Development Associate, Academic Initiatives

Job Description:

The Development Associate provides comprehensive fundraising and high-level administrative support for development efforts, including those administered on behalf of 2+ academic initiatives managed by two Academic Initiatives Directors of Development (for a total of 4+ initiatives in the Associate’s portfolio). The Associate manages various aspects of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for the respective academic areas for which their two Directors of Development serve as Advancement liaisons.  These include: managing major gifts pipelines; providing updated information about programs and funding opportunities to fundraisers for cultivation and proposal development; supporting annual fund activities; tracking and reporting on prospect-related interactions and events involving relevant program directors; facilitating regular gift reports and analyses pertaining to fundraising; and maintaining a repository of proposals to advance Campaign fundraising priorities. In collaboration with donor stewardship and prospect managers, the Associate helps to ensure appropriate stewardship activities on behalf of the program directors.  In collaboration with the several respective academic areas for which their two Directors of Development serve as Advancement liaisons, the Associate helps manage volunteer committees, particularly the President’s Advisory Councils.

This role provides advanced-level direct support to two Academic Initiatives Directors of Development. Using knowledge of donor interests and university priorities, this position advances strategy development and donor engagement in coordination with the Directors of Development by drafting plans, briefings, and high-level correspondence, and by reviewing and tracking stewardship.  

The Development Associate handles the following tasks, including but not limited to: meeting/travel arrangements, proposal pipeline maintenance, event support, and technical and logistical support to two Directors of Development. This position is also responsible for most information technology tasks and functions in support of the two Directors of Development.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a related field such as fundraising, administrative support,  nonprofits, sales, customer service, volunteer management, and/or marketing. 

Job Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Excellent attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and project and time management skills.

• Expertise in Microsoft and Google platforms, especially Google Calendar and email, Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

• Proficient with audio/visual and presentation platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, PowerPoint, etc.)

• Excellent attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and project and time management skills.

• Proven ability to analyze data, research information, problem-solve, and coordinate projects.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, multi-faceted work environment with emphasis on accuracy and deadline adherence. Ability to effectively and efficiently multitask and prioritize workload.

• Possesses a willingness and ability to support a diverse and inclusive campus community

• Highly motivated, proactive individual who can think independently and analytically and may seek to build a career in Advancement.

• Ability to apply tact and maintain confidentiality. Customer-focused, customer service orientation

• Must be detail-oriented and can handle and complete multiple projects concurrently

• Ability to handle sensitive information and maintain confidentiality

• Highly collaborative and strong interpersonal skills in building relationships with external and internal constituents. 

• Initiative and ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of a team.

• Must have a degree of computer proficiency and Information Management Skills 

• Must be able to work occasional nights and weekends. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of BSR Advance, or a similar CRM.

• Experience using AI-powered tools to support proposal writing, build presentations, and administrative workflows.

• Some exposure to data analytics and reporting tools to help interpret trends, track engagement, and support strategic decision-making.

• Some experience in synthesizing and presenting data clearly through reports, dashboards, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations.

Background Check: All offers of employment are contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Additional Information: Please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this position.

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Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

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Submission Guidelines:

Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C. All remote work must be performed in a state in which Brown is registered to do business.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [email protected].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs, and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.