A development assistant works in an organization's development department, where they are responsible for providing administrative services to staff members carrying out various fundraising and support endeavors. A bachelor's degree in a field such as public relations or communications is generally required to work as a development assistant.
Essential Information
Development assistants contribute to the vitality of an organization by assisting in the administrative tasks related to helping to bring in money from individuals or corporations. These professionals typically require a bachelor's degree in communications or a related field and strong customer service skills.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications or similar field |
| Other Requirements | Strong writing and customer service relations skills, professionalism and attention to detail |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 7% for public relations specialists; 14% for fundraisers |
| Median Salary (2020)* | $62,810 for public relations specialists; $59,610 for fundraisers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Job Description for Development Assistants
A development assistant offers administrative support to an organization's development office, which brings in money and resources from donors to sustain growth. Development assistants handle a variety of tasks related to institutional and individual giving. Much of the day's work is spent managing relationships with current and prospective donors, bolstering membership and researching ways to bring in additional funds. This is a crucial role in many non-profit and educational groups that depend on fundraising for survival.
Additional Duties
One of the primary responsibilities of a development assistant is to track philanthropic requests, pledges and contributions. Development assistants manage and update donor databases, respond to member queries and sometimes approach benefactors for appeals. They often conduct research, analyze data and compile reports on current or prospective donors. In many offices, development assistants draft proposals or grants and may compile expense lists for budget or meetings. Other duties include managing donor lists and preparing mailing materials like invitations, solicitations and newsletters.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn't provide data specifically for development assistants, it does have data for the related fields of public relations specialists and fundraisers. The BLS expected public relations specialists to see employment opportunities increase by 7% from 2019 until 2029, while employment opportunities for fundraisers may increase much faster than average by 14% during the same period of time. In May 2020 salary report showed that public relations specialists earned a median annual salary of $62,810, while fundraisers earned a median of $59,610.
Education Requirements
A bachelor's degree is usually required of candidates for this position; prospects may find it helpful to choose a major like public relations or communications. Along with a working knowledge of customer service, previous non-profit experience can be an asset. It also helps to have strong computer proficiency, especially in database management programs like Microsoft Excel.
Candidates should possess strong writing abilities and be detail-oriented. It is essential to have good interpersonal skills and maintain a level of professionalism for interacting with donors, members and volunteers. Relationship-building is also a key component of this job. Over the years, an experienced development assistant gains influential contacts in the field of giving, which they may be able to use limitlessly as their career expands.
Excellent writing and oral communication skills are essential for success as a development assistant. These professionals must also be customer-oriented and professional, as a primary responsibility of this position requires regular interaction with an organization's volunteers, members, and financial supporters.
