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 anti-racism. 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 250 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 operational support to the Development department, assisting with donor communications, scheduling, gift processing, and departmental coordination. This role serves as a key front-line contact, ensuring timely responses, accurate data management, and smooth day-to-day operations in support of fundraising efforts. This full-time position reports to the Chief Development Officer.

We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas and we are not an e-verify employer.

The duties of this position require approximately 40 hours of work per week to be performed virtually/in-office. We currently have a hybrid in-office model, with all employees in the office three days per week and the remainder of the week remotely. Wednesday is our organization’s “anchor day” where all staff works in the office. The number of required in-office days is subject to change. 

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Innocence Project seeks a detail-oriented, collaborative communicator who is passionate about social justice, who is highly organized, and is skilled at multitasking across administrative, scheduling, and database responsibilities.

In addition, the ideal candidate models our IP Values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness. All Innocence Project employees must embrace, respect and value the rich diversity of perspectives and lived experience of our staff.  We recognize and appreciate that our work is better for having varied participants and thought partners. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in this type of environment. 

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
• Serve as the primary front-line contact for the Development email inbox, monitoring and triaging incoming messages, responding directly when appropriate, and coordinating follow-up with team members and Gift Processing Associates as needed.
• Monitor, track, and refund or process misdirected funds to other Innocence network organizations.
• 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) as well as returned mail
• 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 coordinating and drafting Development Committee meeting materials and minutes
• Assist with onboarding new department employees; assist with Development orientation
• Oversee administrative volunteers, including interns
• Other departmental support as assigned

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 gifts, refunds, and misdirected payments when necessary
• Assist with managing recurring donor requests, including cancellations, upgrades, downgrades, pauses, and refunds for monthly gifts
• Assist with mailing acknowledgement letters as needed
• Maintain excellent data hygiene by ensuring donor communications are reflected in Salesforce.
• Assist with donor record modifications (donation or contact-related), as requested by donors via phone or email, or provided by portfolio manager

RECEPTION SUPPORT

Provides front desk reception support for main receptionist during lunch breaks and absences, which includes the following duties:

• Welcomes visitors; answers inquiries within administrative capacities
• Answers incoming calls on multi-line telephones and advises callers on case submission procedures, answers other inquiries within administrative capacities, forwards calls as appropriate, takes and relays adequate messages as required
• Stamps, sorts and distributes mail and packages
• Maintains conference call and conference room shared calendars

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• 1 year of work experience
• Experience with or willingness to learn Salesforce
• Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, communication skills, and judgment with the ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality
• Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

KEY COMPETENCIES + VALUES

• 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
• Enthusiasm for the work of the Innocence Project and for social justice, including a demonstrated commitment to public interest
• Shared commitment to the IP’s values of accountability, collaboration, empathy + compassion, equity, person-centeredness, quality focus, and self-awareness

Benefits

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.

Upon submission of your application you will be requested to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey. This survey is part of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. The information you provide is voluntary and confidential. Completing the survey helps us track our progress in creating a fair and equitable environment. This data is used for reporting purposes only. Please note, the identities presented in the survey reflect federal language required by law. The Innocence Project acknowledges that not all identities are included and any reference to gender explicitly refers to biological sex. We recognize these terms are limited and we strive to humanize our internal practices. Your completion of the survey is greatly appreciated.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

To apply, please click 'Apply for this Job' below. Upload a resume titled with your name in this format (last name_first name_resume). In the space provided, add a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work. Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. 

The deadline to submit applications is 5pm EST Monday, March 23.

SALARY RANGE

$27.34 - $30.05 per hour (equivalent to $56,875 - $62,500 annually). Salary commensurate with experience. This position is overtime eligible.