Nonprofit Development Associate Jobs in California

Job Title

Development Associate (AmeriCorps VISTA)

Job Summary

Rainbow Labs is seeking a mission-driven and detail-oriented Development Associate to strengthen our fundraising, grant development, and donor engagement efforts. This position will help build sustainable systems that expand Rainbow Labs' funding pipeline, improve grant management processes, and cultivate meaningful relationships with individual donors, foundations, corporations, and community supporters.

Working alongside the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors, the Development Associate will research funding opportunities, support grant writing, develop donor engagement strategies, and build the internal infrastructure necessary to sustain Rainbow Labs' long-term growth.

This is an AmeriCorps VISTA position focused on organizational capacity building rather than direct service.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Fundraising & Grant Development

• Research and identify foundation, corporate, government, and individual funding opportunities.
• Assist with the preparation, writing, and submission of grant proposals and funding applications.
• Support grant reporting by gathering organizational data, impact stories, and program outcomes.
• Maintain an annual grants calendar to ensure deadlines are met.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Assist in developing strategies to cultivate, engage, and retain donors.
• Help coordinate donor communications, stewardship activities, and recognition efforts.
• Support fundraising campaigns, including annual giving, monthly giving, and special initiatives.
• Research prospective donors and prepare donor profiles for leadership and Board members.

Fundraising Systems & Capacity Building

• Develop and maintain fundraising databases, donor prospect lists, and grant tracking systems using Monday.com and other organizational tools.
• Create templates and workflows that improve fundraising efficiency and sustainability.
• Track fundraising metrics and prepare quarterly reports for leadership.
• Assist in building long-term fundraising infrastructure that supports organizational growth.

Events & Administrative Support

• Support fundraising events from planning through follow-up.
• Coordinate donor acknowledgments, sponsorship tracking, and event logistics.
• Maintain accurate records of grants, donations, and fundraising activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required

• Passion for LGBTQ+ youth empowerment and social justice.
• Strong research, writing, and organizational skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Preferred

• Experience with fundraising, grant writing, nonprofit development, communications, or donor relations.
• Experience using Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, Monday.com, Salesforce, Bloomerang, or similar CRM/project management platforms.
• Bilingual (Spanish/English) is a plus but not required.

About Rainbow Labs

Rainbow Labs empowers Queer and Gender Nonconforming (QGNC) youth by providing safe, inclusive, and peer-driven after-school programs. Guided by our core values of Discovery, Awareness, Boldness, Curiosity, Accountability, and Inclusivity, we create affirming spaces where LGBTQ+ youth can build leadership skills, explore their identities, and develop lifelong connections through mentorship and community.

Benefits

• AmeriCorps Living Stipend
• Mileage Reimbursement
• Monthly Cell Phone Reimbursement
• Professional development and nonprofit leadership training
• Weekly coaching and mentorship
• Hybrid work schedule (2–3 days in office/community)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Rainbow Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Employment decisions are made based on organizational needs, qualifications, and merit without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, age, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local law.