Location and Job Title:

Development Assistant - In Office Position
Merage JCC of Orange County
One Federation Way
Suite 200
Irvine, CA 92603

Principal Responsibilities:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Assist the Senior Director of Development in the planning and execution of an annual fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals
• Manage a limited portfolio of donors and prospects through all stages of the development cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Provide interim support for grant research, writing, proposal submissions, and reporting
• Serve as a central organizer for development data, including donor interactions, prospect research, proposals, and solicitations
• Prepare and deliver regular development reports and key performance metrics for the fundraising team, leadership, and Board of Directors
• Take meeting notes and track follow-up actions and deadlines for development initiatives

• Maintain a donor portfolio with personalized engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Manage the donor database (CRM) to ensure accurate gift tracking, reporting, and donor communications.
• Prepare donor-facing materials, including fundraising appeals, acknowledgements, thank-you letters, and impact reports.

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising events and donor cultivation activities
• Flexible to modified work schedule for donor events held on scheduled evenings Partner with staff and volunteers to engage donors before, during, and after events
• Coordinate with vendors to support event logistics and execution

• Support development operations, including CRM maintenance, gift processing, acknowledgements, and reporting
• Collaborate with communications and program teams to ensure alignment of fundraising strategies and messaging

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum of 2 years of nonprofit fundraising or development experience, including donor cultivation and stewardship
• Proficiency with common office software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; comfort learning new systems
• Strong written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including board members, volunteers, and community partners
• Demonstrated willingness to learn, grow, and adapt in a fast-paced environment
• Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in-office, within a cubical setting

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience soliciting gifts or sponsorships in the $1,000-$5,000 range, with interest and capacity to grow into managing mid-level gifts ($5,000-$25,000)
• 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni relations, community engagement, nonprofit development, or a related field
• Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems such as Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar platforms
• Experience with annual giving campaigns, major gifts, grant writing, or sponsorships
• Event planning or donor cultivation event experience
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and ethical standards
• Candidates residing in Orange County, CA, with familiarity with OC community fundraising

• Relationship building and donor stewardship
• Strategic thinking and planning
• Project and time management
• Data-driven decision-making
• Collaboration, adaptability, and teamwork

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Hourly Rate: $25 to $28/hourly; over time eligible
• Paid Medical, Dental, Life and Vision
• Vacation and Sick Time Accrual
• Paid Employee Fitness Membership Retirement Pension Plan

Candidate submissions must include resume with cover letter *We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. *

Salary:

$45,000 - $55,000

Agency Information:

We invite you to connect with community and friends at the Merage JCC. Our extraordinary facility, with its breathtaking views, includes a health and fitness complex, preschool and toddler care, teen center, gymnasium with two full-sized basketball courts, swimming pool, senior center, adult education rooms, a professional-style theater and auditorium with banquet facilities, kosher caf? and Holocaust memorial garden. Our programs and services celebrate family, foster health and well-being, embrace tradition, create friendships, and expand cultural horizons all in a safe, positive, friendly and inviting environment.