Development Associate

Development Associate

The mission of the Children's Museum Houston is to transform communities through innovative, child-centered learning that improves the trajectories of all children in Greater Houston.

For more than four decades, Children's Museum Houston has supported student achievement, empowered parents, and ignited a lifelong love of learning. We are consistently rated as one of the top children's museums in the nation. Our programming serves more than 900,000 participants annually at the Museum, at the Fort Bend Children's Discovery Center, and at the 270+ outreach locations across Greater Houston. We welcome families with offerings that include 13 exhibits, a performing arts series, a full slate of cultural programming, science activities led by degreed educators, and weekly Free Family Nights.

Job Summary

The Development Associate reports to the Chief Development Officer and serves as an integral member of the Development Team. This position is responsible for updating and managing the donor database, gift processing and donor acknowledgements, reports, prospect research, reconciliation of gifts and providing related administrative support functions for the Children's Museum Houston and our sister museum. This position will assist in all aspects of fundraising including individual annual campaigns and major gifts from corporations and foundations, including fundraising events. This position requires a high level of independent thinking and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ability to manage multiple projects and determine priorities, approach tasks proactively, a high functioning attention to detail, and flexibility are required. Excellent writing, proofreading and verbal communication skills are also essential for success in the position.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains all Development Department (individual, corporate, foundation, and fundraising) files and mailing lists; ensures accurate and current records are maintained in the database; processes all gifts and prepares donor acknowledgements
• Maintain the overall database integrity, including data input, data improvement, data auditing, and other database functions
• Gives direct assistance to the Chief Development Officer as requested. Performs research on prospective donors using all resources available to the Museum, including identification of prospects and list management
• Drafts and types correspondence, proofread materials, organize and maintain files, prepare for meetings
• Support operational needs of annual fund, capital campaign, endowment, and various campaigns
• Provides support to all Development Department Committee meetings, including overseeing the meeting notices, preparing information packets for the Committee members, taking minutes at the meetings, and distributing the minutes following each meeting
• Assists the Fundraising Events Manager by providing administrative support with all fundraising events (some evening hours required); responsible for purchasing many of the event supplies; assists with the organization of the silent auction for the annual gala, including solicitation of auction items
• Updates Donor Wall of contributors in Museum lobby as well as other signage (retrieving giving histories of all donors to ensure accuracy; contacting donors to ensure accuracy of preferred donor listing) and donor signage throughout the Museum
• Maintains a stewardship plan for donors and ensures all benefits have been provided.
• Provides appropriate documentation and summary of contributions for the audit and Annual Report
• Manage incoming donation requests, including evaluation, fulfillment, tracking, documentation and distribution
• Serves as liaison with other departments regarding development issues and coordinates special activities and projects as needed
• Other duties as assigned

Skills and Qualifications:

• Strong project management skills, self-motivated, and detail-oriented
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Ability to work both as a team player and independently
• Strong writing and proofreading skills
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Strong planning, administrative, and organizational skills
• Proven ability to work with diverse groups of individuals
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Canva and Monday.com experience a plus
• Some nights and weekends required

Education:

A bachelor's degree is required

Experience:

2+ years of experience in a non-profit development role, with fundraising experience

Physical Requirements:

Office most of the time, with less than 25% of traveling offsite

We believe in creating an environment of diversity, equity, and inclusion, without bias. We know we are better when we are developed, engaged, and able to bring our whole authentic selves to work. Our people are trusted experts. We invest in the health and well-being of our workforce, train and reward talent, and develop leaders at all levels to bring out the best in each other.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by law.

Children's Museum Houston