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Job Title


Development Associate


Company : Northeastern University


Location : boston, MA


Created : 2024-10-01


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

About the Opportunity Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President, Development (SAVP), this position is a critical member of the University Advancement team and will work closely with the SAVP, and the team in Regional Development, College of Professional Studies, and the Burnes Center for Social Change, other Development staff, academic leaders across campus, and the Office of Alumni Relations, the Office of the Senior Vice President for Advancement. The position requires an energetic and affable individual who is eager to contribute through excellent interpersonal and written communication skills, and collaborative interaction with other members in Advancement, academic departments, and external constituents. The Development Associate may also provide key support and management of logistics for additional development staff members. The Development Associate acts as an office manager by ensuring that day-to-day communications are clear and timely. Handles expense reports and reconciles departmental budgets. Composes, proofreads, edits and prepares correspondence, reports and other materials. S/he will contribute to departmental goals by accomplishing related duties as required and work on a variety of mailings and weekly acknowledgments of gifts to respective colleges. S/he is also responsible for answering phones, proofreading, drafting, word processing, filing, mailing, photocopying, general office administration, etc. The Development Associate works independently with minimal supervision, proactively updating the SAVP on the status of projects. The Development Associate manages databases, conducts research, prepares briefings, coordinates events, and drafts, edits and prepares final documents and correspondence. They will provide administrative support for the SAVP and a fundraising team that includes: the Director of Development for the College of Professional Studies; Directors of Regional Advancement, and the Director of Major Gifts for the Burnes Center; and will also manage the development of comprehensive briefings that include biographical information and meeting logistics for the SAVP. They will gather and maintain data and assist in preparing paper and/or electronic reports using a variety of computer software systems. Organizes and implements administrative systems and procedures to ensure that the SAVP, Regional Advancement, the College of Professional Studies and the Burnes Center for Social Change are being supported and working efficiently and effectively. The Development Associate must be comfortable talking to alumni, parents and faculty via telephone and face-to-face interactions. They act as a liaison with other groups across Northeastern University. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Administrative and Office Management Provide key support and management of logistics primarily to the SAVP and development team for Regional Advancement, and College of Professional Studies and Burnes Center. Manage calendars, make travel arrangements and reconcile travel expenses; prepare gift documentation. Reviews and reconciles documents for SAVP's signature including staff's expenses. Reconciles monthly departmental budgets. Reporting and Progress Management Provide regular reports to SAVP on staff's progress toward goals. Lead effort to assure that key contacts, correspondence, and strategies are entered in relationship management software for major and principal gift prospects. Design and extract reports to oversee and monitor strategic activity with prospects and donors. Monitor and implement systems to assure strategic follow up by senior administrators and faculty. Communication and Prospect Management Prepare materials for events and meetings. Oversee research and preparation of briefing materials for meetings and events with donor prospects, assuring that data is accurate and up-to-date. Ensure timely correspondence after meetings and events with donor prospects, faculty and staff. Draft follow-up correspondence; debrief others on next steps, record results of meetings with donors and prospects in database. Coordinate mailings as needed. Compose, proofread, edit, and prepare correspondence, reports and other materials. Serves as frequent contact with alumni, donors, and prospects. May be involved in volunteer recruitment. Acts as a liaison with central Advancement and other units across the university. Conducts outreach to prospective donors for travel visits. Other duties as assigned Other duties as assigned including the coordination of events and providing of support to other Development activities as needed. QUALIFICATIONS The university is seeking a highly motivated, entrepreneurial, energetic individual who can think independently and analytically and seeks to build a career in advancement Bachelor's degree desired; At least two (2) years related office experience, preferably in higher education and/or development; Must be able to exercise absolute discretion and good judgment when dealing with confidential and sensitive material; Maintain standards of professional competence and adheres to a professional code of conduct; Ability to manage and facilitate an intense workload and produce quality results in a fast-paced environment; Will manage multiple priority projects at once with ease and efficiency; Will be proactive; anticipate problems; be resourceful and work effectively with colleagues and external constituents at all levels; Excellent verbal and written communication skills; enjoys working with people and possess skills necessary for building relationships with external (donors, prospects, trustees) and internal (deans, faculty, staff, colleagues) constituents; highly collaborative in approach; Strong organizational skills required; Must possess a strong knowledge of Microsoft Office software and a strong technical understanding of database management and reporting; Experience with Salesforce a plus; Proven ability to analyze data, research information, problem-solve and coordinate projects. Position Type Advancement Additional Information Northeastern University considers factors such as candidate work experience, education and skills when extending an offer. Northeastern has a comprehensive benefits package for benefit eligible employees. This includes medical, vision, dental, paid time off, tuition assistance, wellness & life, retirement- as well as commuting & transportation. Visit for more information. Northeastern University is an equal opportunity employer, seeking to recruit and support a broadly diverse community of faculty and staff. Northeastern values and celebrates diversity in all its forms and strives to foster an inclusive culture built on respect that affirms inter-group relations and builds cohesion. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. To learn more about Northeastern University's commitment and support of diversity and inclusion, please see