Development Associate

The Development & Events Associate reports to the Senior Development Officer, Special Events & Donor Relations, and plays a key role in advancing Catholic Charities' fundraising, donor engagement, and stewardship efforts. This position works closely with Senior Leadership, the Board of Directors, Advisory Boards, donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community stakeholders to support philanthropic initiatives that advance the agency's mission. Event Planning & Management Coordinate and execute major fundraising events, including the annual Wine & Dine Gala and other agency fundraising initiatives. Manage all aspects of event logistics, including sponsorship tracking, invitation preparation and distribution, guest management, registration systems, vendor coordination, volunteer engagement, and event-day operations. Oversee donor recognition and stewardship events, including Caritas Mass & Brunch, Share the Mission Mass & Reception, Annual Meeting, and other special events as assigned. Support regional fundraising and community engagement events throughout Galveston County, Fort Bend County, and surrounding service areas. Maintain event calendars, project timelines, budgets, expense reports, and event documentation. Research venues and vendors, negotiate services and pricing, obtain and review contracts, and ensure compliance with agency procurement requirements. Coordinate event setup, load-in/load-out activities, inventory management, and post-event storage and organization. Prepare event evaluations, donor reports, acknowledgments, invoices, and follow-up communications. Donor Relations & Stewardship Coordinate donor site visits and engagement opportunities, including scheduling, communications, preparation of donor materials, and coordination with program and facilities staff. Serve as a primary liaison for Caritas Circle members, Board Directors, Advisory Board members, and key donor groups to support stewardship and engagement efforts. Assist in the planning and execution of donor cultivation activities, tours, briefings, and recognition opportunities. Provide personalized support to donors and volunteers to strengthen relationships and increase long-term engagement. Maintain accurate donor, sponsorship, and event records within the organization's fundraising database and event management systems. Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising Support Conduct prospect research to identify potential corporate sponsors, community partners, and philanthropic opportunities. Assist in cultivating local businesses and corporations to increase sponsorships, direct donations, in-kind support, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships. Collaborate with the Development team to create sponsorship proposals, donor packets, fundraising collateral, and stewardship materials. Support donor campaigns and special fundraising initiatives as assigned. Communications & Collaboration Partner with the Communications and Marketing team to develop and maintain event materials, sponsorship packets, donor communications, social media content, and fundraising webpages. Ensure consistency and accuracy of donor-facing communications and event messaging. Collaborate with agency leadership, program teams, operations staff, volunteers, and external partners to ensure successful donor and event experiences. Support the Major Gifts Director, Senior Development Officer, and other Development leadership with research, reporting, and strategic initiatives. Professional Development Maintain knowledge of current fundraising trends, donor engagement strategies, philanthropy best practices, and nonprofit development standards. Participate in professional development opportunities to strengthen fundraising, event management, and donor stewardship skills. Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of Catholic Charities. Qualifications The Expertise We're Looking For Bachelor's Degree Two (2) years of experience in fundraising, development, major donor relations, advancement, and/or special events Valid Texas Driver’s License Skills Assets You Bring, and More Strong organizational, project management, and event coordination skills. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience working with donor databases, CRM systems, or event management software; experience with Trellis preferred. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools. Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support fundraising and donor events. Commitment to the mission and values of Catholic Charities. Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect. Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements. The work you do will help us advocate for the vulnerable among us, a network of support services to people of all ages and from all walks of life and religious backgrounds. #J-18808-Ljbffr