Development Assistant

This is an entry-level position as part of The Lark’s fundraising team, which focuses on identifying and raising sustainable, flexible funding in order to free playwrights to write in a safe environment away from commercial pressures. The assistant will play an active role in carrying out the day-to-day operations of fundraising for The Lark. This position provides the opportunity to explore how the fundraising, theater, and social justice fields intersect. It could be a great position for someone who enjoys organization, team work, and research. The job schedule should be consistent and will take place mostly during Lark’s business hours Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and include some evenings for events.

Team Members: Director of Development, Grants Manager, & Development Apprentice

Reports to: Director of Development

WHAT YOU’LL DO
-Manage the donor database (SalesForce); includes entering donation and donor information and pulling income and other data reports
-Prepare acknowledgment letters to donors
-Manage the Development Calendar and Work Plans, adding and updating information about grant proposals and reports, individual donors, events, and other deadlines
-Prepare agendas for weekly Development Department meetings
-Manage the fall and spring fundraising appeals with support from the Communications Manager and Development Apprentice
-Perform research on individual and institutional donors and maintain the research tracking system and tools
-Collaborate with the Grants Manager to assemble materials for grant proposal
-Help draft correspondence for individual donors, as assigned by the Director of Development
-Take responsibility for the organization and maintenance of physical and digital files
-Help assemble and prepare relevant files for the annual audit
-Support fundraising events (invitations, food ordering, reservations, invoices, etc.)
-Attend one on one meetings with the Director of Development as well as fundraising department meetings
-Work with and support Development team in organizing and implementing fundraising strategies
-Be a part of The Lark team by participating in staff meetings, staff retreats, and celebrations, and serving the mission and values of The Lark through these responsibilities.

Requirements

WHAT YOU SHOULD ALREADY KNOW
-That you share the values of equity, access and inclusion. The Lark asks staff to engage in conversation and skills building in the areas of equity and inclusion, to treat everyone in The Lark community with consideration and respect, and to contribute to a healthy environment where all team members can feel welcome, heard, and whole.
-How to prioritize tasks, handle multiple assignments, and work independently. This position will require a combination of completing tasks and proactively managing their own responsibilities. Due to seasonal fundraising goals and grant submission deadlines, reliably meeting deadlines will be important.
-How to efficiently manage administration tasks and tools. This job will entail working in Gmail, Google Calendars, Microsoft Word, and Excel on a regular basis. It will also involve working in the database Patron Manager which we can provide training in. There are many details to manage. Accurate and up-to-date data, correspondence and files will be necessary
-How to write and copy edit. This position will require drafting correspondence and compiling and updating grant language.
-How to work with a team. This position will be working as part of a small staff with shared goals and accountability.
-How to communicate clearly. Clearly and efficiently responding to inquiries, having sensitivity and discretion regarding confidential information, and a comfort engaging with donors and other community members are important to the job.