The Development Associate supports Glenwood's Development Department through fundraising operations, donor stewardship, prospect research, capital campaign initiatives, special events, and marketing and communications efforts. Working closely with department leadership and key staff, this position helps execute strategic priorities and foster strong relationships with donors, families, community partners, and other stakeholders.
The ideal candidate is highly organized, proactive, creative and comfortable balancing administrative, fundraising, communications and project-based responsibilities.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities: Development Operations & Donor Support
- Maintain accurate donor and prospect records, including gift, pledge and contact information.
- Support donor acknowledgments, correspondence, recognition and stewardship activities.
- Prepare donor reports, lists and materials and assist with database maintenance and reconciliation
Prospect Research & Fundraising
- Conduct basic research and assist with preparing profiles on prospective individual, corporate and foundation donors.
- Support donor appeals, fundraising campaigns, prospect development and other fundraising initiatives.
- Assist the Development team with research, solicitation materials and donor communications.
Capital Campaign & Special Projects
- Support campaign tracking, donor materials, communications, meetings and stewardship activities.
- Assist with special Development projects, coordinating information, timelines and follow-up across departments.
Marketing & Communications
- Gather and create photographs, video and written stories that showcase Glenwood's programs, people, impact and community.
- Support the development, scheduling and posting of content across social media, the website, The Grove and other digital communications.
- Assist with writing, editing and maintaining digital content while working with the Director of Communications and Marketing to maintain brand consistency
Events & Fundraising Activities
- Support planning, execution and follow-up for Development events, including Big Top, Golf Tournament, Power of Possibilities Gala, Pecans for Autism, and other fundraising activities.
- Assist with guest lists, registration, donor and sponsor stewardship, event communications and event-related content.
- Provide additional support to the Development and Donor Engagement Manager during periods of high event activity
Departmental Support
- Provide administrative, organizational and project support to the Development team, including meetings, reports, correspondence, presentations and departmental records.
- Manage multiple assignments and deadlines while maintaining accuracy, professionalism and confidentiality.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Skills and Competencies
- Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- A strong communicator, with excellent writing, editing and interpersonal skills.
- Creative and resourceful, with an eye for compelling stories, photography, video and digital content.
- Proactive and adaptable, able to identify needs and work independently while knowing when to seek direction.
- Collaborative, with the ability to work effectively across Development, Marketing and Communications and other Glenwood departments.
- Professional and discreet, particularly when handling donor and organizational information.
- Mission-driven and relationship-oriented, with the ability to build positive relationships with donors, families, employees, volunteers and community partners.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, business, development or a related field; relevant education, internships, volunteer experience or professional experience may be considered.
- Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and follow through on assignments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or comparable productivity tools.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability to handle confidential donor and organizational information with discretion.
- Ability to learn and effectively use new software, databases, and digital tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- 1–2 years of relevant experience preferred; internships, volunteer work, freelance work or part-time experience may be considered.
- Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising and Development operations.
- Working knowledge of donor databases or CRM systems.
- Familiarity with WordPress or another website content management system.
- Ability to create, schedule and post content across social media platforms.
- Familiarity with email marketing and electronic newsletters.
- Basic photography, videography or video-editing skills.
- Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar content-creation tools.
- Familiarity with basic donor and prospect research methods.
- Exposure to capital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, or special events.
Physical & Work Environment
This position is primarily office-based but will require regular movement throughout Glenwood's program areas and participation in events and activities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required in support of fundraising events and other organizational activities.
Glenwood is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants, without regard to consideration of or discrimination against race, religion, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition or characteristics, genetic information, marital status, citizenship, veteran status or any other classification prohibited by applicable local, State, or Federal laws.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit management, business, development, or a related field; relevant education, internships, volunteer experience, or professional experience may be considered.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through on assignments.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, or comparable productivity tools.
- Ability to work effectively independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Ability to handle confidential donor and organizational information with discretion.
- Ability to learn and effectively use new software, databases, and digital tools.
- 1-2 years of relevant experience; internships, volunteer work, freelance work, or part-time experience may be considered.
- Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising and development operations.
- Working knowledge of donor databases or CRM systems.
- Familiarity with WordPress or another website content management system.
- Ability to create, schedule, and post content across social media platforms.
- Familiarity with email marketing and electronic newsletters.
- Basic photography, videography, or video-editing skills.
- Proficiency with Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud, or similar content-creation tools.
- Familiarity with basic donor and prospect research methods.
- Exposure to capital campaigns, fundraising initiatives, or special events.
What We Do
Glenwood is a non-profit organization based in Birmingham, Alabama, that has been providing specialized services for individuals with autism and behavioral health needs since 1974. They offer a wide range of comprehensive programs, including residential services, educational support, and behavioral therapy, aiming to help children, adolescents, and adults reach their fullest potential through personalized care and evidence-based practices.








