Community Development Assistant Jobs in Redding, CT

At Guiding Eyes for the Blind, we are passionate about connecting exceptional dogs with individuals seeking greater independence. We are dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing partnerships between people and dogs.
At our facilities, we breed, raise, and train exceptional guide dogs - and match them with individuals ready to embrace a life of greater freedom, confidence, and possibility. Together, they embark on incredible life adventures. Are you ready to play a role in that journey? Join us and help be a part of transforming lives.

Our incredible dogs make our mission possible - and working with them will inspire you! We put our clients first, striving to exceed their expectations by providing exceptional dogs trained to meet their unique needs and empower them to live the lives they choose.

Are you someone who enjoys helping others and takes pride in accuracy and organization? We are seeking a compassionate, detail-oriented Development Assistant to join our team. In this role, you will support the Development and Donor Relations teams by helping ensure the timely processing of donor gifts, mail, and correspondence that advance the mission of Guiding Eyes and contribute to a positive donor experience.

The Development Assistant plays an important role in the daily operations of the Development team, helping maintain accurate donor records, efficient workflows, and timely communications. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the organization, you will support gift processing, donor stewardship, and a variety of administrative activities that help strengthen relationships with donors and supporters.

We are seeking someone who is dependable, service-minded, and proactive, with a strong attention to detail and the ability to manage recurring responsibilities in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment.

If you're a service-minded professional who takes pride in accuracy, organization, and supporting a meaningful mission, we'd love to hear from you!

The Role
This is a part-time, onsite position based at our Yorktown Heights, NY campus. The role is scheduled for five days per week, averaging approximately 22 hours per week.

• Mail and Gift Processing: Retrieve, open, sort, and distribute incoming mail; scan and code checks; support the timely processing of donor gifts; and prepare outgoing mail.
• Donor Records and Administrative Support: Prepare and process acknowledgment letters, enter gifts and income transfers into the donor database, process invoices and check requests, maintain accurate records, and answer donor inquiries.
• Donor Communications: Draft, edit, format, and distribute letters, emails, handwritten notes, and other correspondence that support donor stewardship and engagement.
• Development Team Support: Assist with reporting, special projects, and other administrative activities that help ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the Development team.
• Additional Responsibilities: Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the Development and Donor Relations functions.

Qualifications You Will Need

• Minimum of three (3) years of administrative support experience, preferably in a nonprofit, fundraising, or other service-oriented environment.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently while supporting a collaborative team.
• Exceptional interpersonal and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interact with Donors, Supporters, and the public with poise, tact, and warmth.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and sound judgment.
• Self-motivated, dependable, and service-minded, with a strong work ethic.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to balance recurring responsibilities while supporting special projects and evolving team priorities.
• Professional and approachable, with a welcoming presence and the ability to build positive working relationships.
• Strong computer skills and the ability to learn new applications quickly; proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with donor management or CRM software, with Salesforce experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to perform regular mail and package pick-ups.
• Must be comfortable around large, active dogs.