Job Description
Development Associate
- Pay Range: $29.00 - $34.00 per hour
- Employer Health Insurance Contribution: $400 per month
- PTO: 10 days
- Paid Holidays: 12 days
- Schedule: In-office (remote work available)
*Applications must include both a resume and cover letter to be considered.
Who We Are:
The Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (Friends) expands access to nature and science education through community engagement and support of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo (JMZ). For more than 90 years, the JMZ has inspired children to explore science, nature, and the world around them through hands-on learning. Today, the Friends serves as the JMZ's nonprofit partner, raising philanthropic support, fostering community partnerships, and investing in programs, exhibits, and experiences that make the museum and zoo more accessible, inclusive, and engaging for children and families throughout our community.
Who You Are:
- Highly organized - able to manage multiple tracking systems simultaneously
- Professional communicator - responsive to donors, board members, and external audiences. (Writes succinct emails in a professional tone, free from grammatical errors.)
- Adaptable - manages multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and can determine task priorities.
- Skilled writer - can adapt communications for diverse audiences, including donors, community members, partner organizations, and grant applications.
- Growth mindset - willing and excited to learn new skills as part of a small team.
- Interest and passion for fundraising & development, access & inclusion, education, and museums.
What You'll Do:
The Development Associate is a full-time role responsible for supporting fundraising and donor relations activities for Friends of the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. Day-to-day tasks include preparing outreach materials and correspondence, and helping maintain accurate donor and gift records in fundraising databases, and assisting with organizational events and programs.
Development (45%)
- Generate acknowledgement letters, welcome packets, and stewardship emails.
- Process donations and maintain accurate CRM records.
- Track donations, deposit checks, and support donor stewardship.
- Support Friends events and fundraising initiatives.
- Support the Friends Development Committee.
- Record and distribute Development meeting notes.
- Assist with grants, track expenses related to grant funded projects.
- Assist with the creation of the Annual Report.
Community Relations (35%)
- Collaborate with the JMZ’s Community Engagement Specialist on community projects and events.
- Support organizational communications and outreach.
- Produce monthly newsletters in collaboration with Friends Communications Committee and JMZ staff.
- Manage Friends’ social media accounts
- Supporting upkeep of the Friends’ website.
Board & Administrative Support (20%)
- Coordinate Board meeting schedules, agendas, minutes, and records.
- Arrange meeting logistics, including A/V, catering, and facility reservations.
- Support organizational events and cross-department projects.
- Provide administrative support as needed.
*Applications must include both a resume and cover letter to be considered.