Career Opportunities

Development Associate

  • Position Title: Development Associate
  • Supervisor: Chief Development Officer
  • Location: Arlington, Virginia (2 Blocks from the Rosslyn Metro)
About Us

NatureServe, a 501(c)3 conservation science and technology organization, provides the scientific basis for effective conservation action. With nearly 100 staff and an international network of over 80 natural heritage programs across the United States, Canada, and Latin America, we are the leading source of information on rare and endangered species and threatened ecosystems. We provide information and tools to conservation groups, government agencies, corporations, academia, and the public to help them make informed decisions about managing our natural resources. NatureServe holds a unique niche, by providing scientifically sound guidance for major conservation investments across the hemisphere.

Summary of Position:

The Development Associate will work closely with the Chief Development Officer, President/CEO, and Executive Team to coordinate and manage the operations for the organization’s fundraising activities, including the identification, research, cultivation, and stewardship of gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies. In addition, the Development Associate will assist in developing fundraising plans, organizing special events, overseeing fundraising activities, tracking financial results, monitoring budgets, and performing fundraising analysis.

Essential Job Functions:
  1. Manage fundraising operations, research activities, planning, reporting, and analysis
    • Maintain and update eTapestry fundraising software system for tracking all funding and donor activities
    • Perform prospect research activities and identification
    • Liaison with the Finance & Accounting Department, including forwarding of pledge forms, checks and other fundraising activities
    • Maintain and update the Pipeline Report by coordinating with Operation Managers and program staff
    • Assist in the development and monitoring of the Development Department’s operating budget
    • As requested by the Chief Development Officer, perform fundraising analysis
    • Utilizing eTapestry fundraising software, assure funders receive deliverables, including reports and sponsor benefits
    • Coordinate the updating of the development section of the website
    • Assist in the development of fundraising strategies involving corporate donations, grants from various foundations and government agencies, and events
  2. Provide customer service to internal and external customers, including funders, Program Managers, member programs and vendors
    • Prepare written correspondence to acknowledge funder contributions
    • Provide customer service to prospects and funders, including information inquiries and follow–up on particular requests
    • Provide customer service to Executive staff and Program Managers, including responding to information requests, follow–up and program updates
    • Respond to development–related information inquiries from Member Programs and Board members
    • Coordinate periodic communications to prospects and funders, including annual report and new program information
    • Ensure compliance with all gift–related policies and procedures and ensure ethical compliance, as defined by the Association for Fundraising Professionals.
    • As assigned, manage external vendor relationships
  3. Coordinate individual giving initiatives
    • Assist Chief Development Officer implement a fundraising strategy for individual giving, including identification and prioritization of prospects
    • Communicate with priority individual donors on a periodic basis
    • Increase Combined Federal Campaign marketing efforts and awareness
    • Manage endowment donors pledge payments and processing
    • Perform mass mailings to individuals for annual giving campaigns
    • Coordinate development and mailing of periodic fundraising newsletter
  4. As requested, perform other related duties as assigned
Required Experience & Qualifications:
  • Superior organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize and multi–task
  • Provide timely and accurate follow–up
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Knowledge of database management and fundraising software
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft office software, the Internet, Excel, Chart Wizard, Access, eTapestry fundraising software
  • knowledge of fundraising research methods, corporate and foundation research processes
How to Apply:

Please send resume and cover letter to:

  • Attn: Job #DA893
  • NatureServe
  • 1101 Wilson Blvd., 15th Floor
  • Arlington, VA 22209
  • E–mail: jobs@natureserve.org (Please refer to Job#DA893 in the subject line)

For more information about NatureServe, go to www.natureserve.org

NatureServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer