Development Associate

Development Associate Position Summary Internal Job Posting Only: This is an internal job posting, available only to current employees of Winston-Salem State University. The Development Associate supports Winston-Salem State University's fundraising efforts by identifying and qualifying prospective donors, managing stewardship and donor relations, and producing high-quality written materials to communicate with alumni, donors, and other supporters. The Development Associate reports to the Senior Director of Development and provides support to the Development Office focused on its objectives of planning, scheduling, cataloguing, and stewarding matters related to development and donor engagement that aim to advance the mission and fiscal health of WSSU. The Development Associate provides administrative support to the major giving and advancement services team. The Associate collaboratively plans, develops, and executes special projects and fundraising efforts as assigned by the Senior Director of Development. This role ensures that donor data is up to date and meaningful, helps deepen relationships with current supporters, and strengthens gift pipelines through solid research and compelling communication. Responsibilities Prospect Research & Management Identify new prospective donors (individuals, foundations, corporations) using public records, wealth screenings, databases, and other tools. Build profiles/briefing materials for prospects (capacity, interests, giving history, affiliations). Maintain and update the prospect pipeline; flag priority leads for Gift Officers. Monitor news, publications, and other external sources for relevant prospect/donor intelligence. Donor Relations & Stewardship Support the planning and execution of donor stewardship activities (thank-you letters, recognition; donor visits; events) in coordination with the Advancement Services department. Track donor commitments, pledges, gift agreements, and ensure follow-through on recognition/acknowledgement. Coordinate with other units (Advancement Services, Annual Giving, and Major Giving) to ensure accurate, timely processing of gifts, receipts, and acknowledgments. Prepare reports or summaries for internal use (progress toward goals, prospect status, donor metrics). Communications & Writing Assist in preparing briefing materials for meetings between development officers and donors/prospects. Help with editing or adapting content for different audiences (alumni, corporate, foundation). Administrative Operations & Office Coordination Provide administrative support to advancement operations, ensuring accurate records management and timely follow-up on development activities. Maintain calendars, schedules, meeting logistics, and materials related to donor meetings, prospect strategy sessions, and advancement initiatives. Prepare and distribute agendas, meeting notes, action items, and follow-up communications for internal and external stakeholders as needed. Assist with the management and review of departmental files, electronic records, and documentation related to prospects, donors, stewardship activities, and fundraising initiatives. Track assignments, deadlines, and deliverables across the development team to support accountability and project completion. Support invoice processing, purchasing requests, reimbursement documentation, and budget tracking associated with advancement activities and events. Coordinate logistics for prospect visits, donor meetings, and stewardship events including scheduling, travel arrangements, reservations, and materials preparation. Serve as an administrative resource for the division by responding to inquiries, routing requests, and ensuring timely communication among internal and external constituents. Other Duties / Collaboration Assist with planning or supporting donor-oriented events (logistics, invitations, follow-ups). Collaborate with other departments (advancement services, integrated marketing/communications, alumni relations) on cross-functional projects. Take on special projects as needed (campaign support, research special initiatives). Provide back-up or substitute functions when development officers are unavailable. Requirements and Preferences Normal Work Schedule 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, including occasional evenings and weekends Education Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related field Experience 2-4 years of experience in fundraising, development, event coordination, nonprofit, or higher education environment. Career exposure to prospect research or donor relations and event management (even if in a supporting role). Demonstrated writing excellence (letters, proposals, newsletters, email communications). Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education Skills & Competencies Strong research skills: ability to use public resources, research databases, screening tools etc. Excellent written and verbal communication: ability to write clearly, persuasively, and for different audiences. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Strong planning skills and the ability to multitask. Volunteer management skills. The ability to work with minimal supervision. Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects with competing deadlines. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Competency in using CRM systems / donor databases (e.g. Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Advance, etc.). Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort with data reports / basic data analysis Personal Attributes High integrity and discretion; handles donor and prospect information confidentially. Self-starter: able to work both independently and as part of a team. Strong interpersonal skills: courteous, professional, capable of building relationships inside and outside the university. Flexible and adaptable; willing to shift priorities when needed. Passion for higher education / commitment to the mission of the institution. Initiative; eagerness to learn, take suggestions, improve processes. Position Information Position Number: 117012 Working Position Title: Development Associate Building and Room No.: Blair Hall, Suite 311 Appointment Type: Permanent Full-Time If Time Limited: No Appointment Length: 12 Posting Details Internal Posting Only: Yes Time Limited Position: No Salary: Commensurate with education and experience Open Date: 07/31/2026 Close Date: 08/11/2026 Open Until Filled: No Company Overview Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina's only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence. Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolina-known as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways. With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn. Find information about our current benefits and retirement options, our holiday schedule, and other discounts and perks at the links below: UNC System Employee Benefits Central, UNC System Retirement Benefits, WSSU Holiday Schedule, WSSU Discounts and Perks. #J-18808-Ljbffr