Development Assistant

Finger Lakes Land Trust

Job Announcement

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Director of Development and Communications and working closely with the Development Associate, the Development Assistant is responsible for providing high-level administrative support, maintaining accurate donor records, assisting with direct mail solicitations, and helping with special projects to grow all aspects of a comprehensive fundraising and communications department.

Job description:

The Development Assistant is responsible for supporting the coordination of development activities, including donor database management, gift processing, and donor relations. This role involves aiding with event planning and completion of related tasks. The Development Assistant also supports the department with administrative duties and special projects as needed, contributing to the successful engagement of donors and cultivation of new relationships. Strong organizational skills, attention-to-detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently are key to success in this position.

The successful candidate will:

• Process gifts and prepare acknowledgement letters and other correspondence.
• Maintain accurate foundation, corporation, and individual donor records.
• Recruit and build positive relationships with volunteers, coordinate and staff Talks and Treks program, coordinate volunteer needs from other land trust staff, as needed.
• Assist in the coordination and production of direct mail for fundraising.
• Attend various public outreach events, some evenings and weekend availability needed.
• Assist with the management of our online merchandise shop and inventory tracking.
• Assist in the coordination and production of direct mailings for fundraising.
• Other duties as assigned by the director, including administrative responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate careful attention to detail and enjoy working on a collaborative team, with the following qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One or more years of experience in one or more of the following areas: development, donor relations, alumni relations, marketing/communications or related experience or equivalent.
• Effective organizational skills and strong detail orientation; superior communications skills
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge or similar database strongly preferred.
• Ability to interact effectively and professionally with people from diverse backgrounds including staff, consultants, board members, volunteers, donors, business leaders, government officials etc.
• Strong initiative, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the ability to meet deadlines are essential.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and fundraising resources such as databases, directories, and websites.
• Knowledge of environmental preservation, land trusts, and commitment to conservation.
• Able and willing to work occasional weekends and evenings; ability to physically-assist with loading/ unloading equipment and materials associated with events up to 40lbs.

The Finger Lakes Land Trust (FLLT) protects more than 33,000 acres of the region’s undeveloped lakeshores, rugged gorges, rolling forests, and scenic farmlands. The Land Trust owns and manages a network of nature preserves that are open to the public and holds conservation easements on properties that remain in private ownership.

The Land Trust focuses on protecting critical habitat for fish and wildlife, conserving lands that are important for water quality, connecting existing conservation lands, and keeping prime farmland in agriculture. The organization also provides programs to educate local governments, landowners, and local residents about conservation and the region’s unique natural resources.

The Land Trust has 20 dedicated staff members and more than 200 active volunteers.

Additional Information:

The Finger Lakes Land Trust is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including (but not limited to) people of color, women, LGBTQ , veterans, people with differing abilities and those with lived experience.

This position is an full time, hourly position with a pay range between $39,520-$43,680/year dependent on education and experience.

To apply:

Please send a cover letter and resume:

E-mail: Ms. Dawn Cornell at DawnCornell@fllt.org with “Development Assistant” in the subject line.

Mail: Finger Lakes Land Trust

Attn: Dawn Cornell

202 East Court Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the successful candidate is selected. Priority given to applications received by February 21st, 2025.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,520.00 - $43,680.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Dependent health insurance coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $39,520 - $43,680