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Development Assistant Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Development Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Collaborate with and assist Graduate Affairs team with updating social media accounts on a regular basis * Attend all events and assist with planning as needed * Prepare acknowledgment and pledge ...

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 ...

New

Development Operations Assistant

Dedham, MA · On-site

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Position Summary Hebrew SeniorLife is seeking a talented, dynamic, and entrepreneurial Development Assistant to join our Development and Board Relations team. This individual will play a key role in ...

Development Operations Assistant

Dedham, MA · Hybrid

$18.75 - $25.75/hr

Position Summary Hebrew SeniorLife is seeking a talented, dynamic, and entrepreneurial Development Assistant to join our Development and Board Relations team. This individual will play a key role in ...

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Development Assistant information

See Boston, MA salary details

$10

$23

$34

How much do development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for development assistant in Boston, MA is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $26.11 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 Boston, MA? The most popular types of Development jobs in Boston, MA are:
What are popular job titles related to Development Assistant jobs in Boston, MA? For Development Assistant jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Development Assistant jobs in Boston, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Development Assistant jobs in Boston, MA are:
What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Development Assistant jobs? Cities near Boston, MA with the most Development Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various Development Assistant job openings in Boston, MA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,326 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Development Assistant

$23 - $25/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description


Date:   June 29, 2026

Department: Development

Reports to: Associate Director of Development

Classification: Hourly, non-exempt, full-time with benefits

Salary range:  $23.00 - $25.00 per hour depending on experience


This is an onsite, Boston-based position. Local candidates strongly preferred. No agencies, please.


Please submit a cover letter with your application.


Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum Core Values


Isabella Stewart Gardner so deeply believed that art had the power to change lives that she built a beautiful, personal, and immersive Museum "for the education and enjoyment of the public forever." Today the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (ISGM) is a living embodiment of her bold vision; it's a dynamic place where ideas and creativity in all its forms inspire visitors. We strive to tell new stories and challenge assumptions through exhibitions, music, programs, and performances and by engaging the perspectives and collaboration of our communities.


The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum seeks to connect past with present, develop and sustain mutually beneficial partnerships with local communities and artists, broaden our audiences, and generate opportunities for creativity. We are firmly committed to a welcoming work culture and visitor experience. Our five-year strategic plan outlines the Museum's core values, goals, and initiatives that serve as a renewal of Isabella's promise to serve the public and be a resource for the city.


Position Summary


The Development Assistant is a key member of the Development team, which is responsible for raising the essential funds that support the Museum's annual operating budget and strengthen the institutional endowment for the long term future. The Development Assistant will provide administrative support for the Development Office, focusing on several main objectives within the department which include: supporting the Chief Development Officer (CDO) in internal and external fundraising activities; providing support with meeting planning, preparation, and logistics; drafting appeals, acknowledgement letters, and reports; supporting the ongoing work of the boards and committees of the Gardner; keeping appropriate records updated and tracking philanthropic opportunities and credit lines; staffing events; and managing office supplies and mail.


Essential Functions and Primary Responsibilities

  • Supports the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and general Development team operations
  • Aids with meeting planning, preparation, calendar coordination, and logistics
  • Drafts individualized and detailed acknowledgement letters
  • Formats proposals and reports
  • Assists with the ongoing work of the boards and committees
  • Helps with physical mailings and Gala preparation
  • Updates records in the Client Record Management system and tracks credit lines
  • Answers Development phone and email lines, provides customer service, and fields requests
  • Tables for development events, which may take place during the evening or weekends
  • Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate Director of Development or Chief Development Officer

Requirements


Qualifications

Required

  • Bachelor's degree with an interest in the development field
  • Strong project management skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail and follow through
  • Excellent writing and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent computer skills, particularly with Google Workspace
  • Eagerness to learn, collaborate, and work as part of a team
  • Availability to work evenings and weekends when needed
  • Commitment to advancing the ISGM's strategic initiatives
  • Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States
  • Satisfactory background check

Desirable

  • Museum and/or non-profit experience
  • Familiarity with fundraising/client relationship management (CRM) databases, especially Tessitura
  • Comfortable navigating Microsoft Office tools like Excel and PowerPoint

Competencies

  • Analytical and Forward Thinking
  • Customer Service Orientation
  • Thoroughness
  • Initiative
  • Adaptability

Equal Opportunity Employer


The Museum is committed to affording equal opportunity to qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age (40 or older), disability, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions, ancestry, or status as a veteran. Consistent with our core values and our founder's legacy, the Museum is dedicated to building a work community that fosters collaboration, excellence, belonging, and a diversity of perspectives and experience.


Request an Accommodation


Applicants with disabilities who are unable to access ISGM's online application system fully may contact us at hr@isgm.org for assistance with a reasonable accommodation.