Development Associate
Our Story: Since 1934, Junior State of America (JSA) – a non-profit, non-partisan organization – has helped over 500,000 high school students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to be active, informed and responsible citizens, voters and leaders. With its student-led school-year model and rigorous summer programs, JSA enables students to experience first-hand the drama and power of politics as well as the challenges and responsibilities of leadership. JSA chapters serve as the center of political awareness at their schools, and JSA conventions bring thousands of students together to share ideas and learn from each other. We are committed to developing a diverse cross section of young leaders throughout the entire country; and, we are the largest student-led organization in the United States.
Our Mission: Junior State of America, a student-led organization, prepares a diverse community of high school students to participate effectively in our democracy. We offer hands-on civic programs designed to activate the talents of young people, instill values of respect and understanding, and inspire them to be a new generation of American leaders.
For more information about JSA, please visit our website: www.jsa.org.
Working Conditions and Travel: Travel to student events and programs will be required. Occasional travel to the Oakland, CA office for meetings, retreats and/or training will be required. When you are not traveling for JSA, you will be working in your home office during normal business hours in your timezone. On occasion, you will be asked to report to a coworking space in your local area for special work assignments.
Work Location and Demands: This is a remote position that can be fulfilled from anywhere within the United States. This must be your only full-time job and your focus during normal business days and hours must be on JSA work only.
Position Summary: Reporting to the Director of Development, the Development Associate will assist in the initiation, implementation, and execution of fundraising activities and events for JSA. This associate will be a critical player in the development cycle, including the identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors, sponsors, and grantmakers. This associate will be directly involved in donor outreach, face-to-face meetings, asking for philanthropic support, writing thank you letters, and planning events.
Duties and Responsibilities: The key priorities for the Development Associate are to:
Understand the history, mission, principles/values, and financial needs of JSA
Identify and research prospective donors and sponsors
Qualify and solicit annual gifts
Steward/thank donors for gifts
Plan events (e.g., gala, stewardship dinner) in conjunction with a professional event planner
Submit grant proposals to government and non-government agencies
Support student-led fundraising efforts (e.g., crowdfunding, State scholarships)
Enter data and update contact records in Salesforce
Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for the role of Development Associate is a smart and compassionate team player who is mission-driven and works hard to get quality work done. The ideal candidate is people-centric with an optimistic “can-do” approach to work and life. The ideal candidate has strong written and verbal communications skills, a keen eye for design and style, and can tell (and appreciate) a good story. The ideal candidate is comfortable conversing with diverse groups and individuals, and believes that there is always something to learn from others. The ideal candidate cares about others, their work, and is fueled by a desire to make a positive difference.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in the Liberal Arts/Social Sciences, or a related field
2 or more years of experience in fundraising, event planning, and donor/client relations
Demonstrated history of success in securing gifts/investments
Experience working in a donor/client-centric environment
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Passion for education and programs that support youth civic engagement and leadership
Strong belief in the power of self-reflection, collaboration, and hard work
Competency in Google Suite of Apps, Zoom, and Excel/Sheets
Proficiency in Salesforce (or other CRM system)
Ability to travel as needed
How to Apply: Please email your resume and thoughtful cover letter specific to this opportunity to employment@jsa.org. Include “JSA Development Associate – (Your Name)” in the subject line. Due to the high volume of interest, we cannot accept phone calls.
Compensation and Benefits: The salary range for this position is $54,000 - $57,000
JSA offers a competitive full employment benefits package including:
Paid time off and company paid holidays
Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance Coverage
Retirement plan
Remote work opportunity
EEO STATEMENT: JSA provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants in all JSA facilities without regard to race, color, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, pregnancy, childbirth, physical disability, mental and/or intellectual disability, age, military status or status as a Vietnam-era or special disabled veteran, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, gender (including sex stereotyping and gender identity or expression), medical condition (including, but not limited to, cancer related or HIV/AIDS related), genetic information, or sexual orientation in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.