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What does a Development Associate do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 4 min read

A development associate is responsible for researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding for an organization. They also cultivate relationships with potential donors and manage fundraising campaigns.

Development Associate job duties include:

  • Research and identify potential donors
  • Draft proposals to submit to potential donors
  • Plan and execute fundraising events
  • Cultivate relationships with potential and current donors
  • Keep accurate records of donor communications and interactions
  • Write thank-you letters to donors
  • Monitor fundraising campaign progress and report results to senior staff
  • Assist with the creation of marketing and promotional materials for fundraising campaigns
  • Help develop new fundraising ideas and strategies
  • Stay up-to-date on trends in philanthropy and fundraising

Development Associate Job Requirements

A Development Associate is responsible for researching and writing grant proposals to foundations and government agencies, as well as preparing reports on the progress of funded projects. They work closely with the Executive Director to identify potential funding sources and develop strategies for approaching them. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in English, communications, or a related field, as well as experience in writing and editing. They should also be detail-oriented and organized, with excellent time management skills. Certification in grant writing is preferred but not required.

Development Associate Skills

  • Innovation
  • Strategic Thinking
  • Leadership
  • Problem Solving
  • Decision Making
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Negotiation
  • Influencing
  • Presentation
  • Facilitation

Related: Top Development Associate Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Development Associate

A Development Associate is responsible for researching and writing grant proposals to secure funding for an organization. They also manage donor relationships and develop fundraising strategies. If you are interested in becoming a Development Associate, here are a few things you can do:

1. Get a degree in a relevant field. A bachelor's degree in English, communications, or another liberal arts field will give you the basic writing and research skills you need for the job. You may also want to consider pursuing a master's degree in nonprofit management or public administration, as this will give you additional skills and knowledge specifically related to the nonprofit sector.

2. Develop your writing skills. In addition to having strong research and writing skills, a successful Development Associate must be able to write clearly and concisely. Practice writing grants, reports, and other types of documents that would be commonly used in the nonprofit sector.

3. Build your network. Get involved with local nonprofits and attend professional development events. This will help you meet potential employers and learn more about the industry.

4. Stay up-to-date on trends in philanthropy. Keep abreast of new developments in the world of fundraising so that you can develop innovative strategies for your organization.

By following these steps, you can position yourself to become a successful Development Associate who makes a difference for nonprofits!

Related: Development Associate Resume Example

Related: Development Associate Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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