Development Associate

Development Associate

Our agency supports second-chance employment for individuals who were previously incarcerated, or justice-involved. We invite all potential applicants to apply for positions for which they may be qualified.

* A criminal background check will be conducted on the candidate finalist prior to the offer of employment.* If it is determined that no applicants meet the minimum competency, education, and experience requirements, then management may consider other applicants.* Salary will be determined based on competencies, equity, budget, and market considerations.* Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing an electronic application. The application must be completed in full detail (including work history) for your qualifications to be considered.* Failure to complete the application completely may result in you not being considered for the vacant position.* Your application for the position will not be completed until you receive an online confirmation number at the end of the process of applying for a position.* If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [email protected]. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodation in the application and interview process, please call 336-750-2834.

Position Details

Position Classification Title - Development/Fundraising Professional, Specialist

FLSA - Exempt

Position Class - 89841

Position Overview

Join the Ramily! Winston-Salem State University (WSSU) is a distinguished institution that combines academic excellence, community engagement, and a commitment to fostering student success. We are proud to be North Carolina's only university to earn the distinguished designation of Opportunity College by the Carnegie Classifications of Higher Education and the American Council on Education (ACE). WSSU is dedicated to preparing students for leadership roles through rigorous programs in health sciences, business, education, and the humanities. Known for its supportive environment, the university fosters a close-knit community that nurtures both professional and academic excellence. Situated in Winston-Salem, North Carolinaknown as the city of Arts and innovation, WSSU provides students with opportunities to engage in a dynamic mix of professional, social, and cultural experiences. Winston-Salem is home to thriving arts, healthcare, and technology sectors, offering both students and faculty unique collaboration opportunities and professional development pathways. With its beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and dedication to fostering personal and professional growth, Winston-Salem State University is an ideal place to teach, work, and learn.

Position Summary - This is an internal job posting, available only to current employees of Winston-Salem State University. The Development Associate supports Winston-Salem State University's fundraising efforts by identifying and qualifying prospective donors, managing stewardship and donor relations, and producing high-quality written materials to communicate with alumni, donors, and other supporters. The Development Associate reports to the Senior Director of Development and provides support to the Development Office focused on its objectives of planning, scheduling, cataloguing, and stewarding matters related to development and donor engagement that aim to advance the mission and fiscal health of WSSU. The Development Associate provides administrative support to the major giving and advancement services team. The Associate collaboratively plans, develops, and executes special projects and fundraising efforts as assigned by the Senior Director of Development. This role ensures that donor data is up to date and meaningful, helps deepen relationships with current supporters, and strengthens gift pipelines through solid research and compelling communication.

Responsibilities of the Development Associate include:

• Prospect Research & Management
• Identify new prospective donors (individuals, foundations, corporations) using public records, wealth screenings, databases, and other tools.
• Build profiles/briefing materials for prospects (capacity, interests, giving history, affiliations).
• Maintain and update the prospect pipeline; flag priority leads for Gift Officers.
• Monitor news, publications, and other external sources for relevant prospect/donor intelligence.
• Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Support the planning and execution of donor stewardship activities (thank-you letters, recognition; donor visits; events) in coordination with the Advancement Services department.
• Track donor commitments, pledges, gift agreements, and ensure follow-through on recognition/acknowledgement.
• Coordinate with other units (Advancement Services, Annual Giving, and Major Giving) to ensure accurate, timely processing of gifts, receipts, and acknowledgments.
• Prepare reports or summaries for internal use (progress toward goals, prospect status, donor metrics).
• Communications & Writing
• Assist in preparing briefing materials for meetings between development officers and donors/prospects.
• Help with editing or adapting content for different audiences (alumni, corporate, foundation).
• Administrative Operations & Office Coordination
• Provide administrative support to advancement operations, ensuring accurate records management and timely follow-up on development activities.
• Maintain calendars, schedules, meeting logistics, and materials related to donor meetings, prospect strategy sessions, and advancement initiatives.
• Prepare and distribute agendas, meeting notes, action items, and follow-up communications for internal and external stakeholders as needed.
• Assist with the management and review of departmental files, electronic records, and documentation related to prospects, donors, stewardship activities, and fundraising initiatives.
• Track assignments, deadlines, and deliverables across the development team to support accountability and project completion.
• Support invoice processing, purchasing requests, reimbursement documentation, and budget tracking associated with advancement activities and events.
• Coordinate logistics for prospect visits, donor meetings, and stewardship events including scheduling, travel arrangements, reservations, and materials preparation.
• Serve as an administrative resource for the division by responding to inquiries, routing requests, and ensuring timely communication among internal and external constituents.
• Other Duties / Collaboration
• Assist with planning or supporting donor-oriented events (logistics, invitations, follow-ups).
• Collaborate with other departments (advancement services, integrated marketing/communications, alumni relations) on cross-functional projects.
• Take on special projects as needed (campaign support, research special initiatives).
• Provide back-up or substitute functions when development officers are unavailable.

Position Information

Position Number - 117012

Working Position Title - Development Associate

Building and Room No. - Blair Hall, Suite 311

Appointment Type - Permanent Full-Time

If Time Limited. - No

Appointment Length. - 12

Requirements and Preferences

Position required to work during periods of adverse weather or other emergencies - Not Mandatory

Normal Work Schedule - 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday-Friday, including occasional evenings and weekends

Department Required Skills - EducationBachelor's degree from an accredited institution in a related fieldExperience2-4 years of experience in fundraising, development, event coordination, nonprofit, or higher education environment.Career exposure to prospect research or donor relations and event management (even if in a supporting role).Demonstrated writing excellence (letters, proposals, newsletters, email communications).

Preferred Years Experience, Skills, Training, Education - Skills & Competencies:Strong research skills: ability to use public resources, research databases, screening tools etc.Excellent written and verbal communication: ability to write clearly, persuasively, and for different audiences.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Strong planning skills and the ability to multitask.Volunteer management skills.The ability to work with minimal supervision.Ability to manage multiple tasks/projects with competing deadlines.Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.Competency in usingCRMsystems / donor databases (e.g. Raiser's Edge, Salesforce, Advance, etc.).Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and comfort with data reports / basic data analysisPersonal Attributes:High integrity and discretion; handles donor and prospect information confidentially.Self-starter: able to work both independently and as part of a team.Strong interpersonal skills: courteous, professional, capable of building relationships inside and outside the university.Flexible and adaptable; willing to shift priorities when needed.Passion for higher education / commitment to the mission of the institution.Initiative; eagerness to learn, take suggestions, improve processes.

Required License or Certification

Valid US Driver's License - No

Commercial Driver's License Required - No

Physical Required - No

List any other medical/drug tests required

Posting Details

Posting Details

Internal Posting Only - Yes

Time Limited Position - No

Appointment Length

Salary - Commensurate with education and