA in Social Work with 3 Years of Experience

  • Command of Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook, or the ability to learn them quickly
  • Competency using videoconferencing platforms (Zoom and Teams preferred)
  • Proficiency with data entry or data management in a database 
  • Excellent administrative and organizational skills
  • Ability to juggle multiple deadlines simultaneously
  • Excellent writing, communication, and customer service skills
  • Experience or exposure to large-scale phased development projects (desirable).
  • Knowledge of construction contracts and experience in managing client actions.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills including the ability to effectively analyze, write and present reports, information and recommendations.
  • Good organization skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to establish and maintain positive relationships, communicate with tact and diplomacy, and influence with impact at all levels.

5. BS in Business Administration with 2 Years of Experience

  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced and deadline-oriented environment.
  • Ability to prioritize work effectively to meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency using the MS Office Suite and databases.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills.
  • Ability to read and write in English.
  • Excellent customer service skills including empathy, tact, patience, and negotiation with internal and external customers.
  • Excellent judgment and ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
  • Ability and willingness to ask questions to deepen understanding and communicate openly about challenges.
  • Ability to adapt quickly, and use logic and reasoning to help identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Strong work ethic with an orientation toward personal growth and process improvement.
  • Ability to work both independently and in a collaborative setting with people of diverse backgrounds/circumstances.
  • Ability to use a computer to accomplish the duties of the position, including writing and seeing.

6. BS in Economics with 1 Year of Experience

  • Follow written procedures when reviewing experiments and applying methods
  • Experience reviewing laboratory data and providing statistical analysis
  • Interact with Technical Operations groups, Research and external vendors
  • Communicate findings to colleagues within the group through presentations
  • Proficiency with various MS Office programs, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
  • Problem-solving skills and ability to solve routine technical problems
  • Understand the background of assigned technical tasks
  • Ability to discuss work with supervisor and coworkers can draft technical documents with templates
  • Ability to conduct assigned routine tasks in the laboratory with supervision
  • Understand the priority of assigned tasks under direct supervision

7. BA in International Relations with 4 Years of Experience

  • Experience with or interest in learning tools such as Raiser's Edge and Excel
  • Stellar written communication skills, including experience writing with an emphasis on outcome measurement and data analysis
  • Exceptional research skills and experience with/ability to leverage a wide array of research tools and platforms
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines and successfully meet deadlines, project management experience preferred
  • Experience working at a nonprofit organization.
  • Experience with Salesforce and/or non-profit fundraising 
  • Exceptional attention to detail and project management skills.
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and take action with limited resources.
  • Experience with MS Office software suite (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) or similar applications.
  • Ability to build, lead, manage and motivate project teams in the delivery of significant programs including supervision and monitoring of works provided by (technical) consultants, negotiate, manage and monitor construction/technical-related agreements.
  • Strong numeracy skills including the ability to manage and maintain accurate cash flow information and to complete financial records, budgets, and other fiscal reporting information

8. BS in Environmental Policy with 3 Years of Experience

  • Strong sense of curiosity and willingness to dedicate attention to detail
  • High degree of organization and demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks
  • Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral
  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
  • Creative and entrepreneurial mindset toward identifying opportunities
  • Commitment to the organization’s vision
  • Experience in a fundraising environment
  • Experience with Salesforce or other CRM systems
  • Strong writing, editing, organizational, research, and communication skills are essential
  • Excellent analytical abilities that can applied in aligning the organization's objectives with available funding opportunities
  • Experience managing data in a CRM system such as Rasier's Edge and NXT
  • Experience with social media fundraising and/or marketing on common platforms including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram

9. BA in Communication Studies with 4 Years of Experience

  • Demonstrated ability to establish and meet objectives and performance standards.
  • Knowledge of and appreciation for TK-12 education and charter schools in particular. 
  • Proven track record of success with fundraising systems and prospect identification.
  • Proficiency in MS Office Suite, and strong working knowledge of digital communication channels and processes, including Slack, G Suite, and Zoom. 
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively in a highly motivated goal-oriented team environment
  • Strong commitment to Aspire’s mission and values, and the ability to operate with the highest degree of integrity in representing the organization.
  • Persuasive verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to make dynamic presentations to diverse audiences.
  • Strong and flexible planning skills, including the ability to anticipate tasks, set priorities, meet deadlines and function smoothly under strict timeframes and shifting priorities.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with donors, volunteers, Boards of Directors and diverse staff.
  • Agility to be a strong team player who also works well independently.
  • Strength as a self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

10. BS in Marketing with 2 Years of Experience

  • Strong commitment to the mission and vision of the organization, including diversity, equity and opportunity for people of all backgrounds and abilities.
  • Commitment to disability issues as well as a strong interest in issues of intersectionality and other marginalized communities.
  • Ability to work with CEO, board and staff to identify, research and connect with potential funding sources especially high-net-worth philanthropists and major foundations.
  • Excellent writing and communications skills including grammar and spelling.
  • Experience with data entry and database management. 
  • Experience with Blackbaud e-Tapestry or Raiser's Edge
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
  • Proficiency with the accessible design of office documents
  • Excellent internet research skills, not only search engines but also philanthropy sites, news sites, and public records searching, at a minimum.
  • Ability to excel in a fast-paced, fast-growing, dynamic nonprofit environment.
  • Fluency with donor databases, ideally Salesforce.com.
  • Knowledge of the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and/or Central Valley philanthropic communities
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