Development Associate

Development Associate – French American School of Puget Sound

JOB STATUS: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT: Development Office

SALARY RANGE: $55,000 to $75,000

REPORTS TO: Director of Development - Heidi Paige

WORK LOCATION: In-Person – Mercer Island

START DATE: Fall 2025

Summary:

The French American School of Puget Sound seeks a highly skilled and proactive Development Associate to support and advance the mission of our Development Office. This pivotal role combines technical expertise in Raiser's Edge database management with leadership support in campaign support, events, meetings, volunteer engagement, and donor stewardship.

The ideal candidate is detail-driven, tech-savvy, and passionate about development operations. This role provides a unique opportunity to blend data management, auction/event planning, donor research, and volunteer coordination, all in support of a dynamic and engaged school community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Database Management (Raiser's Edge)

• Serve as the lead administrator for Raiser's Edge NXT, ensuring the accuracy, organization, and integrity of all donor and constituent records.
• Maintain gift entry and generate detailed reports, constituent lists, and tax acknowledgment letters.
• Produce custom development reports and data exports for use by the Development Team, Head of School, Board of Trustees, Engagement & Philanthropy Committee, Alumni Committee, and Campaign Cabinet.
• Conduct regular data audits to ensure consistency and accuracy across platforms.

Auction & Gala Management

• Lead database administrative of the school's annual Auction & Gala.
• Oversee auction item entry and platform management (Greater Giving) including donor item tracking, online bidding, live auction logistics, and post-event reconciliation.
• Recruit and manage "night-of" volunteers and serve as the primary point of contact for Greater Giving vendors and some event partners.
• Play a central role in guest experience, donor engagement, and maximizing fundraising outcomes through compelling event strategy.

Donor Relations & Stewardship

• Prepare and manage timely, customized acknowledgment letters and stewardship communications.
• Support the implementation of donor recognition plans and contribute to strategies that deepen donor engagement and retention.
• Collaborate with the Development team to ensure consistent, personalized, and mission-aligned communications.

Campaign & Prospect Support

• Conduct and oversee donor research and create tailored donor profiles to support cultivation and solicitation strategies.
• Maintain and track progress in the school's campaign database and reporting tools.
• Prepare campaign materials and reports for donor meetings, campaign committees, and leadership volunteers.

Finance & Reconciliation

• Partner with the Business Office to reconcile all donations, event proceeds, and campaign gifts monthly.
• Assist with the preparation of detailed development reports and financial documentation for audits, board meetings, and annual reviews.

Volunteer Engagement & Management

• Recruit, train, and lead a vibrant team of parent and community volunteers for events and development-related initiatives.

Qualifications

• Advanced proficiency in Raiser's Edge strongly preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in fundraising operations, nonprofit development, advancement services, or event management.
• Greater Giving experience or something similar.
• Advanced Excel experience.
• Proofreading skills preferred.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a strong sense of discretion, accuracy, and confidentiality.
• Proven ability to manage multiple high-level projects with professionalism and efficiency.
• Outstanding interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to build relationships across constituencies, including donors, trustees, volunteers, and staff.
• Availability to work occasional evenings and weekends for school events.

Physical Demands / Work Environment:

The majority of this work is performed in an office environment, primarily while sitting at a desk and working on a computer. However, this role will also include a few on-site "duties", including standing for extended periods (thirty to forty-five minutes) and assisting with setting up, moving, or transporting items weighing up to 40 pounds, for various development events.

Some days may require moving around multiple locations for different meetings, assisting with school duties, and participating in event preparation and execution.

Benefits & Compensation:

FASPS provides a rich benefits package to employees working 20+ hours per week, including health, dental, and vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, and a 403b retirement plan.

Application:

To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for this position to Heidi Paige, Director of Development. Applications that do not include these items may not be considered for the position. No phone calls please.

Nondiscrimination Policy: French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) does not discriminate on any basis that is protected under federal, state or municipal law. This non-discrimination policy applies to all areas of student concerns (such as admissions, athletics, educational policies, financial aid, and/or other school-administered programs) as well as to all areas of employment (such as hiring, compensation, evaluations, discipline, promotion, and termination). FASPS is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

Applicant Data Privacy Policy: French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS) is committed to protecting the privacy and integrity of your personal information. The school does not market, trade, or otherwise share applicants' personal information with any organization or reporting service unless noted below. The school will limit its use of contact information of applicants for these purposes only: Review of credentials provided by the applicant, communication with applicants, internal communication with hiring personnel, screening checks for applicants who are offered a position and accepted by the applicant, and internal recordkeeping. By giving us your information, you agree to this privacy policy and giving us permission to use your information for the stated purposes.

About the French American School of Puget Sound (FASPS): FASPS is an independent day school located on Mercer Island, serving students 18 months of age through grade 8 with a bilingual program taught in both French and English. Founded in 1995 by a small group of educators and Francophiles, FASPS opened with two teachers and 13 students. Today, FASPS welcomes 475 students on two campuses. Our families come from around the world and represent more than 60 different nationalities and speak more than 20 different languages at home. FASPS is fully accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). Thank you for your interest in FASPS

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $55, $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person