Development Assistant

Title: Development Assistant

Reports to: Donor Engagement Strategist

Status: Full Time, Non-exempt

Location: SW Portland

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing social services to children, families, seniors, and individuals experiencing food and housing insecurity. We have been active in anti-poverty work for over 115 years. We believe that everyone in our community should have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Neighborhood House is committed to an inclusive and equitable work environment. We embrace a culture that is transparent, respectful, accountable, and self-aware. Our goal is to build a team that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Development Assistant and Database Administrator supports the fundraising and development efforts of the organization. This position is responsible for database management, donor stewardship, event logistics, and administrative tasks that enhance the organization’s relationships with donors, partners, and the community. This role serves as a critical liaison between programs, the front desk, and the development team to ensure smooth operations and excellent donor experiences.

This a technical position that requires familiarity and previous experience with databases.

Responsibilities

1. Database Management & Reporting

• Manage the Raiser’s Edge database, including payment tracking, acknowledgments, and reminders for donors.
• Enter and maintain accurate donor and gift information in the donor database.
• Generate donor acknowledgment letters and tax receipts in a timely manner.
• Run regular and ad-hoc reports to support fundraising strategy and campaigns.
• Ensure the database is up to date, including donor segmentation and campaign coding.
• Work with the finance team on database reconciliation.

2. Back-Office Support

• Assist with administrative tasks such as filing, organizing development materials, and preparing mailings.
• Maintain development supplies, such as stationery and event materials.
• Coordinate with finance staff to reconcile donations and ensure accurate reporting.

3. Donor Correspondence & Stewardship

• Draft and send donor thank-you letters and other stewardship communications.
• Support the planning and execution of stewardship strategies, such as donor recognition initiatives.
• Respond to donor inquiries with professionalism and gratitude.
• Participate in direct stewardship phone outreach.

4. Event Logistics

• Assist with planning and executing fundraising events, including managing RSVPs, preparing materials, and coordinating logistics.
• Attend events as needed, providing on-site support for setup, registration, check-in, payment processing, and tear-down.
• Work with vendors, volunteers, and staff to ensure event success.

5. Program Liaison

• Serve as a point of contact between the development team and program staff to gather stories, data, and other materials for donor communications.
• Assist in aligning program outcomes with fundraising goals and reporting requirements.

6. Front Desk Coverage

• Oversee the front desk, and provide coverage for the front desk as needed, ensuring excellent customer service for visitors and callers.
• Handle incoming mail, including sorting, logging donations, and routing correspondence to appropriate staff.

Minimum Requirements

• Proficiency with donor databases (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• 2 years of experience working with databases and/or in a development, administrative, or customer service role.
• Understanding of relational database theory.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Collaborative team player with a commitment to the organization’s mission.
• Associate’s degree or equivalent experience working in social services, a nonprofit, communications, or a related field.
• This position requires the ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to meet the essential functions of the position.

Employee Benefits

Neighborhood House offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package including:

• 26 days PTO and 12 paid holidays
• Affordable health insurance with 95% of employee premium paid by NH
• Company-paid life insurance. Voluntary long-term disability, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 403b retirement plan
• Optional FSA
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employees are eligible for credit in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.