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Fundraiser Associate Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Gathers and synthesizes information from a variety of sources to support fundraising strategy Data ... Associate brings strong curiosity and analytical thinking, with the ability to gather, interpret ...

Development Associate

Boston, MA · On-site

$40K - $45K/yr

Development Associate, Best Buddies Challenges Department : Strategic Development and Marketing ... This position focuses heavily on peer-to-peer fundraiser recruitment and support. Areas of ...

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Fundraiser Associate information

See Boston, MA salary details

$5

$17

$28

How much do fundraiser associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for fundraiser associate in Boston, MA is $17.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.91 and $18.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a fundraiser associate do?

A Fundraiser Associate supports the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns for nonprofit organizations, charities, or institutions. Their responsibilities typically include reaching out to donors, organizing fundraising events, managing donor databases, and assisting with grant writing. They also help build relationships with supporters and ensure that fundraising goals are met. Strong communication and organizational skills are key in this role, and Fundraiser Associates often work as part of a larger development or fundraising team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fundraiser associate?

To thrive as a Fundraiser Associate, you need strong communication, organizational, and research skills, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in communications, nonprofit management, or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software like Raiser's Edge and proficiency in CRM systems are typically required. Outstanding interpersonal skills, persistence, and creativity help you build relationships and craft compelling fundraising campaigns. These abilities are essential for effectively engaging donors, achieving fundraising targets, and advancing organizational goals.

What are some of the main challenges a fundraiser associate faces when engaging potential donors?

As a Fundraiser Associate, one of the primary challenges is building trust and rapport with potential donors who may receive frequent requests from various organizations. It requires strong communication skills to effectively convey the organization's mission and demonstrate the tangible impact of donations. Additionally, Fundraiser Associates must balance meeting fundraising goals with maintaining positive relationships, often collaborating closely with marketing and events teams to create compelling campaigns. Adapting to donor feedback and learning from unsuccessful pitches are also important aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Fundraiser Associate vs Development Coordinator?

AspectFundraiser AssociateDevelopment Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesAssisting with fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, event supportPlanning fundraising strategies, managing donor databases, coordinating events
Required SkillsCommunication, organization, basic fundraising knowledgeProject management, communication, donor relations
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, community groupsNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations
Common UsageEntry-level fundraising support roleMid-level role with more strategic responsibilities

While both roles support fundraising efforts, a Fundraiser Associate typically focuses on assisting with campaigns and donor outreach, often in an entry-level capacity. A Development Coordinator handles more strategic planning, donor management, and event coordination, requiring more experience and skills. Both positions are vital in nonprofit fundraising teams but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How to become a fundraiser associate with no experience?

To become a fundraiser associate with no experience, focus on developing strong communication and interpersonal skills, which are essential for engaging donors. Entry-level positions often provide on-the-job training, so demonstrating enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, and basic knowledge of fundraising principles can help you get started; obtaining relevant certifications or volunteering can also improve your chances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fundraiser jobs in Boston, MA?

The most popular types of Fundraiser jobs in Boston, MA are:

What cities near Boston, MA are hiring for Fundraiser Associate jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most Fundraiser Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Fundraiser Associate job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,350 per year, or $18 per hour.

Assistant Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$57/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Manage the day-to-day activities of a cohort of development assistants, including recruitment, onboarding, workload, and schedule oversight.

  • Oversee the full performance management cycle for the development assistants, including setting expectations, providing feedback, and conducting formal evaluations.

  • Coordinate and implement training, professional development, and special projects to support fundraising operations and team effectiveness.


Harvard University rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

82nd of 630 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 University Central Administration?
Harvard University's Central Administration (CADM) is a 5,000+ employee organization that supports the university's overall excellence by understanding and serving the needs of its schools, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and surrounding communities. Through dynamic and collaborative partnerships, CADM provides high-quality and efficient services to the schools to help them achieve their goals.
Alumni Affairs and Development is a dedicated team supporting Harvard's advancement activity through front-line fundraising, alumni and volunteer engagement, technology, prospect management and research, business process, events, communications, and many other areas.
Our goal is to create an environment of respect that leverages the many talents, perspectives, and experiences of our employees; to deliver the strongest possible results by incorporating diverse perspectives into our daily work; and to make AA&D a great place to work for everyone. We strive to live our values of respect, inclusion, trust, collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation; and open communication and effective information sharing in our daily interactions and our work.
AA&D is comprised of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) Development, Advancement Communications, Events & Donor Relations (ACEDR), University Development and Advancement Solutions (UDAS), the Harvard Alumni Association (HAA), and Office of Talent, Administration and Policy (OTAP).
Job Description
Job Summary:
The Assistant Director oversees a cohort of FAS Development Support Staff (grades 53-54), ensuring frontline officers receive top-tier support and that support staff experience an equitable, positive work environment.
Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management, the Assistant Director helps build a cohesive management structure for all frontline development assistants, including goal and performance management, workflow oversight, learning and development, coverage planning, and hiring and onboarding.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
  • Lead the day to day management of a cohort of development assistants, including recruitment and hiring, onboarding, workload and schedule oversight, and ensuring they have the tools, processes, and information needed to support frontline fundraisers effectively.
  • Own the full year performance management cycle for the assigned cohort, in consultation with frontline officers and the Senior Associate Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management, including setting expectations, providing ongoing feedback, and delivering formal evaluations.
  • Conduct regular one on one check ins with each development assistant to review workload, training needs, position satisfaction, and performance, and to address questions or concerns in a timely, supportive manner.
  • Partner with frontline officers to assess the effectiveness of support, gather feedback on development assistant performance, and adjust responsibilities or priorities to align with evolving fundraising needs.
  • Oversee long term and interim staffing and project assignments for the development assistant cohort, balancing coverage and workload to ensure consistent, high quality support for all assigned fundraising teams.
  • Collaborate with Human Resources and the Senior Associate Director of Development, Fundraiser Support Management on performance concerns, employee relations matters, compensation topics, and policy interpretation to ensure fair, consistent, and compliant people practices.
  • Help coordinate a cohesive approach to Group Leader management and engagement across both FAS Group Leader cohorts (Harvard College Fund and Donor Development), in partnership with the Senior Associate Director and peer Assistant Director, to ensure consistent standards, communication, and support.
  • Work closely with Talent Management, the Senior Associate Director, and frontline leaders to identify skills gaps and professional growth opportunities, and to design and implement onboarding, training, and development plans that support both immediate job success and longer term career progression.
  • Co plan and execute monthly development assistant cohort meetings with the Senior Associate Director and peer Assistant Director, including identifying themes, scheduling guest speakers, and curating content that enhances frontline support capabilities.
  • Assign and oversee special projects and process improvement initiatives for development assistants, encouraging innovation and collaboration to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of fundraising operations.
  • May supervise additional development assistants or assume expanded responsibilities as organizational structure, fundraising priorities, or staffing needs evolve.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
  • 4+ years of related administrative experience
  • Previous experience in project/relationship management
  • Required to work onsite in the Cambridge, MA office on assigned days weekly and may be asked to also come in for additional meetings outside of the assigned days.
  • You will be expected to work certain events/campus activities, such as reunions each Spring, and participate in department retreats that take place on campus in Cambridge, MA.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:
  • Prior experience supervising staff, including coaching, providing feedback, and managing day to day workload and priorities; management experience within a development or similarly complex environment strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and support staff sensitively through periods of change and ambiguity, using sound judgment and creative problem solving to navigate evolving priorities.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to present information clearly and confidently in group settings and to tailor messages to different audiences.
  • Proven ability to build collaborative relationships and work effectively across departments and levels of the organization, exercising tact, discretion, and diplomacy.
  • Skilled in handling sensitive and confidential information and situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
  • Demonstrated negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to align diverse stakeholders around shared goals and solutions.
  • Proven initiative and follow through, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast paced, evolving environment.
  • Solid knowledge of office operations and comfort with modern office and collaboration technologies (e.g., office productivity tools, databases/CRMs, and communication platforms).

Additional Information
Please include a cover letter as a part of your application to help us better understand your qualifications and background. This can provide valuable insight into your experience and interest in the role.
  • Orientation and Review Period: 3 months
  • Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
  • Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
  • Pre-Employment Screening: Identity, Education

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 057. 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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