Research And Development Associate Jobs in Somerville, MA

At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative community, comprising of faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by our shared commitment to educational excellence. Join us in this transformative journey!

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When submitting your application, please adhere to the following requirements:

• Carefully review all job details prior to applying.

• Enter your legal name exactly as it appears on your government-issued identification.

• Upload a comprehensive resume/CV and cover letter in either PDF (.pdf) or Word (.doc) format.

Current Wellesley College employees must submit applications through the internal Workday portal by searching "browse jobs."

Job Posting Title

Job Description Summary

Job Description

The Development Associate provides specialized coordination and content support to maximize the engagement velocity of the Vice President's principal gift portfolio. Reporting to the Vice President for Development and working in close coordination with the Vice President's Executive Assistant, the Associate supports the VP's highest-level fundraising priorities and campaign objectives. By managing the 'pre- and post-engagement' workflow-including the synthesis of strategic donor pipeline information, the drafting of donor-facing correspondence, and providing assistance with travel and expense logistics-the Associate enables the VP to maintain a consistent and sophisticated cadence of donor outreach. The Associate ensures the accuracy of documentation and manages the administrative progress of the solicitation cycle, including the timely recording of activity reports and opportunity updates. Additionally, the role provides focused administrative support to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Development and Campaign Director to maintain core departmental operations.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Portfolio Movement & Relationship Readiness: Provides dedicated project and task coordination to manage the Vice President's complex donor workflow. Proactively monitors the donor "top list" to identify required outreach and ensure the VP is prompted for upcoming engagement milestones. Facilitates the movement of prospects through the solicitation cycle by ensuring no strategic opportunity is overlooked and that all "next steps" are clearly identified and actionable.

• Executive Drafting & Briefing Support: Serves as a drafter for the VP's high-level donor-facing communications, including introductory outreach and strategic follow-up. Synthesizes relevant background information and prospect data into concise "one-pagers" and briefings to ensure the VP and President are fully prepared with current talking points and institutional context for every donor interaction.

• CRM Documentation & Strategy Records: Maintains the integrity of the VP's and AVP's portfolio data within the CRM (Affinaquest). Responsible for the prompt entry of contact reports and the recording of strategy session notes to ensure that the history of the College's most sensitive donor relationships is accurate, comprehensive, and up-to-date. Provides essential assistance with the processing of travel and expense reimbursements for the Vice President's portfolio activities.

• AVP Administrative Support: Provides basic administrative and logistical support to the Assistant Vice President and Campaign Director. Manages the AVP's calendar and coordinates meetings.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• One to three years of professional experience in an office, research, or institutional environment is preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive information with the highest level of confidentiality and professional discretion.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer's sponsorship now or in the future.

Skills and Abilities

• Synthesis & Narrative Writing: Ability to take a large volume of information and distill it into clear, "ready-to-use" briefing materials or first drafts.

• Proactive Coordination: A high degree of initiative; the ability to manage complex project tasks and identifywhat the VP will need before it becomes urgent.

• CRM Literacy: Proficiency in data entry and information retrieval within a donor database (Affinaquest/Salesforce) to ensure record integrity.

• Professional Diplomacy: Ability to work collaboratively within a high-functioning executive office, respecting established roles while providing critical support.

Flexibility & Schedule: We value a collaborative hybrid environment. Our standard schedule includes three days on campus to connect with the team, with two days of remote work. May be asked to be in-office additional days based on the Vice President's needs and schedule.

Salary:

The pay range for this role is $59,000 - $67,000

Company Description

Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation: Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.

• Exceptional Benefits Package:Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.

• Commuting and Transportation:Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.

• Paid Time Off: Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.

• Retirement Savings: Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees

• Work/Life and Wellness:A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process),caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

• Professional Development:Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.

• Tuition and Education Benefits: Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.

• Campus Privileges: Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

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EEO Statement

At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members of the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination against qualified individuals in hiring and advancement based on any legally protected status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to the College community are encouraged to apply.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.