Development Associate

Location: Boston, MA Position Type: Full time Suffolk University is one of the area’s leading universities and the only one situated in the center of Boston. Founded in 1906, the University is comprised of three esteemed schools—the College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk’s 90,000 alumni are professionally successful and civically engaged, and they reside in Massachusetts, across the United States, and in over 150 countries. Suffolk is in an exciting new era and fostering a comprehensive Advancement program to support the University and its plans for the future under the direction of the Vice President of Advancement. The Division of Advancement has achieved significant fundraising success, exceeding key fundraising and alumni engagement goals in recent years. The Development Associate will be an integral member of the Division of Advancement and Major Gifts team, supporting the collective Division’s continued growth and momentum. This role is responsible for coordinating Advancement efforts for top giving prospects and donors, while providing high-level, multifaceted support across Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Stewardship and Donor Relations, and Cohort Fundraising and Engagement. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Development Associate operates with a high degree of independence and contributes to a wide range of initiatives that advance the University’s philanthropic priorities. The position involves supporting complex and highly confidential fundraising activities, requiring discretion, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal skills. Success in this role requires flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to contribute across team priorities, serving as a versatile and reliable partner. Primary/Principal Responsibilities Supports donor engagement and frontline fundraising activity—50% Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Development Associate performs a wide variety of duties including: Coordinating proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship reports for prospects, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with institutional priorities Assists with donor correspondence and follow-up, including acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and next-step coordination Working closely with the AVP of Philanthropy, tracks proposal and solicitation activity, ensuring timely follow-up and movement through the pipeline Assists with portfolio management by helping to monitor prospect activity, moves management, and engagement strategies across assigned prospects Assists the team in inputting accurate donor records, contact reports, and activity updates in Raiser’s Edge NXT, ensuring data integrity and completeness Provides administrative support in managing corporate sponsorships for key events, including tracking and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits Provides administrative and strategic support to frontline fundraisers, including compiling and organizing materials for donor visits and supporting post-visit follow-up Plans meetings, events and donor experiences – 25% Assists with the coordination of high-level donor meetings and Advancement programs, cultivation events, and stewardship activities, including logistics, scheduling, materials preparation, and on-site support Supports the execution of Advancement events, including donor receptions, volunteer gatherings, and campaign-related activities Manages invitation lists, RSVP tracking, and guest communications to ensure a seamless donor experience Collaborates with internal partners both in the Division of Advancement and across Suffolk’s campus, including but not limited to, the Office of Marketing and Communications and Deans’ Offices, to align messaging and maximize participation and impact Assists with prospect research, reporting, and data coordination – 25% Supports the development and maintenance of lists and dashboards related to pipeline activity, donor engagement, and fundraising performance Assists in maintaining accurate portfolio data, including assignments and segmentation Supports data audits to ensure consistency and accuracy across systems Coordinates information and workflows across Division of Advancement units, including Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Stewardship and Donor Relations, and cohort-based initiatives Provides coordination support for strategic fundraising efforts, including tracking progress and assisting with internal communications and materials Assists with pledge tracking and fulfillment, including monitoring schedules and coordinating reminder communications Identifies opportunities to improve processes and workflows to enhance team efficiency Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive information Participates in team meetings and provides backup support for Advancement operations, as needed Requirements/Qual #J-18808-Ljbffr