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Development Assistant Jobs in Needham, MA (NOW HIRING)

Harvard University

Development Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

The Development Assistant actively participates in major and principal gift work, gaining knowledge of specific fundraising priorities and programs and supporting gift prospect assignments. Job ...

Harvard University

Development Assistant

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

The Development Assistant actively participates in major and principal gift work, gaining knowledge of specific fundraising priorities and programs and supporting gift prospect assignments. Job ...

826 National

Development Assistant

Roxbury, MA

$42K/yr

The Development Assistant will implement our signature peer-to-peer fundraising event-the Half Half Half Half Half Marathon-while supporting donor stewardship and team operations. This role is ...

The Hollister Group

Development Assistant

Boston, MA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Development Assistant We are The Hollister Group, the Boston area's leading women-owned staffing firm. We guide candidates through the job search process and connect top-tier talent with ...

826 Boston

Development Assistant

Roxbury, MA · On-site

$42K/yr

The Development Assistant will implement our signature peer-to-peer fundraising event-the Half Half Half Half Half Marathon-while supporting donor stewardship and team operations. This role is ...

Equum Medical

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 ...

Hebrew SeniorLife

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 ...

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$10

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How much do development assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for development assistant in Needham, MA is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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 job makes $10,000 a month without a degree?

A development assistant typically does not earn $10,000 a month without a degree; such high salaries are more common in roles like sales, real estate, or entrepreneurship, which often rely on experience, skills, and networks rather than formal education. High-paying freelance or consulting work in tech, marketing, or finance can also reach this level, especially with specialized skills and a strong client base. However, most jobs with this income level generally require significant experience or entrepreneurial effort rather than a standard role like development assistant.

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.

More about Development Assistant jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Needham, MA? The most popular types of Development jobs in Needham, MA are:
What job categories do people searching Development Assistant jobs in Needham, MA look for? The top searched job categories for Development Assistant jobs in Needham, MA are:
What cities near Needham, MA are hiring for Development Assistant jobs? Cities near Needham, MA with the most Development Assistant job openings:
Development Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Assistant job openings in Needham, MA as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,467 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Development Assistant

Development Assistant

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$20 - $27.50/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Harvard University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

128th of 529 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.
Why join Harvard Law School?
Join a community that combines excellence in legal education and scholarship with a deep commitment to justice. Here at Harvard Law School (HLS), you'll find an environment that values who you are and encourages you to grow, inspire others, and make a meaningful impact. Wherever you are in your career journey, HLS is a place where you can thrive, contribute, and be part of something bigger.
Job Description
The Development team at Harvard Law School is a dynamic fundraising team dedicated to securing philanthropic support to advance the vision and priorities of the Dean of HLS.
We are seeking a Development Assistant to support three frontline fundraisers. This position is an integral member of a larger team and has responsibility for a wide range of complex and confidential administrative support duties. The Development Assistant actively participates in major and principal gift work, gaining knowledge of specific fundraising priorities and programs and supporting gift prospect assignments.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
As Development Assistant you will:
  • Conduct preliminary prospect research, track solicitation process and progress, and update contact reports.
  • Assist team in coordinating prospect portfolios and works with major gift officers to identify prospects utilizing prospecting and reporting tools.
  • Schedule meetings/appointments and make travel arrangements. Compile prospect profiles and related briefing materials; support prospect visit follow-up by preparing correspondence, reports, and adding relevant data to the central prospect database.
  • Prepare travel expenses for processing.
  • Assist with the planning and coordination of leadership events.
  • Respond to donor and alumni inquiries as appropriate.
  • Serve as liaison for HLS administrative offices, alumni, donors, and volunteers.
  • Collaborate and coordinate joint travel and events for major gift initiatives as well as with other fundraising teams.
  • Works closely with other Development Assistants to lead and manage various projects.
  • Prepare materials for presentation and distribution.
  • Perform other duties as necessary.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
3 or more years of experience in a related field. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
We are looking for people who:
  • Are adept at working in a fast-paced environment, with changing priorities and multiple constituencies.
  • Employ effective communication skills, particularly via phone and email. Maintain discretion when handling confidential information.
  • Have an ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks at one time, are highly organized, possess sound judgement and strong attention to detail.
  • Be an effective problem solver and able to represent the department in a professional manner.
  • Can work independently with minimal supervision, but also able to collaborate well with team members.

Additional Information
Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week; Full-time, M-F. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required.
Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
Other Information:
This position is based on campus in Cambridge, MA. There may be an opportunity to work a hybrid schedule based on business needs and with supervisor approval.
Must be available to provide in-person support for meetings and events as needed.
All offers are made by HLS Human Resources.
#LI-TB1
Work Format Details
This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University's Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.
Salary Grade and Ranges
This position is salary grade level 053. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.
Benefits
Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:
  • Generous paid time off including parental leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
  • Retirement plans with university contributions
  • Wellbeing and mental health resources
  • Support for families and caregivers
  • Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.
EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement
Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.
Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.

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