Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $53,000/year

Development Associate

Friends of the Children Western Montana

Friends of the ChildrenWestern Montana is a growing nonprofit dedicated to breaking cycles of poverty and trauma through long-term, professional mentoring. Since launching in 2021, we have built strong momentumexpanding our work in Missoula and on the Flathead Reservation with the support of a committed community of partners and donors who believe deeply in our mission and the children and families we serve.

Our development program is strategic, relationship-driven, and highly effectivegrounded in thoughtful systems, long-term donor engagement, and a clear vision for sustainable growth and impact.

As we continue to expand, we are seeking a Development Associate to play a key role in supporting this high-performing fundraising program and contributing to the next phase of our growth.

This is an opportunity to join a collaborative, mission-driven team and contribute to a development operation already making a measurable difference across Western Montana.

Position Objective

The Development Associate is an integral member of the development team, working in close partnership with the Development Director and Executive Director to achieve fundraising goals. This role supports and strengthens an established program that increases awareness and generates sustained, long-term support for the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Data Oversight & Analysis

• Manage the donor database (Little Green Light) to ensure accurate recordkeeping and data integrity
• Maintain clean, complete constituent records
• Prepare weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to track progress toward goals

Portfolio Management

• Organize and manage a high volume of tasks tied to donor strategies and annual action plans
• Conduct prospect research and support portfolio development and maintenance
• Prepare weekly task reports for fundraisers (Development Director and Executive Director)
• Assist with donor strategy briefing memos
• Ensure timely and accurate data entry following donor interactions

Donor Stewardship & Administration

• Process gifts and acknowledgments on a timely, weekly basis
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual reconciliation with the operations team
• Respond to donor inquiries via phone and email
• Assist with stewardship mailings, appeals, and event communications
• Provide operational support for development-related events

Communications

• Assist with design and editing of promotional materials
• Draft, coordinate, and distribute the monthly newsletter
• Manage social media content and posting
• Support email campaigns through Mailchimp (appeals, updates, invitations)

Community & Donor Engagement

• Secure corporate sponsorships for events
• Support planning and execution of community events
• Maintain a portfolio of individual, corporate, and foundation prospects

Team Participation

• Engage actively in staff meetings, professional development, equity and inclusion work, and team initiatives

Additional Requirements

• Must possess or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Drivers License
• Maintain an acceptable driving record and access to a reliable vehicle
• Must successfully pass a background check, including criminal and protective services clearances

Ideal Candidate

Education

• Associates or Bachelors degree, or equivalent experience

Experience

• 12 years of experience in development, fundraising, or communications

Skills

• Experience using CRM to manage donor data (Little Green Light preferred)
• Proficient in sending communications through email platforms like Mailchimp
• Creating marketing material using Canva and/or Adobe
• Comfortability using Microsoft Office Suite
• Creating and posting social media contact
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: $53,000 annually
• PTO & Holidays: + 10 holidays
• Benefits: Employer covers !00% the employee only premium for comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability
• Retirement: 401(k) with 3% employer match
• Loan Forgiveness: Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Equal Opportunity Statement

Friends of the Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to addressing discriminatory practices. The equal employment opportunity policy of Friends of the Children provides fair and equal opportunities for all employees and job applicants. Friends of the Children hires and promotes individuals solely on the basis of their qualifications for the job to be filled.