Development Associate

EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

About the Organization
Wills Eye Hospital, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is a global leader in the treatment of eye disease. Established in 1832 as the America's first eye hospital, we are one of the world's premier eye care facilities and the #2 best hospital in the nation for ophthalmology as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.

Our clinical expertise, state-of-the-art diagnostic testing and advanced surgical capabilities make Wills Eye a worldwide referral center where more than 250,000 patients are treated annually. From common eye problems to rare sight-threatening diseases, Wills Eye provides general eye care and comprehensive ophthalmic specialty services that attract patients throughout the Philadelphia metropolitan area, across the country and around the world.

Today, we continue to shape the science and medicine of ophthalmology, thanks to our talented, skilled physicians and staff who are dedicated to improving and preserving sight.


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.

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience required.

Licensure/Certification

• None required.

Experience & Skills

• Minimum of one to two years of experience in an office setting; prior experience in a Development/Advancement office strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of funding databases; experience with Raiser's Edge NXT and the Event Module preferred.
• Motivated, engaging, resilient, and resourceful self-starter with the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with an ability to communicate effectively across diverse constituencies.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks, manage time effectively, and maintain a high level of accuracy.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings/weekends for events.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and Access.

Category
Development

Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time

Position
Development Associate

Number of Openings
1

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt

Location
Wills Eye Hospital


This position is currently accepting applications.