Posted on July 12, 2012

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Development Associate

About the Marine Science Institute (MSI)

Founded in 1970 on the idea that education is the single most valuable commitment we can make for our future, MSI is a leading environmental education nonprofit in the San Francisco Bay Area. Best known for the Discovery Voyage, a hands-on exploration of the bay aboard our 90-foot “floating classroom” (ship), we estimate that MSI has created more than 1 million stewards of the environment in the past 42 years. For more information about MSI and our programs, please visit www.sfbaymsi.org.

Position Summary

The Development Associate supports all fund development activities at MSI. This position is ideal for someone who enjoys gathering and tracking details, and is equally comfortable chatting with donors at special events. In other words, we are seeking someone who is part nerd/part social butterfly -- with exceptional organizational skills. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising in a creative and fun small team environment. This is a full-time salaried position that reports to the Development Director.

Position Description

Gift Records (25%)

• Create and maintain donor records in MSI’s databases.
• Create donor record reports.
• Track and report use of restricted grants.

Donor Communications (25%)

• Prepare donor acknowledgement letters.
• Assist with direct mail, email, and other gift solicitation campaigns.
• Assist with creating and distributing outreach and marketing materials related to fundraising activities.

Donor Cultivation (25%)

• Help coordinate and carry out a wide range of donor events.
• Provide support for stewardship and recognition of donors.

Department Administrative Support (20%)

• Help create fundraising strategy to meet fundraising goal.
• Maintain department files, answers phones, and handles general inquiries.
• Prepare agendas, materials, and meeting notes for meetings as needed.
• Assist with grant proposal and report preparation.
• Prepare and tracks reimbursement requests and department expenses as needed.
• Provide administrative support to Development Director.

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Marketing, Business, Education, or related field.
• 1-3 years experience in nonprofit fundraising, or reasonable equivalent.
• High-level of skill in Microsoft Office Suite and database applications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Driver’s license and own reliable transportation.
• Ability to perform simple accounting procedures.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Sit for extended periods of time; frequently traverse uneven ground surfaces outdoors.
• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.
• Occasional evening and weekend work.

Preferred:

• Commitment to MSI’s mission.
• Experience in non-profit gift entry/processing/data management; Telosa Exceed experience preferred.
• Tech savvy: experience in creating and managing social media communications on applications such as Constant Contact and Facebook preferred.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a small, informal, action-oriented team.
• Creativity, flexibility, great sense of humor, and an enthusiastic approach to work.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task, work in a fast-paced environment, set priorities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to relate in a highly professional manner to members, donors, prospects, staff, volunteers and vendors.
• The ideal candidate will be able to perform duties aboard a boat when needed.

Location

MSI is located in Redwood City, CA, on the San Francisco Bay. MSI’s site is a “rustic” outdoor education facility that includes both indoor and outdoor settings, live marine animals, and boats. This position is not suitable for telecommuting.

Compensation

• Salary depending on experience.
• Eligible for medical and dental benefits after 60 days.
• 2 weeks paid time off, plus holidays.
• Match of up to 5% employee’s annual salary contribution to retirement account.

Application Instructions

Submit cover letter including salary expectations along with resume, and 2 letter writing samples to janeen@sfbaymsi.org. Applicants will be asked to perform writing and data entry exercises during interview process. No phone calls or drop-in visits please. Position open until filled.