What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Associate position at Opportunity Council?
DETAILED SUMMARY:
The Development Specialist is responsible for implementing a business and organizational engagement program to strengthen relationships between Opportunity Council and the business community. This role includes cultivating partnerships, securing sponsorships, creating donor acquisition pathways, coordinating business volunteer opportunities, and enhancing agency visibility. The Development Specialist also supports general event planning, business partnership events, contributes to community outreach initiatives, and collaborates with the Communications Coordinator to maintain and update donor and event-related agency communications. Additionally, this role manages administrative tasks to ensure seamless operations within the community engagement team.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Business and Organizational Engagement:
a. Develop and implement strategies to identify and build relationships with business partners, donors, and volunteers.
b. Promote partnership opportunities to the business community through outreach and networking efforts.
c. Represent Opportunity Council at business and community events, strengthening agency visibility.
d. Collaborate with program staff to identify fundraising needs and partnership needs.
2. Event Coordination:
a. Assist in planning, organizing, and executing agency events, including fundraising, donor acquisition (i.e. “fundraising”) and community engagement activities.
b. Manage event logistics, partner relationships and planning meetings.
c. Support event promotion, coordination of business sponsorships, and post-event follow-ups.
3. Donor Stewardship & Acquisition:
a. Collaborate with the Communications Coordinator to create and update content for the Opportunity Council’s website, social media platforms, and other online assets.
b. Assist in developing and executing stewardship & acquisition campaigns targeting corporate and community audiences.
c. Contribute to the creation of promotional materials, ensuring alignment with agency branding and messaging.
4. Community Outreach:
a. Collaborate with the volunteer center manager and agency staff to coordinate and promote corporate volunteer opportunities that align with agency programs and events (e.g. EcSA volunteers, steering committee members, clean-up days, etc.).
b. Build and maintain relationships with local chambers of commerce, trade organizations, and community groups to enhance outreach efforts.
c. Represent and support Opportunity Council presence at networking events to expand connections and community impact.
5. Administrative Support:
a. Maintain accurate records of corporate engagement activities, sponsorships, and event coordination efforts.
b. Prepare reports on outreach, fundraising, and engagement initiatives.
c. Support the day-to-day administrative needs of the fund development and community engagement teams.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND TRAINING REQUIREMENTS
- 2-year degree, and
- 2 years of related experience in outreach, external communications, sales, etc, or
- An equal combination of education and experience
- If hiring for a bilingual position. Must be able to speak, read, and write with proficiency and fluency in the required language.
- Valid Washington State Driver’s License or obtain by date of hire.
- Must submit abstract of driving record for previous 3 years prior to start date.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Excellent written and oral communication skills to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders (including media, donors, community members, volunteers, and staff).
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish strong working relationships with agency staff and partners.
- Creative and Systems Thinking with the ability to identify opportunities for partnerships and implement new processes.
- Proven experience in fundraising, corporate engagement, event coordination, or community outreach.
- Proficiency in CRM systems, digital marketing tools, and social media platforms.
- Ability to manage multiple projects with attention to detail, deadlines, and strategic goals.
- Understanding of best practices in corporate engagement and business partnership development.
- Ability to articulate the mission and goals of the Opportunity Council to potential partners, volunteers, and donors.
- Proficiency in managing website content, including updating and creating engaging material.
- Proficiency in maintaining accurate records and databases related to corporate engagement, event management, and fundraising activities.
- Capability to generate reports and analyze data to evaluate the effectiveness of engagement strategies.
- Excellent observation and critical thinking skills.
- Knowledge of related resources or ability to access that information.
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information.
- Excellent time management skills and organizational skills.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in a fast–paced office environment with frequent interruptions and occasional crisis situations. Travel also includes attending local and statewide level meetings. Majority of work centers on client services and procedures that require a high degree of confidentiality, tactfulness and respect for clients from a diversity of economic and ethnic backgrounds. All job duties are completed while following current Opportunity Council COVID-19 safety guidelines.
Benefits@Opportunity Council
Opportunity Council offers the following benefits to eligible employees:
- Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal holidays)
- Paid time off for wellness needs
- Employer-paid holidays (13 in 2023)
- Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options
- HSA and FSA, subject to plan terms
- Eligibility for Critical Illness coverage
- 403(b) retirement plan (5% employer contribution)
- Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents
- Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage
- Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, long-term care and personal legal services
