Development Assistant

ABOUT ASSOCIATED HUMANE SOCIETIES

For over a century, the Associated Humane Societies (AHS) has provided a safe haven for abused and neglected animals. Founded in 1906, AHS is the largest animal sheltering system in New Jersey. We operate four shelters across the state: Newark, Tinton Falls, Forked River, and Vineland. Our Forked River facility also houses Popcorn Park, a sanctuary for abandoned, injured, ill, exploited, abused, or elderly-exotic animals, birds, farm animals, and wildlife. At AHS, we strive to create an environment where both our team members and the animals in our care feel safe, valued, and empowered. The work is challenging, rewarding, and mission-driven, and we provide opportunities for professional growth within a supportive, collaborative culture.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development Assistant plays a critical role in supporting AHS's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This position combines administrative, operational, and donor-focused responsibilities, ensuring timely and accurate gift processing, exemplary customer service, and meaningful connections with supporters. Serving as a resource across all four shelters and Popcorn Park, the Development Assistant fosters a "one-organization" approach, helping unify donors in support of all AHS initiatives while making them feel personally connected to local programs and animals. This is a fast-paced, multi-faceted role requiring an organized, proactive, and detail-oriented professional who enjoys building relationships, supporting a mission-driven team, and providing exceptional donor experiences. Key Responsibilities Donor & Supporter Relations Serve as a primary point of contact for donor and supporter inquiries via phone, email, and in-person. Build and maintain positive relationships with donors, supporters, and community partners to encourage continued engagement and financial support. Conduct personalized stewardship outreach, including thank-you calls, follow-ups, and acknowledgment of memorial or tribute gifts. Support donor retention and upgrade initiatives by maintaining consistent, relationship-focused communication. Act as a knowledgeable resource for AHS programs, Popcorn Park, and all shelters to answer donor questions and provide accurate information. Gift Processing & Revenue Support Accurately process and record donations, including checks, online gifts, and recurring contributions, ensuring timely acknowledgement. Maintain detailed and up-to-date donor records in the database, including contact information, donation history, and notes from interactions. Prepare and mail personalized thank-you letters and annual tax statements. Coordinate matching gift submissions and confirmations, employer giving programs, and corporate donation opportunities. Reconcile donations and provide reports to finance and other departments as needed. Administrative & Operational Support Assist with daily development operations, including data entry, mailings, filing, scanning, and database management. Monitor office supplies and materials, ensuring development and donor communications run smoothly. Support fundraising campaigns, events, and outreach initiatives, attending events as needed. Assist in coordinating communications across all shelters to maintain a unified supporter experience. Other duties as assigned to support the development team and organizational goals. Qualifications Strong passion for animal welfare and belief in the mission of AHS and Popcorn Park. 1-3 years of experience in donor relations, development, customer service, or a related nonprofit role. Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to build trust, foster relationships, and provide a high level of customer service. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines. Comfort with confidential information, donor records, and financial data. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook); experience with donor database systems preferred. Team-oriented, collaborative mindset with the ability to work across multiple shelters and departments. Willingness to contribute ideas, take initiative, and help improve donor engagement processes. Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends for events or donor activities. Position Details Full-time; standard hours 9:00am-5:00pm with flexibility for occasional events. Work is performed on-site at our Forked River office, with occasional travel to other AHS locations and/or events. Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k) with matching, and paid time off.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Flexible schedule

Work Location:

In person