Development Assistant

Would you like to be part of an energetic, inspired, and creative team that is making a huge difference in our world? 

Are you a systematic and detail-oriented person who loves to fuel the success of your team? Does working with databases, technology, timelines, and spreadsheets excite you? Would you like to be part of a team of fundraisers that helps to nurture relationships and expand our network of supporters? 

What if you could take all your administrative and relationship-building gifts, talents, and experience and use them to make an impact on our planet and people around the world? You can! Plant with Purpose is a global Christian organization that addresses issues of deforestation and climate change, while empowering people to lift their communities out of rural poverty. 

ABOUT US 

For more than 30 years, Plant With Purpose has been a leader in operating at the nexus of Environmental Restoration, Economic Development, and Spiritual Impact. We believe that we honor God when we honor people and our planet. Come join our growing team and make a difference at this critical time in human history. 

Plant With Purpose Thrive25 Strategy Statement: Inspired by the impact of our work in service to rural communities around the world, we feel compelled to grow our programs to help address the rising need. By 2025, we plan to work in 10 countries, 60 watersheds, and with over 100,000 families. Our revenue will exceed $10 million as we seek to become the premier organization operating at the nexus of environmental restoration and poverty alleviation. 

OUR NEED 

On July 1, 2020 we launched a new strategic period where we plan to grow 80% over the next 5 years. The Development Assistant will contribute to achieving this goal by providing foundational support to our fundraising and marketing efforts. We are looking for a team member who loves analyzing data, thrives on routine, and communicates to others reflexively.

YOUR OPPORTUNITY 

In many ways, your role as the Development Assistant is similar to an air traffic controller. You receive information from many directions and keep the team working smoothly. You work closely with the Development Team, Marketing Team, and fundraisers to analyze data to inform future strategic fundraising decisions. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a member of the development team, you will report to the Development Systems Manager. Your responsibilities include but are not limited to: 

● CRM Software Manager. You will be the point person for our donor database Bloomerang. You will work with the Marketing Team to segment donor groups and maintain segmentation systems, and partner with the fundraising team to segment donors into communications channels. 

● Fundraising Data Analytics. You will work with the Development Team on donor prospect research projects such as researching foundation and individuals giving levels, and running wealth screen analyses. You will maintain internal reporting on fundraising performance and look for opportunities to optimize activities. 

● Donation Management. You will be in charge of processing donations, entering them into the CRM software, and sending out donation receipts for all donations. This responsibility will require you to frequently partner with the Finance Team to ensure accuracy in honoring donor intention and our recordkeeping files for our annual audit. 

● Manage Communications with Small and Mid-Sized Donors. You will partner with fundraisers to cultivate small and mid-sized donors in regional hubs, including building cultivation plans and working closely with the fundraisers to execute. You will also be the main point of contact for any donors who do not have a dedicated fundraiser assigned to them. 

● Office Administration and other tasks. You will be responsible for shipping materials to our regional representatives, mailing merchandise to donors, writing thank you notes as needed, sending out in-house mailings like fundraising appeals, managing our general info email account, and fielding donation inquiry phone calls from supporters. You will be a vital team member in planning and executing events alongside the marketing and fundraising teams. 

WHAT WE'LL LOVE ABOUT YOU 

● You have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent years of experience 

● 1 year experience in a development role at a nonprofit preferred 

● You enjoy relating with people, whether in person, on the phone, or over video-chat

● You have strong organizational and time management skills, as seen in completing tasks in a timely manner, following up with others diligently, and prioritizing tasks to meet deadlines

● You are a self starter and can take initiative to make the team stronger 

● You are intuitive with technology, especially in moving data between spreadsheets and cloud-based software. 

● You have an analytical aptitude for data analysis...you love exploring the story that data tells.

● You have consistently been acknowledged over the years for your high level of attention to details when dealing with data and administration

● You also work well in the details by occasionally stepping back to assess how a task fits into the big picture 

● You thrive in an environment based on routine, that is occasionally supplemented with larger one-time projects. 

● You handle confidential information with trust and discretion 

● You employ a customer service mindset of genuine hospitality and eagerness to serve others

● You are willing to occasionally work overtime as needed 

● You are eligible to work legally in the United States without employer sponsorship 

Bonus Points: 

● You have experience with Adobe InDesign 

● You have experience with Bloomerang or other CRM database 

● You have experience with Microsoft Excel and/or data analysis tools 

Travel Requirements 

This role might occasionally allow for domestic travel (1-3 trips per year) opportunities as well as international travel (up to 1 trip per year) to project sites, which at times may be in difficult and physically arduous conditions. 

COMPETENCIES 

We are a collaborative, interdependent team that relies on relating and supporting each other to achieve our goals. Through the way we live within and shape our culture, we seek to build community and a sense of belonging in our local, national, and global families. Working on the Plant With Purpose team as the Development Assistant will require you to be a communicator, a learner, a servant leader, and an includer in the following ways: 

● You have a deep connection with the holistic mission of Plant With Purpose and the diverse communities we seek to empower

● You have a personal alignment with our organizational core values of faith, collaboration, empowerment, innovation, stewardship, and sustainability 

● You have a love for humanity, including those who live in poverty, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or culture 

● You intentionally build community and a team mentality by pursuing the "we" over the "me"

● You understand the priority of relationships in getting work done 

● You reflexively express gratitude and growth-oriented feedback 

● You accept feedback with a growth mindset 

● You listen with an intent to understand by asking clarifying questions 

● You seek out learning and development opportunities for yourself 

● You strive to be an inclusive person by being aware of the existence and impact of your unconscious biases, and working daily to check them 

COMPENSATION 

Dependent on geographical location, experience, and skillset. Range is available upon request. 

BENEFITS

● Health, dental, and vision insurances 

● Group life insurance 

● 401k match, up to 8%, after 6 months of employment 

● 15 paid vacation days 

● 8 paid sick days 

● 12 paid holidays 

● Visits to international programs, as arranged with supervisor (Due to COVID-19, international travel is cancelled. Once travel restrictions are released, these can be discussed with your direct supervisor) 

START DATE: Approximately June 14, 2021 

This position is based out of San Diego.

APPLY BY: March 29, 2021 

Does this sound like you?If so, please apply on our website at plantwithpurpose.org/careers. Please include a Cover Letter with your application that shows us how you are a great fit for this position, the organization, and our culture. Even though we are in the middle of COVID-19 and office closures, we are conducting virtual interviews in order to keep our candidates and employees safe.

Plant With Purpose is an EEO/AA employer by choice. 

If you need reasonable accommodation in order to complete the application, please email Human Resources at careers@plantwithpurpose.org. No phone calls please.