Development Assistant (217642-927)

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:

The Mercy Corps Major Gifts team has regional representatives in Seattle, San Francisco, and Boston in addition to our headquarters in Portland, OR. Mercy Corps’ regional Major Gifts teams seek to develop and enhance relationships with and secure significant gifts from donors and prospects including individuals, corporations, foundations, and community organizations.

The Development Assistant will support activities of the Major Gifts efforts in the Seattle market (75%) and provide office management for the Seattle office (25%). This is a part-time position.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

The Major Gifts Development Assistant provides support in pursuit of team goals for Major Gifts efforts in Seattle. The Development Assistant will support the Seattle Development Director by supporting key aspects of donor cultivation, stewardship and solicitation. The Development Assistant also ensures the smooth and efficient operation of the Seattle office, including maintenance of equipment, supplies and internet/telephone. The Development Assistant will also work with the Seattle Development Director and the Seattle based team to plan and organize local events.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Supports development department in all areas of fundraising, including, but not limited to: managing timelines, writing and executing region-specific donor communications and appeals, maintain regional Raiser’s Edge database information to ensure current and accurate records, reporting and mailings; planning, coordination and implementation of donor events
• Provide donor database reports as needed and maintenance of donor records
• Provides planning, coordination and support for fundraising and donor cultivation events
• Periodic administrative support to Founder of Mercy Corps
• Manages all department and office software
• Manages all office functions including, but not limited to: reception (phones, greeting visitors); IT systems; landlord/building communications; maintenance of office equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None

ACCOUNTABILITY:

REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Seattle Development Director

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Seattle office staff, HQ staff in Portland

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

BA in related field desirable

3+ years experience in office administration/management

Excellent computer skills: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook

Experience with fundraising database required; Raiser’s Edge experience preferred.

Strong ability to troubleshoot and work with IT specialists to solve IT issues/problems

Excellent problem solving and interpersonal skills

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Previous experience in international or non-profit work or a demonstrated interest in these fields preferred

Ability to be flexible, resourceful and innovative in a variety of situations

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Must be detail oriented, comfortable with multi-tasking, have superior organizational, verbal, written and interpersonal skills and be able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Ability to organize and prioritize urgent tasks, follow procedures, and meet deadlines
• High degree of initiative and accountability
• Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving
• Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations and be accountable for results
• Ability to understand the larger picture while remaining focused on the details
• Even temperament and good sense of humor appreciated
• Awareness of and sensitivity to multi-cultural international development work

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

This position is based in Seattle, Washington, with the potential for 10% of time spent traveling (domestic locations only.)

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.

Mercy Corps is an AA/EOE