Development Operations Associate

Summary 

The Development Operations Associate aids the organization in meeting its ambitious fundraising goals, which help power the organization’s legal, legislative and advocacy work. The focus of this role is to process and acknowledge donations, manage the development database and donor data, conduct research and analysis to aid in donor prospecting and stewardship, and provide other operational support to the Development team. This position reports to the Deputy Director of Development and works closely with other ACLUM departments to achieve development objectives. 

The ideal candidate for this position brings a strong interest in operational excellence; enjoys data processing and analysis, and a blend of routine tasks and periodic project work; and is comfortable working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Strong candidates will have demonstrated the ability to produce high quality work in a timely manner, identify trends and glean insight from data, communicate and coordinate effectively with myriad stakeholders, and fluidly pivot between multiple responsibilities. 

Essential Duties 

Gift Processing and Database Management  

• Process donations received through multiple giving vehicles and enter pertinent information into the development database. 
• Prepare and send gift acknowledgements to donors. 
• Create and maintain mailing lists for fundraising communications. 
• Generate reports on donations received, donor demographics and giving history, and other fundraising data, as needed. 
• Maintain the development database and partner with Development colleagues to update donor information and log solicitor activity. 
• Maintain backup documentation for reference in reconciliations, audits, and other development reporting activities. Collaborate with Finance in these activities, as applicable. 

Development Support 

• Provide general operations support to the Development department.  
• Serve as the primary point of contact within the department for donor inquiries about process logistics for giving. Triage and respond to inquiries, as received. 
• Attend regular calls hosted by the National ACLU Development team, capture notes, and share learnings with the ACLUM Development team. 
• Assist with data analysis and research for the qualification of new funders and donor prospects.  
• Aid in preparing data and materials for departmental and ACLUM Board committee meetings. 
• Provide support for meetings related to the department’s strategic partnership work; assist in scheduling; coordinate with other ACLUM support staff and external parties to make arrangements; prepare meeting agendas, take minutes, and capture and track action items. 
• Interface with the Finance department to ensure payment of invoices related to development operations. 
• Provide support for donor engagement events, as assigned. 
• Provide backup for the department in general administrative support activities, as needed. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Special projects and other tasks as assigned by the Chief Development Officer and Deputy Director of Development. 

Qualifications, Experience and Attributes 

• Minimum of two years’ work experience in data entry and database management, as well as client relations and correspondence, required. Experience in a non-profit and/ or fundraising environment and gift processing strongly preferred. 
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in philanthropy, business administration, non-profit management, client relations, or related field preferred. 
• Strong aptitude for data processing and leveraging data in reporting and analysis. 
• Experience and strong proficiency with customer relationship management (CRM) platforms or similar database applications required (e.g., Salesforce 360, Blackbaud). 
• Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. 
• Excellent interpersonal as well as verbal and written communication skills. 
• Strong organizational skills with proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks, work well under pressure, and deliver against tight deadlines. 
• Keen attention to detail, high-quality output, and responsive communications. 
• Ability to work independently, proactively, and collaboratively to get things done. 
• Ability to manage and maintain confidential and sensitive information.  
• A track record of working well with colleagues and stakeholders at all organizational levels. 
• Strong belief in ACLUM’s mission and work to defend and strengthen civil rights and civil liberties. 
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion. Respect for differences in race, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, ability, and socio-economic background. 

Key Performance Indicators 

• Timeliness and accuracy in entering donations into the development database, and production of written acknowledgements to donors 
• Effectiveness in communication with donors and external partners 
• Effectiveness in the generation of reports on donor portfolios, pledges, and other development-related information 
• Reliability, responsiveness, and proactivity in providing operational support for the Development department 
• Effectiveness in coordination and collaboration with ACLUM and National ACLU colleagues, as well as vendors and other third-party stakeholders 

Physical Requirements 

• Frequent written and verbal communication. 
• Extensive reading, preparing, and analyzing information, in hard copy and electronic format. 
• Frequent and extended periods of being in a stationary position, in an office environment and outdoor venues. 
• Frequent handling of mail and small packages, as well as standard office equipment (i.e., shredder, scanner, printers, postage machine). 
• Flexibility to accommodate work outside of regular business hours when warranted, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends.