The Marine Science Institute (MSI) is a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to inspire environmental stewardship through hands-on learning and exploration of San Francisco Bay ecosystems.

 

The Development Associate supports all fund development activities at MSI. This is an entry-level fundraising position, ideal for someone who enjoys gathering and tracking details and is equally comfortable chatting with donors at special events. We are seeking someone who is part nerd/part social butterfly -- with exceptional organizational skills. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in all aspects of nonprofit fundraising in a creative, small-team environment.

 

This is a half-time position – 20 hours per week - with company benefits, adding to the current Fund Development team of 2.0 FTE, reporting to the Advancement Director.

​

Marine Science Institute is located in Redwood City, CA, on the San Francisco Bay. MSI’s site is a “rustic” outdoor education facility that includes both indoor and outdoor settings, live marine animals, and boats.

 

Job type: Part-time

Hours: Mostly weekdays with occasional evenings and Saturdays. This position can be performed remotely one day per week, after a probationary period.

Compensation:

• Wage/salary depending on experience.

• Eligible for medical and dental benefits after 60 days.

• 2 weeks paid time off, plus holidays.

• Match of up to 5% employee’s annual salary contribution to retirement account.

​

Position is open until filled.

​

Position Description

​

Administrative Support for Fund Development (60%)

• Create and update donor and gift records in MSI’s database, eventually becoming the resident expert in Salesforce. Produce thank you letters.

• Manage the monthly e-newsletter.

• Maintain donor/donation information on MSI website and donation software.

• Perform data imports into Salesforce from external databases.

• Create and maintain mailing lists from Salesforce for fundraising activities.

• Proofread, edit and ensure consistent branding on proposals, reports and articles.

• Provide administrative support to Advancement Director and Institutional Funding Manager.

• Maintain development department electronic and paper files.

 

Support Donor Cultivation Activities (20%)

• Provide administrative support to twice-annual direct mail appeal campaigns.

• Provide day-of support for Earth Day and other major MSI events.

• Manage MSI donor and special events (4 sets of ecotours per year), and donor parties (minimum of 2 Saturdays per year), when needed.

• Assist other staff in hosting corporate volunteer groups, when needed.

 

Support Grant Funding Program (20%)

• Develop small grant proposals and letters of intent with support from Development team and program directors.

• Identify and research funding prospects.

• Collaborate with staff to gather information for and write grant reports.

• Other duties as assigned.

 

 

Qualifications

 

Required:

• Knowledge of and commitment to MSI’s mission and culture.

• Excellent writing capabilities. Ability to develop clear and concise communications. Grant writing experience preferred.

• College education. Bachelor’s degree in English, Marketing, Business, Education, or related field preferred.

• Desire to learn all the facets of nonprofit fundraising.

• Proficiency with Salesforce Nonprofit Success Kit.

• High-level of skill in Microsoft Office Suite and other standard office applications.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

• Commitment to discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.

• Ability to perform simple accounting procedures.

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.

• Driver’s license and reliable transportation.

• Sit for extended periods of time; traverse uneven ground surfaces outdoors.

• Occasional lifting up to 30 lbs.

• Occasional evening and weekend work.

 

Preferred:

• 1-2 years of experience in grant writing

• Tech savvy: experience with website and database maintenance and troubleshooting.

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a small, informal, action-oriented team.

• Creativity, flexibility, great sense of humor, and an enthusiastic approach to work.

• Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment, set priorities and meet deadlines.

• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to relate in a highly professional manner to members, donors, prospects, staff, volunteers, and vendors.

• The ideal candidate will be able to perform duties aboard a big boat when needed.

 

 

How to Apply:

Submit cover letter including wage/salary expectations along with resume to melanie@sfbaymsi.org.

No phone calls or drop-in visits please.

Position open until filled.