Development Associate

Position : Development Associate 

Reports To: Chief Development Officer 

Department : Development 

Location : New York, NY (Hybrid) 

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt 

Compensation: $60,000–$66,000. 

Position Summary 

The Development Associate is an integral member of The Apollo's Development team, providing comprehensive support for fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, institutional giving, and department operations. This position manages a diverse portfolio of projects, serving as both a collaborative team member and project lead, while helping advance strategic fundraising priorities that support The Apollo's mission and long-term sustainability. 

The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive, with exceptional communication and project management skills. They are comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, demonstrate sound judgment and discretion, and are committed to delivering excellent service to donors, trustees, volunteers, and internal stakeholders. This role offers an opportunity to gain broad exposure to all facets of nonprofit fundraising, including major gifts, foundation and government relations, special events, donor stewardship, prospect research, and development operations. 

Key Responsibilities 

Fundraising & Development Support 

• Provide day-to-day administrative and project support to the Chief Development Officer and periodic administrative support for the Development team. 

• Support the implementation of annual fundraising priorities, campaigns, donor initiatives, and special projects. 

• Support prospect research on individuals, foundations, and corporations using donor research tools and publicly available resources; prepare concise research profiles, briefing materials, and prospect summaries. 

• Assist with donor identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities. 

• Prepare donor correspondence, meeting materials, briefing documents, talking points, proposals, reports, and other fundraising materials. 

• Coordinate follow-up from donor meetings, events, and cultivation activities, ensuring next steps and deliverables are documented and completed. 

• Support board and volunteer fundraising activities, including meeting preparation, materials, communications, and follow-up. 

Donor Stewardship & Events 

• Coordinate logistics and administrative support for donor cultivation, stewardship, and fundraising events, including invitations, guest lists, RSVPs, briefing materials, event communications, and follow-up. 

• Support donor hospitality and stewardship activities designed to deepen engagement and strengthen relationships with The Apollo. 

• Assist with preparation for special events, including donor and sponsor recognition, seating and guest information, materials, and post-event follow-up. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Development, Growth, Programs, Finance, and other departments to execute successful fundraising and stewardship activities. 

Development Operations & Data Management 

• Enter and update gifts, pledges, donor interactions, contact reports, and other relevant information in accordance with departmental procedures. 

• Maintain assigned gift processing, acknowledgment, and stewardship workflows. 

• Assist with tracking fundraising activity, deliverables, deadlines, and department priorities. 

• Maintain organized electronic records and ensure that donor and fundraising materials are handled with appropriate discretion and confidentiality. 

Project & Administrative Support 

• Manage assigned projects from planning through completion, establishing timelines, coordinating stakeholders, tracking deliverables, and communicating progress. 

• Prepare agendas, meeting materials, notes, and follow-up for Development meetings and committees. 

• Assist the CDO and Development team with special projects and time-sensitive assignments that advance departmental priorities. 

• Anticipate administrative needs, identify potential challenges, and proactively recommend solutions. 

• Contribute to a positive, collaborative, and service-oriented Development department culture. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree required. 

• 2+ years of professional experience in a role with transferable skills, preferably in nonprofit development, arts and culture, communications, project management, administration, or a related field. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. 

• Strong analytical, research, and critical-thinking skills. 

• Excellent organizational skills and exceptional attention to detail. 

• Demonstrated commitment to The Apollo's mission and an understanding of its programs, strategic plan, and fundraising priorities. 

• Must be a highly collaborative team player with the ability to establish effective working relationships across departments. 

• Demonstrated initiative and the ability to work independently while also knowing when to seek guidance. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft 365. 

Preferred

• Experience working with a donor database or CRM system. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with and motivate volunteers. 

• Experience supporting fundraising events, donor cultivation, or stewardship activities. 

• Strong time-management skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and changing priorities; some evening and weekend work will be required. 

• Enthusiastic and positive outlook with a genuine interest in multiple aspects of fundraising. 

• Ability to comfortably and effectively transition between competing tasks and timelines. 

• Ability to identify priorities, exercise sound judgment, and make informed decisions with limited information. 

• Ability to confidently manage risk, uncertainty, and competing demands while maintaining professionalism and attention to detail. 

Benefits 

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with generous employer contribution 

• Life insurance 

• Multiple additional optional insurances 

• 401(k) 

• HSA and FSA 

• Show discounts 

• Gift Shop discounts 

• Employee assistance program 

• Local restaurant discounts 

• Complimentary tickets to events at other cultural institutions 

The Apollo Theater Foundation, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, disability, age, military or veteran status, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under federal, New York State, or New York City law.