P'unk Ave

Development Assistant

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Development Assistant

Location: Riverbend Environmental Education Center, Gladwyne, PA

Position Type: Full-time or Part-time for an experienced candidate

Reports to: Development Manager

Start date: Fall 2024

ABOUT RIVERBEND www.riverbendeec.org

Riverbend Environmental Education Center connects people to nature. Our Nature Camps are core to Riverbend’s identity as a caring team of environmental educators – empowering children and adults to take action to conserve Earth's resources. When children spend time in nature, they think more creatively and critically; feel less stressed, allowing their emotional development to flourish; and increase their physical health.

Riverbend’s nature preserve is situated on 30 acres in Gladwyne, PA, and is home to walking trails, ponds, woodlands, an aquaponics greenhouse, a meadow habitat and a stream. During the school year, students from across the region visit on field trips, and we travel to bring schools Riverbend’s award-winning education programs. Last year, 50% of our programs were delivered for free to children in low-income schools.

Job Summary: The Development Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Development Manager & Executive Director in all fundraising efforts of Riverbend Environmental Education Center. This position requires a high level of attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and proficiency in using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems. Over the next two years, Riverbend will conduct a capital campaign, and the Development Assistant will be a key contributor to its success. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • CRM Management: Maintain and update donor information in the CRM system, ensuring data accuracy and completeness. Generate reports and analyze donor data to support fundraising strategies. Continually update and correct database records.

  • Donor Relations: Assist in the management of donor communications, including acknowledgment letters, thank-you notes, and periodic updates. Coordinate and execute donor cultivation and stewardship activities.

  • Fundraising Support: Provide administrative support for mailings and events. This includes preparing materials, tracking contributions, and assisting with event logistics. For events, Development Coordinator will occasionally work evenings and weekends.

  • Capital Campaign Support: Play a key role in the execution of the capital campaign. Duties include managing digital campaign records, coordinating meetings and events, tracking pledges in the CRM, and assisting with campaign communications.

  • Grant Support: Assist in organizing and filing grant applications and materials.

  • Record Keeping: Maintain organized records of all development activities, including donor interactions, event details, and fundraising outcomes. Ensure confidentiality and security of donor information.

  • Administrative Tasks: Handle routine administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating with vendors and service providers.

Qualifications:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Database Management, Business Administration, Sales Systems, or a related field preferred.

  • Experience: Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a similar role within a nonprofit organization.

  • Skills:

    • Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

    • Demonstrated proficiency in using CRM systems.

    • Experience with ConstantContact or MailChimp

    • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

    • Ability to multitask and manage time effectively.

    • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

    • Familiarity with fundraising software and tools is a plus.

Personal Attributes:

  • Passion for environmental education and conservation.

  • Collaborative and team-oriented mindset.

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative.

  • High degree of integrity and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

Why Join Us?

  • Be part of a mission-driven organization committed to environmental education and stewardship.

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive team environment.

  • Professional development and growth opportunities.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to Development Manager Taylor McClain, tmcclain@riverbendeec.org, with the subject line "Development Assistant Application - [Your Name]." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Riverbend Environmental Education Center is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

● $55,000 - $60,000

● Hybrid work schedule during the school year, with ample opportunity for remote work

● Health and dental

● Disability and life insurance

● Generous paid sick time and vacation policy, plus 9 paid federal holidays

Riverbend work culture:

● We offer remote and hybrid work schedules

● We hold our meetings outdoors in spring, summer and fall

● Our Board and Staff are driven to advance equity and achieve our DEI Plan goals

● On work breaks, we encourage our team members to enjoy a hike through the woods!

 

DEI & Equal Opportunity Employment: Riverbend Environmental Education Center (“Riverbend”) is committed to creating and maintaining an environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. As environmental educators, we know that natural environments with greater biodiversity are stronger and more resilient. In turn, we aspire to be an ever more diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization. Riverbend is an equal opportunity employer and educational institution and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices. See more about the Riverbend DEI Plan here: ttps://riverbendeec.org/uploads/attachments/clct9cc0u22jpqd8yxlsl7tl7-riverbend-dei-plan-2022-2024.pdf

 

Riverbend’s works take place across our property, where our team members:

● Split between their time between our onsite facilities, the administrative offices, the Barn and outdoor trails, meadows and water areas.

● Staff regularly are required to walk trails with lots of hills and uneven ground.

This is a hands-on and fun-loving place to work. If you're ready to educate the next generation, tackle varied challenges and apply your creativity and expertise, please apply!

What you can expect:

Riverbend will continue accepting applications until a candidate is hired. Qualified candidates will be invited to a video screening interview with the Development Manager. Next, finalist applicants will be invited to in-person interviews at Riverbend. Offer will be made mid-September or sooner. Interview questions will be provided ahead of time.
 

Thank you for your time!