Development Assistant

About the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

For more than 150 years, the Humane Rescue Alliance has championed the protection of animals, support for people, and service to the community. With campuses in the District of Columbia and New Jersey, along with the nation's leading pet transport initiative, it stands as the largest and most comprehensive animal services provider in the region. Each year, HRA transforms the lives of tens of thousands of animals through rescue and adoption, humane protection, access to medical care, innovative community programs, and legislative leadership. Its broad reach and deep expertise enable HRA to reimagine traditional sheltering and address the most complex challenges facing animals and the people who love them.


Job Summary

To provide administrative, donor, and gift processing support to the Development Department between the business hours of 9:00am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. This position is onsite and offers no remote option. HRA and St. Hubert's operate under two brands. This role primarily supports the Washington, DC campus while partnering across campuses to ensure consistent external engagement effort.

The Role: What You'll Do

Donation Management

• Process contributions, including direct mail and email responses, in-kind gifts, offsite deposits, event gifts, and donations made through the organization website
• Utilize Luminate to create and manage online and data entry donation forms
• Import donations from Luminate into RE using Omatic
• Assist Finance with documentation retrieval for the audit
• Scan and import letters onto donor files for Foundation, Grant Awards, and other special instructions
• Generate email lists for eCampaigns and load into Luminate for our direct marketing team
• Ensure gifts that Direct Answer data entry gifts are correct and acknowledged in a timely fashion
• Work with the Finance Dept to ensure checks are deposited and accounting codes are accurate
• Manage donations and pledges made through United Way, CFC, matching gift companies, workplace giving, and online charity services
• Flag high-level donors and managed donors for follow up by Development and other HRA staff
• Stay current on department database software including Luminate Online, Raiser's Edge NXT, Double the Donation (workplace giving)
• Utilize Raiser's Edge online support, live chat, and phone calls to create work tickets
• Utilize Raiser's Edge and other online training tools to gain system knowledge
• Maintain Devo Donations Tracker and check log
• Import Fosters, Adopters, and other prospects into Raiser's Edge once a month
• Cleanup of donor records after direct marketing campaigns, text campaigns, and deceased files
• Work with outside vendors (Direct Answer, Donor Advised Funds, workplace giving confirmations, etc.)
• Notify team members of special handling and other important giving
• Provide admin support to DDO and CAO when requested
• Schedule and coordinate volunteers to assist with Devo ack mailing and special projects
• Assist Development Dept on a case-by-case basis
• Other duties as assigned

Phone Inquiries

• Respond to inquiries from supporters and potential supporters within 4 business hours
• Always maintain a high standard of customer service
• Flag small event inquiries and share with the events team
• Direct inquiries not related to Development appropriate HRA staff person or department

Events Support

• Support Events team if they need help preparing materials for a large event
• Assist with large HRA annual events (evening or weekends may be required - once or twice a year)

Donor Communications

• Generate and process donor acknowledgement letters
• Send birthday, thank you, other specialized cards upon request
• Assist with YE ack letter processing
• Create customized thank you letters for DDO, CAO and major gifts team
• Perform thank you calls
• Manage the development team's email box
• Call monthly donors for payment updates
• Process and send tribute gift notification cards and acknowledgements
• Answer general inquiries from donors/the community
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor

About You: Skills & Qualifications

• Excellent organizational and communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to research donor information for accurate record keeping
• CRM Database experience (Raiser's Edge NXT and Luminate)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint Advanced Word and Excel skills preferred
• Self-starter with the ability to multi-task, work independently, and as part of a team.
• Basic knowledge of fundraising and donor gift processing
• Creative thinker who can contribute to gift processing time saving ideas and efficiencies
• Excellent verbal communication, interpersonal and relationship-building skills to effectively work with a variety of people and personalities
• Proven ability to collaborate with colleagues, donors, and volunteers
• Ability to present, inform and motivate individuals and groups about HRA's mission and the importance of raising funds in support of the mission
• Understands the confidential nature of donor information and compliance protocol
• Represent HRA in a professional, informed manner
• Ability to troubleshoot software issues and reach out to them for further help if necessary
• Proven ability to manage workflow and meet deadlines
• Excellent time management and calendar management skills
• Ability to work independently and research answers to questions once given a specified task
• Ability to show up on time and adhere to the assigned work hours

Qualifications - Education & Experience

• College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Minimum one year of administrative office experience, preferably in a non-profit environment
• Customer Service and Donor Services experience preferred
• Minimum two years CRM Database experience (Raiser's Edge NXT and Luminate preferred)

Where You'll Work: Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Regularly sits at a computer station and operates electronic equipment
• Frequently lifts objects weighing up to 30 pounds when moving supplies and managing special events
• Typically stands, bends, stoops and crouches while working special events
• Regularly moves about the facility to coordinate work
• Occasional weekend and evening work (a few times a year)

Benefits Overview: Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA)

At the Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA), we are committed to supporting the well-being of our employees so they can continue making a meaningful impact for animals and the community. We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your health, financial security, and work-life balance.

Benefits include:

• $0-Cost Medical Plan Option: Access to a no-cost employee-only medical plan through CareFirst, making healthcare more accessible and affordable
• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Multiple plan options available to meet individual and family needs
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Pre-tax options to help manage healthcare and dependent care expenses
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with Employer Support: Administered through Empower, with tools and resources to help you plan for your future
• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO): Including vacation, sick leave, and holidays to support rest and work-life balance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential resources to support mental health, wellness, and life challenges
• Commuter Benefits (WMATA SmartBenefits): Pre-tax transit benefits for metro, bus, and eligible commuting expenses
• Professional Development & Training Opportunities: Including Fear Free Certification and ongoing learning initiatives to support career growth
• Flexible Work Environment (Role-Dependent): Opportunities for hybrid or flexible scheduling based on position and operational needs
• Employee Discounts & Perks: Discounts on pet adoptions, veterinary products, and partner offerings

Ready to Make an Impact?

Apply today and become part of a team where your compassion, skills, and commitment will directly save lives and strengthen communities.


The Humane Rescue Alliance (HRA) offers a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, vision, dental and select offerings for pets. Additional information may be provided upon request.


Multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. A salary premium may be offered for multilingual candidates who demonstrate proficiency in written and oral testing.


HRA is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate because of race, color, creed, gender, religion, national origin, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic predisposition or carrier status, marital status, citizenship status, or sexual orientation. Accommodation will be provided to qualified individuals requiring them.