Development Associate

Full-Time | Exempt | In-Person 

About Us 

Pinky Swear Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded in 2003 and inspired by a pinky swear promise between a 9-year old boy and his dad. We provide financial support to kids with cancer and their families so they can focus on what matters most – their child.  

 Pinky Swear is an equal-opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. We provide comprehensive benefits and support a flexible working culture based on respect and trust. We are a committed team serving an impactful mission to help kids with cancer and their families. If you are looking to make a difference and have a career with meaning, please apply to join us!  

Position Summary: 

This position is responsible for providing Development team support by engaging with the PSF community, assisting with appeals and campaigns, collaborating on the planning and implementation of PSF events, supporting grant requests and reports, and supporting third-party community fundraising events and activities. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Fundraising and Donor Relations (80%) 

• Speaking with and engaging the PSF community at all levels.  
• Provide stewardship for new or unassigned donors and collaborate with Development team on potential next steps for relationship cultivation. 
• Support entry points for potential donors interested in PSF volunteer activities like pantry donations, donor calls, and letters of encouragement. Provide training and on-site support for volunteers as needed. 
• Review and send weekly tribute & gift acknowledgement letters and ensure accuracy prior to send-out. 
• Manage mailing processes, including preparing mail for send out as well as picking up, opening, and distributing mail. Mail stewardship/cultivation packets regularly. 
• Greet all visitors of the PSF office space with enthusiasm and gratitude, ensuring a sense of inclusivity and belonging. Provide a welcoming, first impression to visitors.  
• Support or lead office tours as needed.
• Partner with third-party community fundraisers to support their efforts, including on-site support at peer fundraising events. 
• Assist in preparing donor offers and personalized stewardship communications in partnership with Development and Marketing teams.
• Support Development-related committees and groups.
• Support corporate sponsors and partners, including activities related to building and growing the relationship or activating the agreements.
• Effectively utilize CRM platform (Raiser’s Edge) to support Development team. 

Events (20%) 

• Coordinate the planning and execution of PSF revenue generating events and other special initiatives including, but not limited to, the Des Moines Radiothon and other donor cultivation and appreciation events.  
• Provide excellent donor engagement and timely correspondence to event sponsors and guests; assist with management of guest lists. 
• Assist and coordinate the preparation of event materials including invitations, sponsorship letters, signage, name tags and other materials.  
• Lead event logistics including set-up and tear-down as well as post-event communications and stewardship.  
• Serve as an ambassador for the organization.  

Required Education and Experience: 

• Experience with event logistics, project planning, fundraising, and/or volunteer management preferred. 
• Highly collaborative, creative, curious, energetic, and self-directed with demonstrated ability to work as part of a team.  
• Engaging public speaker with an emphasis on storytelling. 
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and follow through. 
• Ability to anticipate obstacles and create solutions.  
• Willingness to support in-office activities and on-site events as needed, including the possibility of working an occasional evening or weekend.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle; position requires local travel and evening and weekend meetings and events.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office required and proficiency with nonprofit CRM (preferably Raiser’s Edge NXT) preferred.
• Commitment to Pinky Swear Foundation’s mission, vision, and values. 

Physical Demands and Work Environment: 

• This position includes in-office work 5 days per week Monday-Friday at our office in Edina, MN. After the initial training period, there is flexibility to work remotely on occasion. This position works primarily during regular business hours with a few evening or weekend events expected annually.  
• To successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee including: 

• • Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods. 
  • Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers. 
  • Light work that includes moving objects up to 20 pounds.  
  • The ability to lift small packages and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials 
  • The ability to lift small packages and drive a vehicle to deliver and pick up materials.  
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.  

Note:  

This position description in no way implies these are the only duties to be performed by the employee. Pinky Swear Foundation retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position. 

Benefits: 

• Health insurance coverage includes: medical, dental, and a flexible spending account.  
• Other paid benefits include: parental leave, basic life insurance, basic accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, and a cell phone allowance.  
• Simple IRA with up to 3% match for part-time and full-time staff.
• 14 paid holidays.
• Unlimited paid time off, reinforcing our culture of trust + flexibility.  

 Pay Range: 

$45,000-$55,000 

 To apply, send your resume and cover letter to HR@pinkyswear.org. All applicants will be sent a short but required questionnaire to complete after emailing their documents to our HR inbox. Applications received by 4/12/2024 will receive priority.