Development Assistant

ABOUT THE INNOCENCE PROJECT

The Innocence Project works to free the innocent, prevent wrongful convictions, and create fair, compassionate, and equitable systems of justice for everyone. Our work is guided by science and grounded in antiracism. Since our inception, the Innocence Project has used DNA and other scientific advancements to prove wrongful conviction. To date, we have helped to free or exonerate more than 200 people who, collectively, spent more than 3,600 years behind bars. Our efforts have led to the passage of more than 200 transformative state laws and federal reforms. Today, the Innocence Project continues to fight for freedom, drive structural change, and advance the innocence movement. To learn more, please visit www.innocenceproject.org.

ABOUT THE POSITION

The Development Department is charged with funding the Innocence Project’s work by cultivating donors and prospects, soliciting donations, and stewarding those donors across the department’s various revenue lines which include individuals, foundations, and corporate entities.

The Development Assistant provides administrative and gift processing support to the Development department. This full-time position reports to the Chief Development Officer.

All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and experience of a diverse and heterogeneous staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners.  

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas.

While the Innocence Project has supported remote work throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently committed to a hybrid workplace with mandatory two days per week in-office. The number of required in office days is subject to change.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is an exceptionally organized self-starter with the desire and ability to quickly learn new skills. This person will provide administrative support to various functions within the Development Department, while regularly working with other IP departments and donors. Strong multi-tasking and prioritization skills are important. The person in this role often has  the first interaction or ongoing contact with interested donors, and excellent customer service skills and a hospitable demeanor is essential.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION & SUPPORT

• Process and track invoices, expenses, and reimbursements with the Finance Department in a timely and accurate manner
• Answer the department phone line, triage and respond to donor inquiries in a timely and accurate manner
• Assist with responding to Development email (in coordination with Gift Processing & Engagement Associate)  
• Track, order and maintain department inventory of stationery and office supplies. Work with the Office Manager to maintain supplies
• Assist with printing and mailing (incl. letters and packages)
• Maintain organization of department files (including network drives, log-ins)
• Assist with editing donor materials
• Assist in preparing for and executing donor briefings both in person and remotely (including the preparation of donor one-sheets)
• Assist with drafting Development Committee meeting minutes
• Assist with onboarding new department employees; assist with Development orientation
• Oversee administrative volunteers

SCHEDULING DUTIES

• Assist the Chief Development Officer and development staff in scheduling meetings. 
  • These include but are not limited to internal meetings, donor meetings, interviews, and vendor meetings. 
  • Meetings are held in-person and virtually, and may include catering orders/reservations.
• Maintain and update the Development Department calendar 

GIFT PROCESSING AND DATABASE UPDATES

• Assist in processing all check, stock, and credit card gifts to the Innocence Project when necessary
• Assist in ensuring timely and accurate mailing of acknowledgement letters on a weekly basis
• Assist with maintaining updated and accurate Salesforce records 
  • Assist with donor record modifications (donation or contact-related), as requested by donors via phone or email, or provided by portfolio manager
• Ensure meeting notes have been entered into Salesforce
• Update unresolved tasks and emails in Salesforce
• Clear unresolved tasks in Salesforce

EVENT SUPPORT AND TRAVEL COORDINATION

• Coordinate travel for exonerees for the annual gala
• Coordinate travel arrangements for department staff 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• High School or equivalent and up to 1 year of work experience
• Experience with or willingness to learn Salesforce
• Excellent communication skills and judgment with the ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Superior skills in organization, planning, and attention to detail
• Ability to learn database management tools with ease and enter high volume of data
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Must be able to work with groups of diverse individuals in respectful, equitable, and inclusive ways.
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shares values of equity, excellence, collaboration, humanity, integrity, respect, and accountability, and is committed to a high level of confidentiality

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS & PERKS

The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including fully-paid individual health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with 6% company-match, paid disability and family care leave, adoption and fertility expense reimbursements, and company-paid transportation benefits.

WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission.  We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email. 

**Applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.** 

SALARY RANGE

$25.12 per hour ($52,250 per year)

Salary : $25 - $52,250