Development Associate

The Junior League of Atlanta, Inc. (JLA) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable.

The JLA is seeking a highly motivated, organized and strategic thinker to grow and manage the Junior League of Atlanta’s fundraising efforts.  The Development Associate would serve as a staff member of the JLA and would be responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive and strategic approach to fundraising for the Junior League of Atlanta.  Responsible for effectively raising support through corporate sponsorships, fundraising events, and in-kind donations to reach the organization's fundraising goals.  Serves as lead staff member on all fundraising events, providing event management support to member volunteers.  Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with a variety of internal and external audiences including the Board, staff, volunteer members, donors, and current and prospective fund development partners. Works with volunteer leadership in the design and execution of activities focused on increasing revenue associated with fundraising events.  The Development Associate is responsible for securing the annually, predetermined fiscal year goal for corporate and fundraising events support. 

DEVELOPMENT DUTIES

• Work with Vice Presidents of Internal Operations and Fund Development to develop and implement a comprehensive fund development plan to support the organization's growth.
• Develop methods of stewardship and tracking systems to maximize fund development opportunities.
• Work with volunteer leaders in securing and soliciting corporate and individual underwriters/sponsorship for events and solicit past event donors for renewed support.
• Increase funding streams by cultivating and soliciting Individual Giving, sponsorships, in-kind donations, corporations, foundations by working closely with volunteer leadership.
• Liaises with the fundraising events committees to ensure all events meet or exceed budgeted revenue goals by monitoring all revenue sources and supporting the monitoring of event expenses.
• Create compelling engagement opportunities for corporate donors and prospects, tailored to specific needs and expectations.  Develop written cultivation, solicitation and stewardship plans for corporate donors and prospects.  Prepare strategy, briefing, and debriefing materials for meetings with donors and prospects.
• As staff liaison to Fund Development and Internal Operations Councils; provide training (informal and formal) on basics of fundraising and their specific areas. 
• Work with development and marketing leaders in developing a consistent marketing plan including social media and external/internal advertising for fundraising events.
• Works with IT Analyst in ensuring fund development pages on the website are up to date.
• Responsible for all donor acknowledgement and oversight of sponsor benefits for event donors. 
• Attends all fundraising events and provides on-site logistical support to the fundraising committee leaders.
• Identify grant opportunities and work with volunteers to gather information and write and track grants.
• Attends monthly Fund Development and Internal Operations Council Meetings, and fundraising event committees, as needed. 

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES

• Maintain a detailed and accurate donor database for cash, in-kind and sponsors

• Track all correspondence with donors and prospects in CRM system
• Develop and provide a variety of reports including weekly ticket reports, monthly Individual Giving donations, sponsorship updates, and post-event revenue reports.
•  Oversee the preparation of event reconciliations with support of Accountant
• Maintain an accurate and up-to-date master Fund Development calendar for all events, solicitations, and grant proposals.
• Prepare and monitor all vendor and sponsor contracts associated with fundraising events alongside committee leaders.
• Generate and send donor acknowledgment letters.
• Ensure that all revenue for each event has been collected in a timely fashion including event tickets, auction items and underwriting pledges.
• Oversee event-related data entry including campaign and ticket sales set up and ensure accuracy and timely entry for event attendee, donor and prospect tracking purposes.
• Oversees all pre and post-event tasks including security of outstanding payments.
• Responsible for merchandise inventory such as in-kind items, participant benefits (race shirts, sponsor bags), etc.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• 2-4 years of professional fundraising experience with proven track record of success
• Experience with fundraising events, annual fund, and major gifts up to $10 to 25K
• Ability to articulate and implement a strategic fundraising plan
• Ability to generate, cultivate, build long-term relationships and “close” with existing and new donors, corporations and individuals
• Ability to plan strategically, set priorities, multi-task, plan work, design approaches, and close commitments.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Knowledge of principles, methods and practices of special event fundraising
• Experience working with CRM/ donor database 
• Ability to work independently and to problem solve as necessary
• Experience with online auctions and auction software beneficial but not required
• Sensitivity to confidential donor information
• Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Prior experience working with volunteers
• Strong focus on customer service
• Flexible schedule with the ability to work evenings and weekends as determined by operational needs or as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS

• Must be able to walk which includes using stairs to go downstairs.
• Must be able to reach: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction
• Must be able to stand for short periods of time
• Must be able to balance by maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.
• Lifting: Must be able to lift 10 lbs. and other smaller objects
• Must be able to use fingers primarily for typing and picking up items which includes grasping
• Some repetitive motion of wrists, hands, and/or fingers
• Hearing: Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make the discriminations in sound
• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform activities such as preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading,
• Must be able to recall information and relay that information in an email, in person, or on telephone.