• Development Associate

    The Retreat, Inc. (East Hampton, NY)


    East Hampton, NY, USA | Salary | 55,000-65,000 per year | Full Time

     

    Position: Development Assistant or Associate

     

    Reports to: Director of Development

     

    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.