Development Associate

Staff members of the Robotics Education & Competition (REC) Foundation have energy and passion for the mission and vision of the REC Foundation. This position is primarily responsible for supporting the fundraising and development efforts of the REC Foundation. The role is crucial in helping the REC Foundation secure and manage the financial resources necessary to sustain its programs and fulfill its mission.

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Responsibilities

• Donor Relations: Build and maintain relationships with donors, both individual and institutional, to ensure ongoing support for the organization
• Donor Database Management: Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor databases, tracking donor contributions and communication history
• Fundraising Campaign Support: Assist in the planning, execution, and management of fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, online giving, and major gift initiatives
• Grant Writing and Research: Identify potential grant opportunities, assisting the grant writer with preparing grant proposals, and ensuring compliance with grant reporting requirements
• Financial Administration: Assist in budgeting and financial tracking related to fundraising activities, including gift processing, gift acknowledgment, and financial reporting
• Stewardship: Ensure that donors receive appropriate recognition, gratitude, and information about the impact of their contributions
• Research and Data Analysis: Conduct research on donor demographics, trends in philanthropy, and fundraising best practices, as well as analyzing fundraising data for insights
• Administrative Support: Provide administrative support to the development team, which may include scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and handling correspondence.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that the organization complies with relevant laws and regulations related to fundraising and donations, as well as preparing and submitting reports to funding sources
• Relationship Building: Cultivate positive relationships with donors, board members, staff, and other stakeholders in the nonprofit's community

Other Responsibilities

• Adhere to the Student-Centered, Code of Conduct, Youth Protection, and Commitment to Event Excellence policies
• Deliver exceptional customer service to REC Foundation customers
• Uphold organization policies and standards, including but not limited to policies found in the Employee Handbook
• Ensure and maintain an ethical, trusting, inclusive, and productive work environment
• Provide continual feedback to help maintain program integrity
• Perform other duties as assigned

Additional Information

• Job Type: Full Time
• Primary Location: Remote

• Schedule: Specific schedules will be discussed with your direct manager but will typically fall within our regular hours of operations, Monday - Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Specific schedules will be discussed with your direct manager

• Alternate times and/or days may also be required periodically

Full Time Benefits

• Health Insurance: Benefit from comprehensive health coverage, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. We contribute to a portion of the insurance premiums, ensuring affordable access to healthcare services
• Life Insurance: We provide life insurance coverage in the amount of each employee's salary, offering peace of mind and support during difficult times.
• Paid Time Off: Earn up to 15 days of paid vacation time over the course of the year to relax, travel, and recharge. Additionally, you'll receive 5 days of paid sick time annually to prioritize the health of you and your family. Please note, paid vacation increases after every three years of tenure.
• Paid Holidays: Celebrate and spend quality time with loved ones with paid holidays throughout the year. This includes an extended Winter Break.
• Paid Volunteer Days: We support your efforts to give back by offering 3 paid volunteer days annually.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan: Take advantage of our 401(k) retirement plan, designed to support your long-term financial goals. Upon eligibility, you can benefit from up to a 4% match, helping you save effectively for the future.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience; background in nonprofit management, fundraising, communications, marketing, or a related field

• 3+ years of relevant work experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field

• This experience should include progressively responsible roles with a demonstrated track record of success in fundraising initiatives

• Fundraising Knowledge: Strong knowledge of fundraising principles, techniques, and best practices, including experience with individual giving, major gifts, grant writing, and events
• Grant Writing and Research: Experience in researching grant opportunities, preparing grant proposals, and managing grant reporting and compliance
• Donor Relations: Proven ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors and other stakeholders
• Database Management: Proficiency in using donor management and fundraising software to maintain donor records, track contributions, and analyze donor data
• Event Planning: Experience coordinating fundraising events, including planning, logistics, execution and follow-up
• Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication skills to create compelling fundraising materials, donor communications, and reports
• Financial Acumen: Knowledge of budgeting, financial tracking, and reporting, as well as an understanding of nonprofit financial management
• Marketing and Outreach: Ability to assist with the development of donor communication strategies, including newsletters, emails, and social media updates
• Research and Data Analysis: Strong research skills to identify funding opportunities and analyze data to inform fundraising strategies
• Compliance: Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising regulations and requirements, including the ability to ensure compliance and prepare reports for funding sources
• Collaboration and teamwork skills to work effectively with other members of the team and different departments
• Proactive problem-solving skills that lead to innovative thinking and resolutions
• Ability to interface on a professional level with a variety of customers (co-workers, sponsors, customers, etc.)
• Familiarity with Google Suite and Microsoft Office products
• Computer competency and ability to learn new programs
• Skilled in setting priorities to manage varying tasks/projects and time management
• Maintain security and confidentiality of sensitive information

Travel Requirements

• Attendance at the annual VEX Robotics World Championship for the full duration

• Duration: 10-12 days, depending on the event configuration and your specifically assigned duties

• Timeframe: April/May (dates vary)
• Location: 2026- St. Louis, MO; Future Dates - TBD (the location typically changes every 4 years)

• Willingness and ability to travel domestically (as needed and as budgets permit)

• This includes, but is not limited to, the REC Foundation offices in Greenville, TX, REC Foundation events, conferences, in-person meetings, etc.