Development Associate

Job Description

Job Description

Development Associate

Development Department – Wills Eye Foundation (WEF)
Full-Time | Salary: $60,000 annually

Wills Eye Hospital, recognized globally for excellence in ophthalmology, is seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Development Associate to support the work the Hospital’s philanthropic initiatives. This role provides essential administrative, operational, and donor-facing support to ensure the success of our comprehensive development efforts. Prior experience supporting a development office is required.

Primary Function

The Development Associate provides administrative support for the Foundation and serves as the initial point of contact for donors, patients, colleagues, and alumni of Wills Eye Hospital. This position supports the fundraising efforts of the Foundation and contributes to the work of the entire development team.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Provide administrative support to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and Foundation Directors, including managing calendars, coordinating travel arrangements, and tracking expenditures for Development Officers.

2. Support ongoing administrative and project-based activities of the Development team, including:

   • Formatting, typing, and proofreading letters, gift proposals, agendas, and briefing materials.

   • Maintaining accurate database entries to track activity and donor moves for the CDO and Development Officers.

   • Responding to information requests from faculty, staff, alumni, grateful patients, and others.

   • Managing inventory of Foundation materials, brochures, and letterhead.

   • Organizing and maintaining confidential donor and financial records.

   • Assisting with mailings, special events, and other development activities.

   • Using spreadsheets and database programs (including Raiser’s Edge NXT) to maintain accurate donor data.

3. Assist with gift processing and financial duties as needed.

4. Answer office phone lines and respond appropriately to inquiries.

5. Open, review, and distribute mail; manage the Foundation email inbox and ensure timely responses or referrals.

6. Submit check requests and regularly coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely payment.

7. Prepare donor acknowledgement letters for gifts at all levels within 24–48 hours of receipt.

8. Conduct basic development research, including prospect identification.

9. Place phone calls to donors to qualify interest, renew lapsed gifts, and build a donor portfolio over time.

10. Make thank-you calls regularly and engage donors regarding their reasons for supporting the Foundation.

11. Provide key support for major special events—including the Wills Eye Ball and annual Golf Outing—including sponsorship outreach, mailing list review, program book development, and day-of-event logistics.

12. Foster strong working relationships with peers and leadership; act as a collaborative and effective team member.

13. Accept and apply constructive feedback in support of continuous professional development.

14. Perform other duties as assigned.