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Location and Job Title:

Development Assistant - In Office Position
Merage JCC of Orange County
One Federation Way
Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92603

Principal Responsibilities:

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Assistant plays a key role in supporting fundraising initiatives that grow revenue and strengthen donor relationships to advance the organization's mission. Working closely with the Senior Director of Development (SDOD), the Development and Grants Manager, and cross-functional teams, this role supports development strategy execution, donor engagement, data management, and fundraising campaigns and events.

This position is ideal for a motivated development professional who is eager to grow their fundraising skills while contributing meaningfully to a mission-driven organization.

Minimum Qualifications:

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Fundraising Strategy & Implementation

Assist the Senior Director of Development in the planning and execution of an annual fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
Manage a limited portfolio of donors and prospects through all stages of the development cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Provide interim support for grant research, writing, proposal submissions, and reporting
Serve as a central organizer for development data, including donor interactions, prospect research, proposals, and solicitations
Prepare and deliver regular development reports and key performance metrics for the fundraising team, leadership, and Board of Directors
Take meeting notes and track follow-up actions and deadlines for development initiatives

Donor Relationship Management

Maintain a donor portfolio with personalized engagement and stewardship strategies.
Manage the donor database (CRM) to ensure accurate gift tracking, reporting, and donor communications.
Prepare donor-facing materials, including fundraising appeals, acknowledgements, thank-you letters, and impact reports.

Event and Campaign Support

Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities
Flexible to modified work schedule for donor events held on scheduled evenings Partner with staff and volunteers to engage donors before, during, and after events
Coordinate with vendors to support event logistics and execution

Operations & Collaboration

Support development operations, including CRM maintenance, gift processing, acknowledgements, and reporting
Collaborate with communications and program teams to ensure alignment of fundraising strategies and messaging

REQUIRED EDUCATIONAL AND PRIMARY QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
Minimum of 2 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, including donor cultivation and stewardship
Proficiency with common office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; comfort learning new systems
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, volunteers, and community partners
Demonstrated willingness to learn, grow, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in-office, within a cubical setting

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

Experience soliciting gifts or sponsorships in the $1,000-$5,000 range, with interest and capacity to grow into managing mid-level gifts ($5,000-$25,000)
3-5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit development, or a related field
Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar platforms
Experience with annual giving campaigns, major gifts, grant writing, or sponsorships
Event planning or donor cultivation event experience
Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical standards
Candidates residing in Orange County, CA, with familiarity with OC community fundraising

CORE COMPETENCIES

Relationship building and donor stewardship
Strategic thinking and planning
Project and time management
Data-driven decision-making
Collaboration, adaptability, and teamwork

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Hourly Rate: $25 to $28/hourly; over time eligible
Paid Medical, Dental, Life and Vision
Vacation and Sick Time Accrual
Paid Employee Fitness Membership Retirement Pension Plan

Candidate submissions must include resume with cover letter *We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. *

Salary:

$45,000 - $55,000

Agency Information:

We invite you to connect with community and friends at the Merage JCC. Our extraordinary facility, with its breathtaking views, includes a health and fitness complex, preschool and toddler care, teen center, gymnasium with two full-sized basketball courts, swimming pool, senior center, adult education rooms, a professional-style theater and auditorium with banquet facilities, kosher caf? and Holocaust memorial garden. Our programs and services celebrate family, foster health and well-being, embrace tradition, create friendships, and expand cultural horizons all in a safe, positive, friendly and inviting environment.