Breakthrough is part of a national education collaborative that provides a path to college for high-potential, low-income students. The Austin program currently serves more than 250 students in grades 7-12 as well as 70 alumni. The program includes three summers of academically rigorous summer school taught by exceptional high school and college students, followed by school year support and advocacy.

The Development Associate assists with implementing all of Breakthrough’s development programs, including database management, gift acknowledgement, grant writing and reporting, communications and events.  While reporting to the Director of Development and Communications, the Development Associate collaborates with the Development team, along with the Executive Director, program staff members, and volunteers.

Principal duties and responsibilities may include

·         Maintain Raiser's Edge database and development files (electronic and paper)

·         Process donations; generate and send acknowledgment letters in a timely manner

·         With guidance of Development Director, prepare fundraising reports for Board of Directors, Development Committee and staff

·         Assist with correspondence, phones, grant writing and reporting

·         Maintain and manage grants calendar

·         Research new funding prospects

·         Hold regular cash flow reconciliation meetings with Director of Operations and assist with yearly audit

·         Coordinate planning and executing events such as Visitors' Days and annual major gifts fundraising event

·         Develop and/or implement marketing/communications strategies and materials, including but not limited to website, press coverage, newsletters, annual report, and mailings to all constituencies of Breakthrough under the direction of the Development Director

·         Create quarterly e-newsletters with EMMA email marketing software

·         Write and update website content

·         Document development, communications, public relations and marketing efforts for use in expansion and replication

·         Represent Breakthrough to the community by serving as speaker and representative at external fairs, group visits, corporate luncheons, awards ceremonies, cultivation visits, etc.

·         Coordinate site visits from external groups

·         Work with other staff members to improve internal and external communications

qualifications

• Excellent written, verbal, visual and communication skills
• Tech savvy; expertise in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, e-newsletter production programs, website editing and design, databases, and ability to quickly learn and master new programs
• Familiarity with fund-raising software (Raiser’s Edge experience strongly preferred)
• Well-organized, systematic thinker with strong attention to detail
• Event and project coordination experience

·        Ability to communicate effectively with fellow staff members; donors (individual, corporate, foundation and government); community partners; students and families; and volunteers.

• Disciplined, strong work ethic
• B.A., B.S., or equivalent degree
• Spanish bilingual preferred
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization

TO APPLY

Please send a resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and three references to openings@breakthroughaustin.org. Breakthrough is an equal opportunity employer. First generation college graduates and people of color are encouraged to apply.