General Information
Description
Strategic Planning and Development Assistant
COUNCIL FOR A STRONG AMERICA
National Office, Washington, DC
We are seeking a highly-organized, motivated, and collegial person who is eager to learn new skills in the fundraising arena and excited about the opportunity to better the lives of children and youth. This is a great opportunity to start in the non-profit, fundraising, and advocacy fields.
About Us:
The COUNCIL FOR A STRONG AMERICA is the parent organization of four sibling organizations comprising the pillars of American society: business leaders, military leaders, law enforcement leaders, and faith leaders, all working toward the common goal of preparing young Americans for a life of productive citizenship of preparing young Americans for a life of productive citizenship.
Together with allies, we work to ensure that every child has access to proven programs that help them get the right start in life: early education, child nutrition, family support, and other programs that help at-risk children.
Responsibilities:
The assistant will work as an integral part of our six-person Strategic Planning and Development Team to raise the $7 million annual budget focusing on foundations and major donors. The assistant will also work with the president and his executive assistant, four national directors of the sibling organizations, and 10 state offices. The position will include a blend of administrative tasks, research projects, and writing and will offer significant opportunities for professional growth. The primary responsibilities are to:
• Assist with the drafting of letters, proposals, reports, emails, and other donor communications.
• Research current and prospective funding sources.
• Prepare packets, background briefs for staff prior to funder meetings.
• Maintain and update key fundraising and organization materials.
• Update and administer the donor database and all paper and electronic funder files.
• Process contributions and donor acknowledgements.
• Track proposal/report deadlines and benchmarks and maintain department calendar.
• Serve as a liaison to other departments and offices to obtain information for meetings, reports and proposals.
• Help organize events, such as donor conferences or major donor events.
• Schedule donor meetings.
• Assist with other tasks as needed.
Required Qualifications:
• Highly organized, strong administrative skills, and attention to detail.
• One or more years of work or internship experience (development and fundraising a plus).
• Excellent written, oral communication, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently and with staff who are located offsite.
• Ability to juggle multiple projects at once, and respond rapidly and flexibly to changing priorities.
• Superior word processing, spreadsheet, and database skills.
• Strong commitment to our mission and strategic vision.
Helpful: Background in public policy, early childhood and/or youth services, Macintosh computers, and databases.
Salary and Benefits: The salary for this position is commensurate with experience plus outstanding benefits, including fully employer-paid premiums for health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan with an employer match; and generous annual and sick leave.
To Apply: Please send (email preferred) cover letter, resume, writing sample and the following questionnaire, to:
Development Assistant Search
COUNCIL FOR A STRONG AMERICA
1212 New York Avenue NW, Suite 300
Washington, DC 20005
jobs@councilforastrongamerica.org
No phone calls please.
COUNCIL FOR A STRONG AMERICA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that understands the value of diversity and its impact on a high performance culture.
Strategic Planning and Development Questionnaire
We closely read all cover letters, so there is no need to repeat here anything you have said in your
cover letter.
1. Your name:
2. Telephone (day): (evening): e-mail:
3. What are the best hours to reach you by phone?
4. Why are you interested in this position? (If you feel you have already said in a cover letter all that you want to say on this subject, you may skip this question.)
5. Briefly describe any related experience.
6. Please indicate:
• The salary you think you should be paid if you are hired for this position:
• The minimum salary you would consider:
7. How did you hear about this opening? (Please be specific, e.g., who referred you or what publication or Web site listed the position)
8. Additional comments (if you choose):
