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Fundraising Associate Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

BBYO

Philanthropic Operations Associate

Washington, DC · Hybrid

Philanthropic Operations Associate Systems and Technology Department Role Location: Washington, DC ... Working closely with colleagues across the Philanthropic Engagement team, BBYO's fundraising team ...

BBYO

Philanthropic Operations Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

Philanthropic Operations Associate Systems and Technology Department Role Location: Washington, DC ... Working closely with colleagues across the Philanthropic Engagement team, BBYO's fundraising team ...

Addison Group

Development Associate

Washington, DC · On-site

$22 - $25/hr

Nonprofit / Fundraising / Donor Relations Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid) Assignment Type ... Associate to help strengthen team operations and donor relationships. This role supports the ...

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All JobsFundraising Associate JobsFundraising Associate Jobs in Reston, VA

Fundraising Associate information

See Reston, VA salary details

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$33

How much do fundraising associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for fundraising associate in Reston, VA is $19.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.77 and $21.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is fundraising a stressful job?

Fundraising associates often experience stress due to targets for donations, deadlines, and the need to build relationships with donors. The role can involve high-pressure situations, but effective time management and communication skills can help manage stress levels. Overall, stress varies based on individual resilience and organizational support.

What is the difference between Fundraising Associate vs Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectFundraising AssociateFundraising Coordinator
ResponsibilitiesAssists with donor outreach, event support, and data entryPlans and executes fundraising events, manages donor relationships
Required SkillsCommunication, data management, basic fundraising knowledgeProject management, relationship building, event planning
Work EnvironmentNonprofit organizations, charities, community groupsNonprofits, educational institutions, healthcare organizations
Common CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles prefer associate's degreeSimilar; often requires experience in fundraising or event planning

The main difference between a Fundraising Associate and a Fundraising Coordinator lies in scope and responsibility. Associates typically support fundraising activities and handle administrative tasks, while Coordinators lead planning and execution of fundraising events and campaigns. Both roles require similar skills and credentials, but Coordinators usually have more experience and take on greater responsibility in managing donor relationships and strategic initiatives.

What does a fundraising associate do?

A fundraising associate is responsible for supporting an organization’s fundraising efforts by identifying potential donors, organizing campaigns, and maintaining donor relationships. They often use communication skills, data management tools, and fundraising software to meet donation goals and contribute to the organization’s financial sustainability.

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

To thrive as a Fundraising Associate, you need strong communication, relationship-building, and organizational skills, often supported by a background in nonprofit work or a related degree. Familiarity with donor management databases (like Raiser’s Edge or Salesforce), digital fundraising tools, and basic financial reporting is important. Exceptional interpersonal skills, creativity, and persistence help you engage donors and work effectively within a team. These skills are vital for building lasting donor relationships and meeting fundraising targets essential to supporting an organization’s mission.

What are some common challenges fundraising associates face when working with donors and how can they effectively address them?

Fundraising Associates often encounter challenges such as donor fatigue, difficulty in engaging new prospects, and balancing multiple fundraising campaigns at once. To address these, it's important to personalize communication, show genuine appreciation, and maintain transparent updates about how donations are making an impact. Building strong, trust-based relationships and leveraging CRM tools to track interactions can also help manage these challenges efficiently. Collaborating with senior fundraisers and marketing teams ensures consistent messaging and maximizes engagement opportunities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fundraising jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Fundraising jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Fundraising Associate jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Fundraising Associate job openings:
Fundraising Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fundraising Associate job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,145 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Fundraising Associate

Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Washington, DC • On-site

$60K/yr

Full-time

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Rails to Trails Conservancy (RTC) is the nation's largest trails organization-with a grassroots community of more than 1 million strong-dedicated to building a nation connected by trails, reimagining public spaces to create safe ways for everyone to walk, bike and be active outdoors. Founded in 1986, Rails to Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Ohio, Baltimore, and Milwaukee. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org. Connect with RTC @railstotrails on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and X (formerly known as Twitter) .
Job Summary
The Fundraising Associate plays a critical role in advancing Rails to Trails Conservancy's fundraising strategy and long-term revenue growth. Working within the major gifts team, this position will strengthen donor pipelines, support proposal development, develop prospect research capacity, develop a more robust corporate sponsorship program, and coordinate grant stewardship and reporting efforts.
The Fundraising Associate will help build the infrastructure necessary to support RTC's ambitious fundraising goals, ensuring that major gift officers, program staff, and organizational leadership have the tools, information, and resources needed to secure and steward philanthropic investments. This position is ideal for a highly organized and collaborative fundraising professional who enjoys both relationship-building and project management.
Job Location
This position is located in our Washington, D.C. National Headquarters and is eligible for a hybrid work schedule. Occasional local travel is required for donor meetings, events, and organizational needs.
Job Duties
Foundation Fundraising (25%)
  • Research and identify prospective foundation funders.
  • Develop, write and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry and funding requests.
  • In partnership with Major Gifts team, coordinate with program staff to gather project information, budgets, outcomes and supporting materials.
  • Manage grant reporting schedules and ensure timely submission of all required reports.
  • Maintain accurate records of proposal activity, grant requirements, and deadlines within the CRM.

Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships (25%)
  • Manage RTC's corporate sponsorship program, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, stewardship and benefit fulfillment.
  • Develop and maintain a comprehensive corporate sponsorship package that outlines partnership opportunities across RTC's events, programs and initiatives.
  • Secure corporate sponsorship revenue to support key organizational priorities, raising $200,000+ annually.
  • Develop customized sponsorship proposals and partnership opportunities that align corporate interests with RTC's mission and strategic priorities.
  • Ensure sponsor recognition and benefit fulfillment.
  • Track sponsorship commitments and cultivation activities within the CRM.
  • Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective corporate partners and identify opportunities to expand sponsorship support across RTC programs and initiatives.
  • Coordinate communications staff to develop compelling sponsorship assets.
  • Explore and develop new sponsorship inventory, including webinars, educational programming, and other mission-aligned engagement opportunities.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Management (20%)
  • Conduct prospect research on individuals, foundations, corporations and family philanthropies.
  • Prepare prospect profiles - for Major Gifts team, leadership, and document within CRM.
  • Support portfolio management for Major Gifts team, when necessary.
  • Identify opportunities to strengthen donor pipelines and increase fundraising efficiency.

Major Donor Fundraising Materials (15%)
  • Assist with the development of project case statements and other donor-facing materials for major organizational initiatives.
  • Work with program staff to translate technical project information into compelling asks.
  • Support the preparation of briefing materials and donor meeting packets.

Planned Giving Materials (15%)
  • Develop and maintain planned giving marketing materials, including brochures, donor stories, web content and informational resources.
  • Coordinate planned giving outreach campaigns across print, email and digital channels in partnership with development and communications staff.
  • Support the growth of RTC's planned giving program by creating donor-centered communications that increase awareness, engagement and legacy gift commitments.

Other duties as assigned
Supervisory Responsibilities
This position has no direct reports and will report to the Vice President of Development.
Requirements
Basic Qualifications and Personal Attributes
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
  • Three to five years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, grants management, corporate partnerships, donor relations, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated experience writing grants, proposals, reports or other persuasive communications.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
  • Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneously.
  • Experience conducting prospect research and working with donor databases or CRM systems.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and build productive working relationships.
  • Commitment to RTC's mission and the power of trails to connect people and places.

Work Environment
  • Normal office setting with low to moderate noise level.
  • Occasional local travel is required for donor meetings, events, and organizational needs.

Employer's Right: RTC reserves the right to revise, change or reclassify this job description at any time in accordance with RTC's business needs. This job description is not an implied contract.
Salary Description
$60,000

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