Development Associate

Position Summary:  The Development Associate supports the work of the Development Department in three crucial areas: foundations, general membership and special member programs.  More specifically, the position is responsible for stewarding foundation grants through the application and reporting process; advancing the growth of the Urbanist special member program, cultivating the Urbanist membership, coordinating events and supporting its governing body, the Urbanist Leadership Council.  The position also supports general membership cultivation with the goal of increasing giving, and broadening the organization’s circle of supporters at all levels. Other responsibilities as needed.  

Reports to: Vice President of Development

Duties and Tasks 

A. Foundations

1. Work closely with the Vice President of Development as needed on all foundation and government grant activities, including assisting in writing of materials, maintaining foundation calendar, scheduling meetings and overseeing submission of proposals, reports and acknowledgements
2. Coordinate foundation and government grant applications and outreach in collaboration with other MAS departments, and prepare relevant staff for foundation meetings, including prep meetings, briefing materials, foundation profiles and MAS materials 
3. Assist in conducting foundation prospect research and identifying foundation giving opportunities across all programming and activities

B. General Membership

1. Solicitation and cultivation of members giving less than $500
2. Develop a prospecting strategy for MAS, implementation of that strategy, and associated analytics
3. Work with the Database & Membership Manager on monthly solicitation efforts, donor maintenance and stewardship
4. Coordination with the Major Gifts Officer in identifying individuals who should be considered for larger membership gifts

C. Special Membership Programs

1. Stewardship of the Urbanist member program, an early to mid-career professionals group, and the Urbanist Leadership Council (ULC)
2. Advance new cultivation opportunities and approaches for the Urbanists; support the execution of Urbanist events and activities as needed; compile invitation lists, vendor coordination, event materials, logistical support and tracking attendance 
3. Support the ULC by attending their meetings, interacting with key leadership and providing administrative support such as minutes and follow-up 
4. Develop, implement and coordinate individual appeals and outreach in collaboration with the ULC

D. Other Responsibilities

1. Support all aspects of planning, outreach and execution of MAS’s key fundraising events
2. Assist the Director of Tours as needed with research, virtual tour facilitation, and special outreach to tour goers
3. Assist with corporate giving activities as needed
4. General support of Vice President of Development and Development Department efforts 

Qualifications:

• Two to three years of experience working in a fundraising environment, especially in foundation fundraising, membership and fundraising events
• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
• Experience with volunteer leadership and committees
• Strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail 
• Experience with advocacy groups and an understanding and appreciation of public policy, city building, architecture, design and preservation that drives the work of the Municipal Art Society 
• An entrepreneurial spirit
• Ability to work both independently and also within MAS’s very collaborative team culture
• Bachelor’s degree
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, NEON or other CRM software suites. Experience with HTML, WordPress and InDesign desired