Development Assistant

• Location: Pasadena, CA
• Position Type: Full -Time, Monday -Friday 8:30 A.M.-5 P.M.
• Pay Rate: $27.88-$30.76 per hour
• Work location : On -site or hybrid, with the ability to work remotely some days per mutual agreement, following completion of on-site training
• Reports to: Development Manager

About PCDA

PCDA's mission is to create a community that builds on strengths and relationships to prepare young people with Autism and developmental disabilities for a future in which they are empowered, fulfilled, and feel the security of belonging.

For nearly 30 years, PCDA has been a trusted part of the Pasadena community, supporting children and their families through relationship-based, interdisciplinary services. Our work centers on partnering with families, honoring individual differences, and helping children build skills for participation, connection, and growth across home, school, and community settings.

PCDA works closely with children, parents, caregivers, clinicians, and community partners to create environments where young people are supported not only in developing skills, but in feeling understood, valued, and connected. Our approach reflects a belief that strong relationships and inclusive communities are essential to meaningful outcomes.

Why Work at PCDA

PCDA is a collaborative, values-driven organization where relationships matter. Our team works closely across disciplines, centers learning and reflection, and is deeply connected to the community we serve.

This role is well-suited for someone early in their development career who is eager to learn, build practical skills, and contribute to meaningful work. You will gain hands-on experience in fundraising, communications, and community engagement while working alongside experienced nonprofit professionals and seeing the real-world impact of your efforts.

PCDA is committed to building a workplace where staff feel respected, supported, and encouraged to grow.

Position Summary

The Development Assistant supports PCDA's fundraising, donor engagement, community connections, and outreach efforts. Reporting to the Development Manager, this role works collaboratively with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, Board Development Committee, and colleagues across clinical departments to strengthen PCDA's relationships within the broader community.

This position plays an important role in helping PCDA share its story, steward donor relationships, support community-building events, and maintain strong systems that support fundraising and engagement. The Development Assistant helps highlight PCDA's unique strengths and impact in ways that feel warm, authentic, and aligned with PCDA's mission and values.

Primary Responsibilities

Community Events and Engagement

• Support the planning and coordination of community-building events for clients, client families, staff, board members, donors, and community partners.
• Assist with event logistics including timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, materials preparation, and follow-up.
• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure events are welcoming, inclusive, and aligned with PCDA's mission and values.
• Support a range of event types, including donor stewardship gatherings, community outreach and celebrations, staff appreciation events, board activities, and other engagement opportunities as PCDA's needs evolve.

Communications and Storytelling

• Support the creation and distribution of monthly newsletters and other communications for donors, families, and community stakeholders.·
• Assist with quarterly updates for major donors and supporters.
• Help manage and update PCDA's website and social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Assist with annual appeals, annual reports, marketing materials, and press releases that highlight PCDA's programs, people, and impact.
• Coordinate photography and visual assets for events, programs, and stewardship materials.
• Draft letters, emails, and other correspondence to donors, volunteers, and community partners.

Donor Data and Systems

• Maintain accurate records of donations, donor engagement, and grant activity using DonorPerfect, Excel, and related tools.
• Process gifts and prepare timely donor acknowledgment letters.
• Support reconciliation of donor records in collaboration with the Finance team.
• Assist with generating reports to support fundraising strategy and donor stewardship.

Donor and Community Relations

• Support communications and engagement with the Board of Directors, committees, donors, and community ambassadors.
• Assist with donor cultivation and stewardship activities to help supporters feel informed, appreciated, and connected to PCDA's work.

Collaborative and Cross-Team Support

• Work collaboratively with the Development Manager on appeals, campaigns, reporting, and stewardship activities.
• Maintain organized electronic files and records related to development activities.
• Attend networking and community events as a representative of PCDA's mission and values.
• Collaborate with colleagues across clinical departments to support agency-wide strategic goals.
• Work with program staff on grant expense tracking and timelines.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor's degree and 1 to 3 years of experience in a nonprofit or related professional setting. Experience in fundraising or development is helpful but not required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with comfort engaging in person, online, and over the phone.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail, follow-through, and accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while remaining flexible, curious, and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.
• Warm, professional, and relationship-oriented approach to work.
• Interest in community-based work supporting individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities in a respectful, neurodiversity-affirming way.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and social media platforms. Experience with DonorPerfect, Squarespace, Constant Contact or similar email platforms, SurveyMonkey, or CRM systems is a plus. Training will be provided as needed.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends for events.

Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

PCDA is committed to equity, inclusion, and belonging for clients, families, staff, and community members. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our organization and our impact. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences to apply.

Physical Requirements

Physical demands include the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, ability to observe, move, adjust, and perceive environmental demands. Individuals require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting, sit for prolonged periods of time, operate office equipment, including use of a computer keyboard; visually read and attend to data and text in small print format for prolonged periods; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight encountered in an office setting. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions unless these accommodations will pose a financial or other hardship for the agency.

Additional Requirements

• Commitment to client confidentiality and agency policies.
• Fingerprinting and TB clearance required prior to employment.
• Employment is contingent upon successful completion of required background clearances in accordance with state and federal regulations

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $ $30.76 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person