Development Associate

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The Development Associate works within a highly collaborative development team to meet overall fundraising goals and budgetary needs of the Asheville Symphony. This position provides administrative support and assistance in the acquisition, stewardship, and retention of donors to build and advance lasting relationships that result in donations to the organization.

The Development Associate ensures the smooth operation of the team by managing gift processing and acknowledgments, maintaining accurate donor and prospect records, and conducting research to identify new funding opportunities. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who can prioritize multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, changing work environment.

This role reports to the Director of Development and works collaboratively with two other members of the Development department, including the Development Manager and Assistant Director of Donor Engagement. 

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Development Communications

• Write and disseminate Development-related emails and letters, including contribution acknowledgements, mission-based updates and event-specific messages
• Maintain and update Development web pages, including sponsor recognition, and the point-of-sale transaction pages for online giving
• Work with Development team and Director of Marketing & Patron Relations to strategize on messaging for donor cultivation, solicitation, acknowledgement, and stewardship

Development Operations

• Become an expert user in customer relationship management database (CRM) to serve as a team leader in gift reporting, database management, and engagement tracking
• Serve as organization’s primary gift processor: track, monitor, and maintain accuracy of all giving activity in CRM system
• Maintain and execute a timely gift acknowledgement process, including preparing and mailing acknowledgment letters for all campaigns in a timely manner as directed
• Prepare and disseminate year-end tax receipts and giving summaries as requested
• Ensure accurate donor recognition listings for Program Book and other recognition opportunities/locations (digital, print, and physical signage)
• Assist with the maintenance of all donor records and Development expenses, including both physical and electronic files
• Act as a departmental liaison with ASO’s Finance Department
• Manage Development-related print collateral and supplies

Donor Relations

• Serve as a first point of contact for contributors, providing superior customer service: address general development questions including giving levels, benefits, and events
• Assist current high-level donors with ticketing-related requests, including exchanges, seating requests, and comp ticket fulfillment
• In collaboration with the Development Manager, ensure exceptional stewardship of donors and execution of donor benefits, including tracking benefits fulfillment to encourage usage and relationship-building

Special Events

• Support event logistics, including vendor coordination, permits, timelines, contracts, and payments
• Assist with and support Development event preparation and execution as needed, including preparing invitations, tracking RSVPs, and on-site assisting with event setup, breakdown, and other tasks
• Evening and weekend work is required, including for Asheville Symphony concerts and Development events – a generous event leave policy is in place

Provide general support for the Development department as needed, including other duties as assigned