Associate - Advancement
2 days ago
New Orleans
Job DescriptionDescription: Overview of the Job: The Louisiana SPCA is seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven Advancement Associate to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting fundraising operations through gift entry, donor acknowledgments, prospect research, and donor stewardship. The Advancement Associate serves as a key administrative and customer service point of contact for donors, ensuring every interaction reflects the organization’s commitment to compassion, accuracy, and gratitude. This role is ideal for a collaborative professional who takes pride in organization, accuracy, and continuous improvement. The Advancement Associate will also contribute to special fundraising projects such as Carnival, Giving Tuesday, and the End-of-Year campaign, helping to execute high-quality donor experiences and events. Key Responsibilities: Gift Entry & Acknowledgment · Accurately record all gifts, pledges, and tribute donations in the donor database (currently Raiser’s Edge), ensuring proper coding and documentation. · Generate daily deposit reports and coordinate with Finance for reconciliation and backup documentation. · Produce timely, personalized acknowledgment letters, tribute notifications, and in-kind tax receipts, maintaining up-to-date templates and processes. · Support recurring giving management and reporting.[AH1] Donor Stewardship · Execute stewardship touchpoints such as thank-you cards, texts, donor welcome packages, and special recognition for recurring and milestone donors. · Partner with the Gift Officer to assist with mid-level donor (4Paws) renewals and follow-up communications. · Maintain accurate documentation of all donor interactions and updates in Raiser’s Edge. Prospect Research · Conduct basic prospect research using online tools and resources to identify potential donors, lapsed supporters, and community partners. · Update constituent records with relevant contact information, interests, and giving potential to support cultivation strategies. · Prepare research summaries for events and donor meetings as needed. Donor Assistance & Customer Service · Provide prompt, professional support to donors via phone, email, and text, assisting with inquiries, tribute notifications, and recurring gift updates. · Monitor donation inboxes and ensure timely response or follow-up with the appropriate team member. · Represent the Advancement Department with warmth, professionalism, and a donor-centered mindset. Special Projects & Events · Creating and updating SOPs for Advancement functions. · Support for major fundraising events and campaigns. · Assist with our annual auction including donor outreach, tracking, and fulfillment, in partnership with the team. · Collaborate cross-departmentally on campaign materials, donor communications, and event data management. · Assist with mailings, stewardship projects, and administrative tasks that advance departmental goals. · Create and update documentation of gift entry and acknowledgment processes. Requirements: Knowledge, Skills & Abilities · Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail. · Excellent written and verbal communication abilities. · Experience handling sensitive donor information with discretion and accuracy. · Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative environment. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and database systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM platforms preferred. · Customer service mindset with a solutions-oriented approach and ability to adapt to changing priorities. Qualifications · Must uphold the Louisiana SPCA’s core values: compassionate towards people and pets; adaptable; creative problem solver; emotionally intelligent; diverse-equitable-inclusive; and humbly confident. · Detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work under deadlines, with a focus on maintaining accurate donor data. · Excellent organizational skills to plan, prepare, and execute donor correspondence, acknowledgments, and stewardship communications. · Strong analytical skills for tracking and recording constituent details. · Demonstrated ability to maintain filing and retrieval systems. · Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening. · Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license. · Excellent organizational and collaborative skills, with ability to multitask and remain detail oriented. · Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other data management tools. · Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyze and evaluate outcomes. · Exceptional client service and problem-solving mindset. · Ability to meet deadlines, juggle competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere. · Able to quickly and calmly adjust to changing priorities with a customer-oriented mindset. Physical Requirements & Work Environment · Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, and reach. · Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping. · Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products. · Must be able to work with industrial-strength cleaners and disinfectants. · Works in an area with a high noise level. · Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches. · Must attend all required training and animal handling classes. · Occasional evening or weekend work required for fundraising events and donor engagements. Education & Experience · High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred. · Minimum one year of experience in data entry, nonprofit administration, or donor relations. · Prior experience with fundraising or donor databases strongly preferred. Compensation & Benefits · Pay Range: $16–$18/hour, commensurate with experience. · Full-time, hourly, non-exempt position. · Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) with match; paid time off and holidays; and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Knowing your work helps save the lives of animals and supports the people who love them.