ISI seeks a Development Associate to work on Development department operations and donor communications, ensuring that donors to the Institute are personally and promptly thanked for their giving and that all relevant information is tracked in Salesforce.

Founded in 1953, the Intercollegiate Studies Institute (ISI) is a nonprofit organization that educates for liberty, equipping future leaders to embrace and defend the principles that make America free and prosperous.

The ideal candidate shares ISI’s mission and wants to play a crucial role in building out a strategic donor communications program at a growing organization. This is a great opportunity for a recent graduate/junior professional interested in learning more about nonprofit operations, communications, and fundraising.  

Reporting to the Donor Relations Manager, this is a full-time, salaried position with benefits based at ISI’s Kirby Campus headquarters on a historic 20-acre preserve in Wilmington, Delaware’s Brandywine Valley.

Principle Responsibilities

  • Assist with the donor acknowledgment process, ensuring gift acknowledgment letters and receipts are personalized based on previous giving history and printed, signed, and sent in a timely manner
  • Open and process mail, tracking all donations and other transactions in Salesforce
  • Work with the Donor Relations Manager and Chief of Staff and outside consultants on tasks related to direct mail/digital fundraising and the database, such as fulfilling mailing list exchange requests and running basic database reports
  • Support the major gifts team and overall department by conducting donor research, assembling and mailing donor communications, including new donor welcome packets, donor club letters, and direct mail premiums
  • Assist with event registration and data entry
  • Answer the ISI general phone and forward calls as needed when the Office Manager is unavailable
  • Over time, develop expertise with ISI’s database and donor research tools and help train/supervise development intern(s)

Qualifications

At least 1 full year of prior applicable professional experience preferred. Candidates should be amiable, detail-oriented, organized, and eager to work in fundraising and nonprofit operations. Enthusiasm for ISI’s mission to educate for liberty and pass on the principles of Western civilization is a must. Strong written communication skills, time management, and a willingness to regularly engage with donors over the phone are requirements.

Strong Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) skills are a plus, as is familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM software.

To apply

Please use the form below to submit the following application materials as one PDF:

  • Résumé
  • Brief cover letter detailing your interest in the position/the mission of the organization
  • A list of three references

If you have questions, please email [email protected]. No phone calls, please.
Applications will be considered as received. ISI is an equal-opportunity employer.