Development Associate

Development Associate

Reports to: Director of Development

FTE and type: FTE (40 hours/weekly, non-exempt)

Target Salary: $45,000-$52,000/ annual

Benefits: Generous paid time off inclusive of four weeks of school breaks throughout the academic year and office wide holidays; professional development; paid medical insurance with company sponsored eye and dental

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm with some flexibility and occasional nights and weekend hours.

Location: Wilmington, DE, intermittent travel to site locations.

Summary:

The Music School of Delaware seeks to add a continuous improvement-oriented Development Associate (DA). Serving as a member of the Development Team, the DA will work closely with the Director of Development (DOD) through database and acknowledgement management, project and event management, student and alumni relations, and administrative duties.

Database & Acknowledgement Management
• Manage donor database (CRM), gift entry, data integrity, and donor records.
• Process and acknowledge gifts; generate thank-you letters and tax receipts.
• Produce fundraising reports, KPI dashboards, and trend analyses.
• Monitor KPIs (retention, lifetime value, online gifts, lifecycle migration).
• Implement SOPs for data, coding, communication, and stewardship.
• Perform prospect research, donor qualification, and wealth screening.
• Create donor/prospect segments for marketing, appeals, and initiatives.
• Maintain confidentiality; follow AFP fundraising ethics.
• Prepare reconciliation documentation with Finance.

Project & Event Management
• Manage mini-campaigns and appeals (I Love Music Month, Do More 24, Spring Appeal, Annual Report, Fall Appeal, Giving Tuesday).
• Produce and oversee development office mailings and write other communication as needed including periodic social media content in collaboration with the communications team
• Collaborate cross-functionally on school-wide letters, appeals, initiatives, reporting, and systems implementation.

• Coordinate and attend assigned concert receptions and fundraising events.
• Maintain guest lists and prepare registration materials.
• Support special event fundraisers and house parties

Student & Alumni Relations
• Build alumni relations through outreach and promotional campaigns.
• Support engagement initiatives for graduating seniors and alumni.
• Maintain student/alumni records and coordinate segmented outreach.

General/Administrative
• Provide administrative support and documentation management.
• Assist with duties as assigned by Director of Development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, or related field – or equivalent experience
• Minimum 1-2 years of experience preferred in donor relations, fundraising, or database management, preferably in a nonprofit setting
• Proven analytical skills with the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy
• Experience with Donor Perfect (or similar database) with proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office Suite
• Commitment to the mission and values of The Music School of Delaware

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Regular, predictable in-office attendance
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral
• Strong interpersonal skills including relationship and trust building, communication, listening, and personal engagement that helps build positive working relationships across departments and campuses
• Professionalism and discretion in handling confidential information and institutional matters
• Flexible self-starter with professional maturity and a diplomatic style
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to meet and manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously
• High level of comfort in taking initiative and willingness to navigate new situation
• Can support, promote, and ensure alignment with the organization’s vision and values to foster a welcoming and collaborative arts environment

Additional qualifications:

Language: Ability to read and understand instructions, correspondence, and memos; write clearly; and effectively present information in one-on-one and small group settings.

Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume, and apply basic algebra and geometry concepts.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems with limited standardization and interpret instructions in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

Computer Skills: Proficiency with internet software and Microsoft Office; familiarity with office equipment such as email, copy machines, postage meters, and telephones.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Requires reliable transportation, occasional lifting up to 25 lbs., and extended periods at a desk/computer in a smoke- and drug-free environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The Music School of Delaware is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, faculty, students, and community members. We recruit, hire, train, compensate, and promote individuals based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Music School of Delaware values diversity in all its forms and encourages candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. We believe that a broad range of perspectives strengthens our organization and enriches the educational experiences we provide to our students and communities throughout Delaware.

About The Music School of Delaware:

Founded in 1924, The Music School of Delaware is the only statewide, accredited community music school in the nation. Serving residents throughout Delaware and the surrounding region, the Music School provides exceptional music education and experiences for people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.

With campuses in Wilmington and Milford, as well as partnerships and outreach programs across the state, the Music School offers private lessons in more than 30 instruments and voice, ensembles, early childhood music education, Suzuki instruction, music therapy, community programs, and performance opportunities for youth and adults. Each year, the Music School presents more than 100 public performances and educational events, many of them free and open to the community.

The Music School of Delaware is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-Collegiate Arts Schools and the National Association of Schools of Music and is a charter member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education. Through financial assistance, scholarships, and community partnerships, the Music School works to ensure that the transformative power of music is accessible to all.

For more information, visit MusicSchoolOfDelaware.org.

Contact:

Send cover letter and resume to Jeana Beno at jbeno@musicschoolofdelaware.org. Include “Development Associate Position” in the subject line.