Development Assistant

Cayuga Health and its affiliates are the region's leading healthcare system and most trusted providers of integrated health services, empowering our people in our mission to equitably improve the well-being of the communities we serve. Our commitment to providing extraordinary healthcare begins with our team of extraordinary professionals who are continuously discovering clinical innovations and enhancing access to the most up-to-date facilities, equipment, technologies, and research protocols. Cayuga Health's commitment to our employees includes competitive compensation, comprehensive employee benefits programs, and the opportunity to explore and build a career in healthcare through our many professional development programs. 

The Development Assistant plays a key role in supporting the fundraising and donor stewardship efforts of the Cayuga Medical Center Foundation and Schuyler Health Foundation. This position is responsible for managing donor records, processing contributions, preparing reports, assisting with events, and providing administrative support to the development team.

The Development Assistant reports to the System Director of Philanthropy, but will also support the department as a whole and respond to information requests from Foundation Board members. Attention to detail and the ability to handle confidential information with discretion are essential.

Roles And Responsibilities

Donor Database, Gift Processing & Reporting

• Manage the donor database, ensuring accuracy in donor records, biographical updates, and stakeholder relationship tracking.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry, maintaining strict attention to detail.
• Process all gifts received by the Philanthropy Office, including contributions for Cayuga Medical Center Foundation and Schuyler Health Foundation.
• Prepare financial reports on gifts, invoices, receipts, pledges, and special contributions.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of gifts and receipts with the Accounting Department.
• Prepare monthly reports tracking fundraising progress and donor engagement.
• Maintain compliance with Cayuga Health policies and procedures.
  
  

Donor Acknowledgment & Stewardship

• Generate and send donor acknowledgments in a timely fashion.
• Process pledge reminders and oversee recurring giving programs, including credit card charges and EFTs.
• Follow up with donors regarding any gift-related inquiries or issues.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding donor and financial information.
  
  

Administrative & Office Management

• Provide general office support, including answering phones, ordering office supplies, and assisting the development team with projects.
• Take, prepare, and distribute meeting minutes for Foundation Board meetings, committee meetings, and volunteer meetings as needed.
• Support the calendar needs of the System Director of Philanthropy and Director of the Schuyler Health Foundation.
• Respond thoughtfully and thoroughly to inquiries from donors, volunteers, staff, and the community.
  
  

Event & Fundraising Support

• Assist in the coordination of fundraising events, donor receptions, and special campaigns.
• Support event logistics, including invitations, registration, and donor follow-ups.
• Work collaboratively with the development team to enhance donor engagement initiatives.
  
  

Required Skills And Experience

• Associate's Degree in business, communications, nonprofit management, finance, or a related field
• 3 years of experience in an office setting, with a strong focus on donor relations, customer service, or administrative support
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy in data entry
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion
  
  

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Bachelor's degree in a related field
• Experience working in development or philanthropy within a healthcare or nonprofit setting
• Familiarity with constituent relationship management platforms or other donor database systems
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with donors, board members, and volunteers
  
  

Physical Requirements

• Primarily office-based with occasional event support requiring evening or weekend availability.
• Minimal lifting (up to 10 pounds) and general office duties.
  
  

Location and Travel Requirements:

• Onsite - 767 Warren Road
• Full Time - Monday through Friday
  
  

Pay Disclosure

• $19.37 to $25.20 per hour
  
  

Cayuga Health System and its affiliates are committed to treating all patients, providers, staff and volunteers equitably and with dignity, ensuring the highest levels of safety, care and respect, and striving to recognize and overcome biases and policies that contribute to disparities in healthcare access, equitable care and positive health outcomes for all.

We are proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, supporting the growth and health of our employees and community by embracing the rich diversity, needs and circumstances of all peoples and prioritizing opportunities to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable protected characteristics.

If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact the Cayuga Health Talent Acquisition team at talentacquisition@cayugahealth.org.

I certify that the information contained in this application is correct and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification or omission of information may disqualify me from further consideration for employment or, if hired, may result in termination. In consideration for my employment, I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of the company, which rules may be changed, withdrawn, added, or interpreted at any time, at the company's sole option and without prior notice to me.

I understand that any hiring decision is contingent upon my successful completion of all of the Company's lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks, which may include a background check, drug screen, employment references, and licensing review. If I am made a conditional offer of employment, I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment/post-offer checks. Such checks will not be conducted until allowed under applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand if I have a criminal background, it will not automatically disqualify me from employment unless otherwise required by law. I agree to execute any consent forms necessary for the Company to conduct its lawful pre-employment checks.

I also understand that the Company is a drug and alcohol-free workplace and has a drug and alcohol testing program consistent with applicable federal, state, and local law. I understand that after a conditional offer of employment, I must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test as a condition of employment.

Job Posted by ApplicantPro