Hybrid Development Associate at The Retreat

Position: Development Assistant or Associate

Reports to: Director of Development

Location: East Hampton, NY (Hybrid – some remote work possible; on-site for events and meetings as needed)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: 35 hours/week; occasional evenings/weekends for events

Position Summary

The Development Associate helps support The Retreat's fundraising, events, and donor stewardship initiatives. This role plays a critical part in ensuring the smooth execution of special events, donor communications, and in-kind giving programs while maintaining accurate records in the donor database. The Development Associate will work closely and collaboratively with the Development & Marketing team, program staff, and volunteers to advance the organization's mission through effective donor engagement and event management.

Key Responsibilities

Event Coordination & Logistics

• Coordinate logistics for fundraising and cultivation events (golf outing, gala, tennis benefit, cultivation receptions, etc.).
• Serve as primary liaison with vendors, sponsors, and event volunteers.
• Manage event timelines, guest lists, and on-site execution.
• Track auction items, sponsorship benefits, and post-event follow-up tasks.
• Assist in preparing event collateral in collaboration with the Marketing Manager.
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Donor Stewardship & Database

• Accurately record gifts, pledges, and in-kind donations in the donor database (Bloomerang).
• Generate timely acknowledgment letters and stewardship touchpoints.
• Support donor research and prospect tracking for major giving program.
• Maintain clean, up-to-date donor records.
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.

In-Kind Donation & Volunteer Coordination

• Manage shelter in-kind donation intake and coordinate with shelter staff.
• Oversee Adopt-a-Family program, including gift card solicitation, distribution, and donor acknowledgment.
• Coordinate in-office volunteers for administrative and event-related needs.
• Other tasks as assigned by supervisor or manager.

Departmental Support

• Assist with preparation of fundraising materials, presentations, and mailings.
• Support Annual Appeal production and mailing.
• Respond to donor and community inquiries, ensuring warm, timely follow-up.
• Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor or manager.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years' experience in nonprofit fundraising, event coordination, or related field (internships and volunteer experience considered).
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfort working with donor databases (experience with Bloomerang, Salesforce, or Raiser's Edge a plus).
• Ability to work collaboratively in a small, high-functioning team.
• Collaborative, proactive, and willing to pitch in across functions.

Work Environment & Requirements

• Based in East Hampton with some flexibility for remote work.
• Occasional evening/weekend work required for events.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds for event and donation handling.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience in the range of 55,000 - 65,000 with the possibility of bonus structure based on merit and hitting donor engagement goals.
• Health, dental, and vision insurance; paid time off; retirement plan.
• Professional development opportunities.

The Retreat, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing compassionate, empathetic, and culturally aware services to all clients and community members.