Development Associate (Foundations)

Development Department
Cambridge, MA

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Development Associate-Foundations serves as the primary administrative coordinator and researcher for the Foundations team. The Associate conducts research and makes recommendations to identify new foundation prospects, prepares background research for foundation visits, drafts and proofreads foundation correspondence and documents, develops high-quality supporting materials for multiple proposal and report deadlines, and maintains foundations administrative systems. This person is part of a 9-person support team for the Development department which works together to refine and improve department processes and troubleshoot inefficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify foundation prospects, assisting with the survey of the landscape of foundations active in UCS issue areas, and track current trends in foundation giving.
• Provide overall coordination of the administrative systems.
• Manage, track, edit, update and distribute all foundations reports to appropriate staff in a timely manner.
• Proofread and assist with the preparation of foundation proposals and reports. Ensuring accuracy of supporting documents and financial information.
• Draft foundation correspondence, proposal executive summaries, and progress reports.
• Manage foundation cultivation mailings, such as the Annual Report.
• Serve as rapporteur for team and monthly Foundation/Program meetings.
• Maintain and monitor the quality and accuracy of foundation records in Raiser’s Edge creating and updating Blackbaud reports as needed. Manage and streamline Raiser’s Edge processes as needed.
• Coordinate agendas, scheduling, and logistics for foundation team meetings.

Qualifications and experience

• Very strong organizational, communication, writing, and problem-solving skills is required.
• Able to coordinate effectively across many areas of the organization.
• Proofreading experience and knowledge of databases, spreadsheets, search engines, and data management are required.
• Candidate must have excellent attention to detail and able to manage multiple tasks in a deadline driven environment.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team is important.
• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Two to four years of comparable and relevant experience in administrative and customer service settings.
• At least two years of development and donor-relations experience preferred.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Cambridge, MA office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $38,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Development Associate” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 26th or until filled.