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Development Associate Jobs in Smithfield, RI (NOW HIRING)

Suffolk University

Development Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

The Development Associate will be an integral member of the Division of Advancement and Major Gifts team, supporting the collective Division's continued growth and momentum. This role is responsible ...

Suffolk

Development Associate

Boston, MA

The Development Associate will be an integral member of the Division of Advancement and Major Gifts team, supporting the collective Division's continued growth and momentum. This role is responsible ...

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Development Associate information

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$27.9K

$51.3K

$77.8K

How much do development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for development associate in Smithfield, RI is $51,332.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $57,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a development associate?

A development associate is responsible for overseeing fundraising activities and recording donations, typically for a nonprofit organization. As a development associate, your job duties include generating donations, meeting with potential donors, and developing effective fundraising campaigns. The minimum qualifications to begin a career as a development associate include a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer a bachelor’s degree in business management or public administration. To succeed in this role, you need to possess strong organizational skills, and it helps to have a passion for helping others. Employers prefer candidates who have prior job experience working on fundraising efforts and marketing campaigns for nonprofit groups.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a development associate in a nonprofit organization?

Development Associates in nonprofit organizations usually support fundraising activities by managing donor databases, assisting with grant writing, preparing fundraising materials, and coordinating donor communications. They often help organize events, maintain accurate records of contributions, and collaborate closely with senior development staff, program teams, and volunteers. This role requires strong organizational skills and the ability to balance multiple projects while meeting deadlines. As a key team member, a Development Associate contributes to building relationships with donors and supporting the organization’s mission.

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

To thrive as a Development Associate, you need strong skills in fundraising, donor relations, and written communication, often supported by a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with donor management databases (such as Raiser's Edge or Salesforce), event planning tools, and proficiency in Microsoft Office are typically required. Attention to detail, organization, and relationship-building skills help you excel in managing multiple tasks and engaging supporters. These abilities are crucial for effectively securing funding, maintaining donor engagement, and supporting the organization's growth.

How much does a senior development associate make?

A senior development associate typically earns between $60,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and organization size. They often have advanced skills in fundraising, grant writing, and project management, which can influence salary levels.

Is a development associate a stressful job?

A development associate role can involve deadlines, grant writing, and coordinating fundraising efforts, which may create periods of stress. However, the level of stress varies depending on the organization, workload, and experience, with some roles offering a more steady environment. Strong organizational skills and time management can help manage job-related stress effectively.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Development jobs in Smithfield, RI?

The most popular types of Development jobs in Smithfield, RI are:

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The top searched job categories for Development Associate jobs in Smithfield, RI are:

What cities near Smithfield, RI are hiring for Development Associate jobs?

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Development Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Development Associate job openings in Smithfield, RI as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,332 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Development Associate

Suffolk University

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement

Re-posted 19 days ago

Suffolk University rating

9.6

Company rating: 9.6 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 622 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Summary of Position:
Suffolk University is one of the area's leading universities and the only one situated in the center of Boston. Founded in 1906, the University is comprised of three esteemed schools-the College of Arts and Sciences, Suffolk University Law School, and the Sawyer Business School. Suffolk's 90,000 alumni are professionally successful and civically engaged, and they reside in Massachusetts, across the United States, and in over 150 countries. Suffolk is in an exciting new era and fostering a comprehensive Advancement program to support the University and its plans for the future under the direction of the Vice President of Advancement.
The Division of Advancement has achieved significant fundraising success, exceeding key fundraising and alumni engagement goals in recent years. The Development Associate will be an integral member of the Division of Advancement and Major Gifts team, supporting the collective Division's continued growth and momentum.
This role is responsible for coordinating Advancement efforts for top giving prospects and donors, while providing high-level, multifaceted support across Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Stewardship and Donor Relations, and Cohort Fundraising and Engagement. Working closely with the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Development Associate operates with a high degree of independence and contributes to a wide range of initiatives that advance the University's philanthropic priorities.
The position involves supporting complex and highly confidential fundraising activities, requiring discretion, sound judgment, and strong interpersonal skills. Success in this role requires flexibility, initiative, and a willingness to contribute across team priorities, serving as a versatile and reliable partner.
Primary/Principal Responsibilities:
Supports donor engagement and frontline fundraising activity-50%
Reporting to the Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, the Development Associate performs a wide variety of duties including:
  • Coordinating proposals, briefing materials, and stewardship reports for prospects, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and alignment with institutional priorities
  • Assists with donor correspondence and follow-up, including acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and next-step coordination
  • Working closely with the AVP of Philanthropy, tracks proposal and solicitation activity, ensuring timely follow-up and movement through the pipeline
  • Assists with portfolio management by helping to monitor prospect activity, moves management, and engagement strategies across assigned prospects
  • Assists the team in inputting accurate donor records, contact reports, and activity updates in Raiser's Edge NXT, ensuring data integrity and completeness
  • Provides administrative support in managing corporate sponsorships for key events, including tracking and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits
  • Provides administrative and strategic support to frontline fundraisers, including compiling and organizing materials for donor visits and supporting post-visit follow-up

Plans meetings, events and donor experiences - 25%
  • Assists with the coordination of high-level donor meetings and Advancement programs, cultivation events, and stewardship activities, including logistics, scheduling, materials preparation, and on-site support
  • Supports the execution of Advancement events, including donor receptions, volunteer gatherings, and campaign-related activities
  • Manages invitation lists, RSVP tracking, and guest communications to ensure a seamless donor experience
  • Collaborates with internal partners both in the Division of Advancement and across Suffolk's campus, including but not limited to, the Office of Marketing and Communications and Deans' Offices, to align messaging and maximize participation and impact

Assists with prospect research, reporting, and data coordination - 25%
  • Supports the development and maintenance of lists and dashboards related to pipeline activity, donor engagement, and fundraising performance
  • Assists in maintaining accurate portfolio data, including assignments and segmentation
  • Supports data audits to ensure consistency and accuracy across systems
  • Coordinates information and workflows across Division of Advancement units, including Major Gifts, Annual Giving, Alumni Relations, Stewardship and Donor Relations, and cohort-based initiatives
  • Provides coordination support for strategic fundraising efforts, including tracking progress and assisting with internal communications and materials
  • Assists with pledge tracking and fulfillment, including monitoring schedules and coordinating reminder communications
  • Identifies opportunities to improve processes and workflows to enhance team efficiency
  • Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment when handling sensitive information
  • Participates in team meetings and provides backup support for Advancement operations, as needed

Requirements/Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree required, and at least 1 to 3 years of related experience preferred
  • Excellent PC skills and command of Microsoft Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
  • Ability to use Raiser's Edge NXT or similar CRM
  • Sense of urgency and enthusiastic commitment to Suffolk University's Division of Advancement priorities
  • A diligent work ethic and a capacity to thrive in a collaborative team environment
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong multi-tasking and time management skills, an orientation to detail, customer service focus, and comfort interacting with a diverse community
  • Must be creative, proactive, and a self-starter
  • Must have ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and handle complex situations with professionalism
  • Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and a strong commitment to help develop and implement the University's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies and goals
  • Experience working with Canva and email marketing platforms is preferred
  • Perform other tasks as assigned
  • Standard working hours of this position to be determined by the supervisor, however, Suffolk University's working hours are generally from 8:45 am - 4:45 pm
  • Some evening and weekend work is required, at times, both on- and off-campus

Work Setting:
  • The Suffolk University Division of Advancement is on a hybrid schedule, with three days in the office and two remote, per a formal schedule to ensure an office presence at all times. Suffolk University is a residential institution of higher education with students, faculty and staff on campus most of the school year. An in-office schedule achieves numerous important Advancement goals, among them, heightened collaboration and opportunities to meet with colleagues both within Advancement and across campus. While much can be achieved via email and Zoom, in-person meetings, as well as planned and unplanned informal and formal discussions, contribute toward stronger relationships and collaboration that assists Advancement to achieve its goals and objectives. Due to the scheduling of events and donor visits, in-office days may need to change to ensure preparation and participation occurs efficiently and effectively.

Compensation and Benefits:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, retirement, and professional development opportunities.

The salary range for this role is $50,400 to $84,000.
Salary Transparency
Suffolk University provides salary ranges as a good faith estimate of what it reasonably expects to pay for a role at the time the position is posted. The actual salary offered to the selected candidate will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to, the position's scope and responsibilities, the candidate's experience, education, training, and applicable legal requirements. The listed pay range reflects base salary only and does not include additional benefits or compensation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Suffolk University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. The University strives to recruit, develop and retain faculty and staff committed to educational excellence, the robust exchange of ideas, and engage in membership in a diverse and inclusive community.

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