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Nonprofit Development Associate Jobs in Michigan

Development Associate Department & Division : Advancement & Administration Reports To: Director of ... John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a ...

This position can be based in Muskegon, Grand Rapids or Zeeland The Development Associate supports ... At least two years' experience or education in nonprofit administration, fund development, public ...

Development Associate

Wyoming, MI · On-site

$18.48 - $19.22/hr

... Development Associate supports the creation, implementation and follow up of MOKA Foundation ... At least two years' experience or education in nonprofit administration, fund development, public ...

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Nonprofit Development Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$46.6K

$70.6K

How much do nonprofit development associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for nonprofit development associate in Michigan is $46,559.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,000.00 and $52,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Nonprofit Development Associate vs Nonprofit Fundraising Coordinator?

AspectNonprofit Development AssociateNonprofit Fundraising Coordinator
Primary FocusSupporting development activities, donor research, and grant trackingPlanning and executing fundraising events and campaigns
Required SkillsCommunication, research, database managementEvent planning, donor engagement, communication
Work EnvironmentOffice-based, collaborative with development teamOffice and event sites, active engagement with donors
Common CertificationsNone required, but fundraising or nonprofit certifications helpful

The Nonprofit Development Associate typically supports fundraising efforts through research, donor database management, and grant tracking, while the Nonprofit Fundraising Coordinator focuses on planning and executing fundraising events and campaigns. Both roles require strong communication skills and familiarity with nonprofit operations, but their day-to-day activities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Nonprofit Development Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Nonprofit Development Associate, you need strong fundraising, grant writing, and donor relations skills, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Familiarity with donor management software (such as Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge) and basic data analysis is commonly required. Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills help you connect with supporters and manage multiple projects effectively. These competencies are vital to securing funding, maintaining donor engagement, and ensuring the sustainability of nonprofit programs.

What does a nonprofit development associate do?

A nonprofit development associate supports fundraising efforts by researching potential donors, preparing grant proposals, and managing donor databases. They often assist with event planning, donor communication, and tracking fundraising progress, requiring strong organizational and communication skills. The role typically involves working with fundraising software and may require knowledge of nonprofit funding sources.

How to get a nonprofit job with no experience?

To get a nonprofit development associate position with no experience, focus on gaining relevant skills such as communication, fundraising, or grant writing through volunteering, internships, or online courses. Highlight transferable skills from other roles and demonstrate a strong interest in the organization's mission in your application and interviews.

What is a non-profit associate?

A nonprofit development associate is a staff member responsible for supporting fundraising efforts, donor relations, and grant applications for a nonprofit organization. They often assist with event planning, data management, and communication strategies to help the organization meet its financial goals.

What is the highest paying job in a non-profit?

In the non-profit sector, executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Executive Director tend to be the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries depending on the organization's size and budget. These roles require strong leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising skills, and they typically have the highest compensation packages within non-profit organizations.

What are some common challenges Nonprofit Development Associates face when managing donor relationships?

Nonprofit Development Associates often encounter challenges in balancing personalized communication with a large portfolio of donors. Maintaining meaningful engagement while meeting fundraising goals requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Additionally, Associates may need to adapt to shifting fundraising strategies and collaborate closely with program and communications teams to ensure consistent messaging. Proactively addressing donor questions and concerns is key to building lasting relationships and supporting the organization’s mission.
What are the most commonly searched types of Nonprofit Development jobs in Michigan? The most popular types of Nonprofit Development jobs in Michigan are:
What cities in Michigan are hiring for Nonprofit Development Associate jobs? Cities in Michigan with the most Nonprofit Development Associate job openings:

Development Associate

D.A. Blodgett

Grand Rapids, MI • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Title: Development Associate

Department & Division: Advancement & Administration

Reports To: Director of Corporate Relations and Events

Beginning Pay Range: $55,295- $58,367

Classification: Full Time, Salaried, Exempt

D.A. Blodgett- St. John's

D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening children and families through a comprehensive continuum of care, including, but not limited to; counseling, family preservation, foster care, adoption, and residential treatment. Guided by the belief that children thrive best with their families whenever safety can be ensured, the organization delivers compassionate, evidence-based services designed to promote healing, stability, and long-term success. Primarily serving children, youth, and families in the greater Grand Rapids area, with select programs reaching communities across Michigan, D.A. Blodgett - St. John's is committed to creating brighter futures through prevention, intervention, and lifelong support. Rooted in dignity, equity, and belonging, the organization is dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment where all children, all families, and all individuals are valued, supported, and empowered.

Mission Statement: To help children and empower families by providing safety, advocacy, and support.


Vision: A safe, nurturing home for every child, a supportive community for every family.


Values:

  • Exceptional Service: Client-focused and teaming at the center of our work.
  • Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion: All are welcomed, valued, and belong.
  • Excellence: Ongoing commitment to learning and improvement.
  • Integrity: Responsibility and ownership of our actions and results.
  • Creativity: Imagination, innovation, and intelligent risk taking.
  • Passion: Relentless positive energy toward our mission and vision.

Culture Commitments:

  • Nonviolence: Maintaining safety for all members of the community.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Managing emotions so we don't hurt ourselves or others.
  • Social Learning: Together we accomplish more, we care for one another.
  • Democracy: Everyone has a voice, not necessarily a vote.
  • Open Communication: Respecting and sharing ideas of our team.
  • Social Responsibility: Say what you mean, don't be mean when you say it.
  • Growth & Change: Creating hope for ourselves and the people we serve.

Position Summary:

The Development Associate plays a vital role in advancing the mission of D.A. Blodgett - St. John's by providing exceptional administrative, operational, and donor stewardship support to the Advancement team. This position manages the day-to-day fundraising operations that ensure a positive donor experience, accurate gift processing, and effective execution of fundraising initiatives.


Working closely with the Development Director, the Development Associate supports annual fundraising activities, grant development, donor communications, prospect research, and reporting. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented, relationship-focused, and committed to helping children and families thrive.


Essential Responsibilities:

Donor Relations & Stewardship

  • Serve as a primary point of contact for donor inquiries, ensuring timely, professional, and donor-centered communication.
  • Process charitable contributions and ensure gifts are accurately entered into the donor database.
  • Generate timely, accurate gift acknowledgements and tax receipts.
  • Assist in developing and implementing donor stewardship activities that strengthen donor engagement and retention.
  • Maintain confidentiality of donor information and organizational records.

Fundraising Operations

  • Manage the daily administrative functions of the Development Department.
  • Maintain accurate donor records and ensure the integrity of the constituent database.
  • Prepare donor lists, mailing lists, reports, and fundraising metrics.
  • Coordinate pledge reminders, recurring gifts, and gift documentation.
  • Assist with donor segmentation and data management to support fundraising strategies.
  • Support execution of annual giving campaigns, appeals, online fundraising, and donor communications.

Grants & Foundation Support

  • Research prospective foundation, corporate, and government funding opportunities.
  • Assist with drafting grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and supporting materials.
  • Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and submission schedules.
  • Maintain grant files and documentation.
  • Assist with grant reporting by gathering program data, outcomes, budgets, and supporting documentation.

Prospect Research

  • Conduct research to identify prospective individual, corporate, and foundation donors.
  • Prepare prospect profiles and briefing materials for donor meetings.
  • Monitor community funding trends and philanthropic opportunities.

Events & Community Engagement

  • Provide administrative and operational support to the Director of Corporate Relations & Events in the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events, donor engagement activities, and community outreach initiatives, as assigned.
  • Perform event-related responsibilities at the direction of the Director of Corporate Relations & Events, which may include event registration, sponsorship tracking, guest list management, volunteer coordination, logistics, and on-site event support.
  • Assist with the preparation of event communications, printed materials, sponsor recognition, donor stewardship, and post-event follow-up as requested.
  • Support community engagement activities and partnership initiatives that strengthen relationships with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community stakeholders, under the guidance of the Director of Corporate Relations & Events.

Administrative & Department Support

  • Maintain the department fundraising calendar and project timelines.
  • Assist the Development Director with preparing reports, presentations, dashboards, and meeting materials.
  • Prepare agendas and supporting documents for Development Committee and Board meetings.
  • Coordinate department files, contracts, and administrative records.
  • Assist with budget tracking and departmental purchasing as assigned.
  • Provide additional administrative support to advance departmental priorities.

Supervision Received: Specific Direction - Follows established work procedures. Receives periodic checks for performance. Refers unique questions/conditions to immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities: No supervisory responsibilities.


Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

  • Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business administration, marketing, public administration, or a related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Two or more years of experience in fundraising
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines.
  • Demonstrated commitment to confidentiality and ethical handling of donor information.
  • Experience with donor database/CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge NXT or similar).


Preferred:

  • Experience with grant writing or grant administration.
  • Familiarity with fundraising best practices and donor stewardship principles.
  • Experience supporting fundraising events and campaigns.

Core Competencies:

  • Motivation: Ability to inspire and encourage others by recognizing individual strengths, cultural differences, and personal needs; fostering a supportive environment that promotes productivity, selfdirection, and wellbeing.
  • Working under Pressure: Ability to maintain composure and use healthy coping strategies when exposed to stress, while promoting a supportive environment that reduces unnecessary pressure and encourages collective problemsolving.
  • Planning and Organizing: Ability to set priorities and allocate resources equitably, using inclusive planning methods to effectively achieve responsibilities and objectives while accommodating diverse work styles and needs.
  • Customer Service: Ability to serve others by listening actively and empathetically, responding effectively to diverse needs, and ensuring services are accessible, culturally responsive, and traumainformed.
  • Integrity: Ability to adhere to organizational policies and procedures consistently and equitably, acting in a fair, transparent, and just manner while maintaining confidentiality and respecting individual dignity.
  • Communication: Ability to express and receive ideas clearly and respectfully using inclusive, accessible, and culturally aware communication methods; demonstrating active listening and adapting communication for diverse audiences and group sizes.
  • Cultural Responsiveness: Ability to recognize, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of care.


Physical/Environmental Requirements:

  • Mobility and Movement: Ability to regularly work in a variety of settings, including office environments, meeting spaces, community locations, and virtual platforms.
  • Lifting & Physical Handling: Occasional lifting or carrying of items such as general office supplies (typically 10-25 lbs), and occasional supplies for advancement events.
  • Technology & Documentation: Ability to use computers, phones, and other standard office technology for extended periods to review data, prepare reports, participate in virtual meetings, and complete administrative tasks.
  • Communication: Ability to engage in clear, respectful communication in diverse environments, including in-person meetings, virtual settings, and community discussions.
  • Emotional and Psychological Resilience: Frequent exposure to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations involving children and families; ability to maintain professionalism and emotional regulation.
  • Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in environments with varying levels of noise, activity, or interruptions, and to adapt to changing priorities or urgent situa