Development Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Title: Fundraising Development Specialist
Location: River House - NARA NW Administration Building - 211 SE Caruthers St, Portland OR, 97214
Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday through Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Wage Range: $26.20 - $30.25, Non-Exempt, Hourly
If you are a motivated and dedicated Fundraising Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!
At NARA Northwest, you'll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a meaningful difference.
Company Mission:
The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.
At NARA NW, we deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.
With over 450 employees across a variety of programs-including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.
Position Overview:
The Development Specialist plays a key role in advancing the organization's fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and development operations. This position partners closely with the Director and Development leadership to execute fundraising initiatives, strengthen donor relationships, and ensure accurate and efficient development systems.
This role blends strategy support, relationship management, and operational excellence, and is ideal for someone who is highly organized, collaborative, and passionate about nonprofit impact. The Specialist will also contribute to community engagement efforts and event execution to help grow and sustain donor support.
What you will do:

• Assist in the development and implementation of fundraising campaigns, donor outreach strategies, and special projects
• Support the organization's annual fundraising plan and philanthropic initiatives in partnership with the Director and Chief Development Officer
• Help cultivate and steward donor relationships through personalized outreach, follow-up, and engagement activities
• Draft and edit donor communications, including proposals, reports, acknowledgments, and stewardship materials
• Support grant writing efforts, including proposal development and reporting
• Maintain and manage donor databases and CRM systems, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records
• Assist in planning and executing fundraising events, sponsorships, and campaigns
• Participate in the NARA NW Events Planning Committee and support event logistics
• Partner with program, finance, marketing, communications, and web teams to gather data, budgets, and metrics

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least one (1) year of experience in grant development and/or fundraising;
• Or a combination of relevant higher education and two (2) years of related experience
• Experience supporting fundraising, grant writing, or donor development activities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel/spreadsheets) and experience working with CRM or donor database systems
• Strong organizational, analytical, and research skills, including the ability to gather and synthesize information for reports and proposals
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screening

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Native American communities and/or Tribal organizations
• Demonstrated experience in technical writing, grant reporting, or donor communications
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising practices, donor stewardship, and community engagement

What's in it for you?
15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples' Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday!
Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
• 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• Flexible Spending Account
• Health Spending Account
• 401(k) with 4% Match
• Employee Assistance Program
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC

How to apply:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers - NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that's all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.

NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.
NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.
Consistent with NARA NW's sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a "Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form" and NARA NW "Modeling Sobriety Policy Form" as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart
Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position's activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.