Development Associate

Boston Outdoor Preschool Network seeks a Development Associate who will be primarily responsible for the administrative process involved with managing individual donors and event coordination to include prospect research, database management, accurately recording and processing donor gifts and corresponding acknowledgements, assistance with coordination of development events, and scheduling. About Boston Outdoor Preschool Network, Inc. Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, nature-based early childhood education across Greater Boston. We partner with public parks, historic sites, and cultural institutions to offer immersive, outdoor preschool programs that support the development of the whole child—socially, emotionally, physically, and cognitively. What sets BOPN apart is our belief that nature is not just a backdrop for learning, but a powerful teacher. Our classrooms are forests, fields, and parklands, where children build curiosity, resilience, empathy, and a lasting connection to the natural world through play-based, child-centered experiences. We are deeply committed to expanding access to outdoor education and fostering inclusive learning environments for children and families from diverse communities. As an organization, we value collaboration, reflective practice, and continuous learning. We strive to support our educators and staff with meaningful professional development, strong community partnerships, and a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and early childhood education. Description About This Opportunity Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, nature-based early childhood education across Greater Boston. BOPN has been awarded a grant to build organizational capacity that will enable multi-year revenue generation and support the expansion of BOPN programming, allowing us to positively impact more schools, neighborhoods, and children throughout Boston while advancing a growing movement of future naturalists across the United States and beyond. The recently established BOPN Development Office consists of a Director of Development and a part-time Development Specialist. We are seeking a Development Associate to join our team. This is a grant-funded contract position at approximately 24 hours per week through June 30, 2027. Position Summary Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN) seeks an experienced Development Associate whose role will be critical in maintaining accurate donor records and supporting the organization's overall fundraising efforts. The Development Associate will be primarily responsible for the administrative processes involved in donor management and event coordination, including prospect research, accurate recording and processing of donor gifts, donor acknowledgements, development event support, and scheduling. This role requires strong data and operational discipline, excellent communication skills, and exceptional attention to detail. The Development Associate will report to the Director of Development and collaborate closely with the Development Specialist. This is a primarily remote position with occasional in-person meetings and events. Key Responsibilities This is a newly created temporary role at Boston Outdoor Preschool Network. The responsibilities and percentage allocations outlined below reflect current organizational priorities and may evolve over time as fundraising systems are established and departmental needs change. Individual Giving, Annual Giving & Donor Relations (30%) Conduct donor prospect research, including identifying and researching potential individual donors. Support the development of individual giving appeals, donor materials, and fundraising campaigns. Assist with creating and sending personalized donor communications and updates. Generate donor acknowledgements for gifts received and assist with donor impact reporting. Process and manage donor information securely and confidentially. Database Management (30%) Manage BOPN's CRM system, including supporting implementation and system setup. Enter, maintain, and update donor records while ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the database. Record and process gifts in a timely and accurate manner. Manage acknowledgements, pledge tracking, reporting dashboards, and related records. Prepare donor reports and analyze data with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. Foundation & Corporate Proposal Development and Grants Management (20%) Assist with foundation and corporate proposal development in response to open solicitations and invitations. Support grant compliance efforts, including timely reporting and documentation. Maintain and manage the grants calendar. Events (20%) Assist with the planning and execution of fundraising and donor events. Support BOPN program sites with donor-related family and community engagement events. Provide onsite support at fundraising and donor events, including registration and donation processing. This role may perform additional duties as needed to support the Development Department and the organization as a whole. Qualifications Bachelor's degree preferred. 2-3+ years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, advancement, or a related field. Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously. Strong technology skills and the ability to learn and manage new software systems. Experience with donor databases and CRMs (such as Little Green Light, Givebutter, or similar platforms) preferred. Ability to analyze data and generate reports for staff and leadership. Strong research, organizational, and project management skills. Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with professionalism and integrity. Commitment to equity-centered fundraising practices and alignment with BOPN's mission and values. Position Term & Compensation Details This is a grant-funded fixed term position with an anticipated start date of August 3, 2026, and an expected end date of June 30, 2027. The position follows a flexible Monday-Friday schedule. The expected schedule is 25-30 hours per week. Compensation is commensurate with scheduled hours, with a maximum contract amount of $32,748. Contingencies of Employment Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of all required background checks (including those required by EEC regulations), reference checks, verification of credentials and qualifications, and any other pre-employment requirements applicable to the position. At Will Employment Employment with BOPN will be on an "at will" basis, meaning that either you or BOPN may terminate your employment at any time. BOPN also reserves the right to modify or amend the terms of your employment at any time for any reason. Although your job duties, title, compensation, as well as BOPN's personnel policies and procedures may change from time to time, the "at will" nature of your employment may only be changed in an express written agreement signed by you or your representative and BOPN's leadership. Equal Opportunity Employer BOPN is committed to providing equal opportunity to all employees and applicants, regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation or identity, genetic test results, disability, political affiliation, military service, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. THis is the most up to date list: to race, color, ancestry, national origin (including hairstyles related to those groups), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgendered status, religion or religious creed, age, pregnancy or related conditions, handicap (disability), mental illness, genetics, military or veteran status or any other protected class under Federal, State, or local law. Massachusetts Lie Detector Notice 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. Salary $27 - $29 per hour