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Development Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary A contract Development Assistant opportunity is available in Goleta, CA for a detail-oriented administrative and analytical professional with strong Excel, database, and research skills.

The Professional Development (PD) Assistant provides administrative support to the Professional Development team for initiatives related to attorney development and general team support. The PD ...

The Product Development Assistant contributes to the development and production process by assisting in the placement, execution and follow-up of developments and ensuring on time delivery. Essential ...

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Development Assistant information

See California salary details

$9

$21

$31

How much do development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for development assistant in California is $21.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.31 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Development Assistant vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectDevelopment AssistantFundraising Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer associate's degreeBachelor's degree often preferred; experience in fundraising helpful
Work EnvironmentOffice setting, supporting development teamsOffice and event environments, actively engaging in fundraising activities
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, charities, educational institutionsNonprofits, charities, arts organizations
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles supporting development effortsLearning about active fundraising roles

The Development Assistant typically provides administrative support within development teams, focusing on data entry, donor records, and general office tasks. The Fundraising Coordinator, on the other hand, actively manages fundraising campaigns, organizes events, and engages with donors. While both roles support nonprofit growth, the Development Assistant is more administrative, whereas the Fundraising Coordinator has a more active, campaign-focused role.

What does a Development Assistant do?

A Development Assistant typically supports the fundraising and donor relations efforts of a nonprofit organization, educational institution, or similar entity. Their responsibilities often include managing donor databases, assisting with event planning, preparing fundraising materials, and providing administrative support to development staff. They play a key role in ensuring that fundraising campaigns and events run smoothly and that donors receive timely communication and acknowledgments. Strong organizational and communication skills are important for success in this role. Development Assistants often have opportunities to learn more about nonprofit management and fundraising as they gain experience.

What kind of assistants make the most money?

Executive assistants and specialized administrative assistants tend to earn the highest salaries among support roles, especially those with advanced skills, certifications, or experience in industries like finance or law. Their compensation often increases with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Office, project management, or foreign languages, and they may work in high-demand environments with longer hours or greater responsibilities.

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Generation Z faces challenges in securing jobs due to high competition, limited work experience, and evolving employer expectations for digital skills and adaptability. Many entry-level positions require relevant skills, certifications, or internships, which can be difficult for new job seekers to obtain without prior experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Assistant, you need strong organizational abilities, attention to detail, and a background in fundraising or nonprofit administration, often supported by a bachelor's degree. Familiarity with donor management databases like Raiser's Edge, Microsoft Office Suite, and online fundraising platforms is typically required. Excellent communication, time management, and interpersonal skills help you build relationships and manage multiple priorities effectively. These skills ensure efficient support of development operations, successful donor engagement, and contribute to the overall fundraising goals of the organization.

What Is a Development Assistant?

A development assistant handles the administrative and public relations aspects of fundraising for an organization. As a development assistant, your duties include working on donor relations, managing a database of fundraising efforts, and creating reports on individual and institutional donors. In this career, you may also direct public relations strategies to attract support for your organization. Qualifications for a development assistant job include a bachelor’s degree in communications or public relations and experience with fundraising efforts. You usually apply your skills for educational organizations, nonprofit groups, or other institutions that rely on donors for funding.

How does a Development Assistant typically support fundraising campaigns and donor relations within a nonprofit organization?

Development Assistants play a crucial role in fundraising campaigns by managing donor databases, preparing materials for outreach, and coordinating logistics for fundraising events. They often draft acknowledgment letters, track donations, and ensure donors receive timely communications. By working closely with development officers and other team members, Development Assistants help maintain strong donor relationships and contribute to the overall success of fundraising efforts. This collaborative environment provides valuable exposure to fundraising strategies and offers opportunities for skill development and career growth in nonprofit development.

What is a development assistant?

A development assistant is a professional who supports fundraising, grant writing, and program development for nonprofit organizations or development departments. They often handle administrative tasks, maintain donor databases, and assist with event planning, requiring strong organizational and communication skills.

Is being a BDM a stressful job?

A Business Development Manager (BDM) role can be stressful due to targets, client management, and sales pressure. The level of stress varies based on industry, company culture, and individual workload, but strong communication and organizational skills help manage the demands. It often involves meeting deadlines and achieving revenue goals, which can contribute to job stress.
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in California? The most popular types of Development jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Assistant jobs in California? For Development Assistant jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Development Assistant jobs? Cities in California with the most Development Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Assistant job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,814 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Development Assistant

AppleOne

Goleta, CA

$30/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
A contract Development Assistant opportunity is available in Goleta, CA for a detail-oriented administrative and analytical professional with strong Excel, database, and research skills. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working with data, supporting fundraising operations, and contributing to meaningful development initiatives through accurate reporting, prospect tracking, and database maintenance.
The Development Assistant will support senior development leadership and prospect management efforts by preparing reports, analyzing donor and prospect data, maintaining confidential records, and assisting with research related to individuals, foundations, and corporations. This position offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-focused environment with supportive leadership, strong teamwork, and exposure to high-level development strategy and operations.
Key Responsibilities
- Generate complex reports, portfolio health metrics, and analysis for prospect strategy meetings, fundraiser portfolio reviews, and development leadership planning.
- Support data analysis related to fundraising strategies, prospect identification, portfolio composition, solicitation trends, and prospect pool growth.
- Maintain accurate prospect and gift opportunity details in the divisional database, including biographical information, meeting outcomes, activity notes, and next steps.
- Conduct research to verify donor and prospect information, including individuals, foundations, and corporations, while resolving conflicting data when needed.
- Assist with segmentation analysis of constituencies to support recommendations for solicitation timing, targeting, and program-based initiatives.
- Respond professionally to internal and external inquiries by phone and email while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Compensation and Benefits
- Compensation: $25 to $30 per hour.
- Job Type: Contract/Temporary.
- Location: Goleta, CA.


Equal Opportunity Employer / Disabled / Protected Veterans
The Know Your Rights poster is available here:
https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf
The pay transparency policy is available here:
https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/ofccp/pdf/pay-transp_%20English_formattedESQA508c.pdf
For temporary assignments lasting 13 weeks or longer, the Company is pleased to offer major medical, dental, vision, 401k and any statutory sick pay where required.
We are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact your staffing representative who will reach out to our HR team.
AppleOne participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more about the E-Verify program.
https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf
We also consider for employment qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements, including, if applicable, the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. Pursuant to applicable state and municipal Fair Chance Laws and Ordinances, we will consider for employment-qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records, including, if applicable, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. For Los Angeles, CA applicants: Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
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Company Description

This company offers growth and a great group of people to work with.


AppleOne logo

About AppleOne

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AppleOne is a renowned staffing service based in Glendale, California, USA. Positioned in the Human Resources industry, the company offers extensive staffing and recruiting solutions, such as temporary, full-time, and part-time placement, to companies across diverse industry sectors. The company was established by Bernie Howroyd in 1964, launching the business to aid others in finding excellent jobs and companies in finding excellent people.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Glendale, CA, US

Year founded

1964