Development Assistant

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT 

Part-Time, Valhalla, NY

Development Assistant Position Summary: We are seeking a part-time Development Assistant to assist the development office in areas of database management, donor administration, fundraising event support, campaign administration and communications, social media management, and other areas as needed in development, communications, and outreach. The ideal candidate will have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an interest in fundraising and health and human services. 

About WIHD:  WIHD creates better futures for people with disabilities, for vulnerable children, and for their families and caregivers. WIHD accomplishes its mission through professional education, comprehensive services and supports, community training and technical assistance, and innovative research and information dissemination.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Data Base Management

• Maintain and update the donor database to ensure accurate and up-to-date donor information.
• Track donor interactions, contributions, and engagement activities to support personalized outreach and stewardship efforts.
• Generate regular reports and analysis on donor trends, giving patterns, and campaign effectiveness as well as for reconciliation of gifts with the accounting department.
• Collaborate with team members to identify and cultivate prospective donors (individual and institutional) based on data and research insights.
• Generate and maintain detailed Excel spreadsheets with constituent information and manipulate and import data into the donor database.

Donor Administration

• Provide administrative support, including gift processing in donor database, data entry, and acknowledgment letter distribution.
• Assist with the preparation of fundraising materials, presentations, and grant applications as needed.
• Maintain organized electronic and physical files related to fundraising activities.

Fundraising Campaign and Event Support

• Assist the Development Director in the planning, execution, and follow-up of fundraising campaigns, including the Annual Appeal and an ongoing Capital Campaign.
• Draft content for donor communications and event promotion including newsletters, social media, and written appeals. Help to coordinate logistics and details for special events, including donor appreciation events, fundraising galas, and community engagement activities.
• Configure and utilize event management and auction software to manage RSVPs, ticket purchases and payments, auction items, attendee lists, etc. and conduct post-event evaluations.
• Under the guidance of the Director of Development, work with volunteers, vendors, and internal stakeholders to ensure seamless event execution.
• Participate in committee meetings related to events and campaigns.
• Serve as a representative of WIHD and attend all events hosted by the Development and Executive offices (occasional early mornings and evenings) to ensure their smooth execution.

Social Media & Communications

• Manage and maintain WIHD’s social media channels, including scheduling and publishing regular content.
• Work with staff across the organization to promote program updates, events, initiatives, resources, and organizational news through appropriate social media channels.
• Draft and edit social media copy while ensuring consistency with WIHD’s voice, brand, and messaging.
• Maintain a social media content calendar and coordinate the timing of posts with organizational priorities, campaigns, events, and communications.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Knowledge

• Associate’s degree or pursuing a degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Communications or Marketing.
• Prior hands-on experience with customer relations or other database software, with the ability to learn new systems and software efficiently and with limited supervision.
• Microsoft Suite expertise, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
• Constant Contact or email marketing experience preferred.

Kind and Length of Experience

• At least one year of work experience.
• Ability to work productively with program leadership, Executive Management, Board Members, and external stakeholders.
• Event planning experience preferred.
• Good writing and communication skills.

General

• Ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
• Understanding of and commitment to furthering the mission and vision of WIHD.
• Ability to work on-site.
• Ability to meet deadlines and juggle several projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Driver’s license and ability to lift 40 lbs.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time
• State Disability Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403B Retirement Plan

Why Work at WIHD?

• Positive, inclusive work environment 
• Flexible schedules for work-life balance 
• Mission-driven organization serving 10,000+ individuals annually 

Equal Opportunity Employer

WIHD is committed to fostering a workplace culture that values respect, fairness, and equal opportunity. Employment decisions are based on individual qualifications, experience, and business needs. We comply with all applicable laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other status protected by law.