Development Assistant

The American Enterprise Institute (AEI) seeks a hardworking, creative, detail-oriented, and highly organized individual to work in-person with a talented team of fundraising professionals to cultivate donor relationships, share scholars’ work with supporters, and manage crucial database projects to strengthen AEI’s strategic outreach. This role offers a great opportunity for anyone interested in expanding on or developing a passion for nonprofit fundraising in conjunction with public policy. The ideal candidate must be able to collaborate in a team environment, possess strong writing skills, and be able to work under pressure in a fast-paced work environment.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, cover letter demonstrating their interest in AEI’s mission, academic transcript, and 500-word writing sample on any topic.

Responsibilities

• Support AEI’s fundraising team in its effort to create, cultivate, and sustain relationships with donors and prospects to generate major gifts for AEI.
• Manage and execute crucial projects for donor strategic outreach, such as mass email communications and large mailings that promote AEI’s scholarly research to the AEI donor community.
• Prepare strategy memos and conduct research on donors and prospects.
• Assist with logistics for donor meetings and events.
• Update, manage, and utilize AEI’s donor database.

Physical requirements and working conditions at AEI:

• The employee is regularly expected to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard. This job requires close vision abilities due to computer work.
• The employee must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• The employee must be able to work in a confined area.
• Moderate noise (e.g., from computers, phone, printers, and light traffic) is expected.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities associated with this position.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Previous internships or work experience in fundraising or at a nonprofit a plus, but not required
• Interest in public policy and AEI’s mission
• Ability to work closely in a team setting while independently managing multiple assignments
• Exceptionally strong oral and written communication skills
• Ability to meet tight deadlines, multitask, and prioritize
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with Salesforce or Marketo (modern CRMs) a plus
• Experience with design, Adobe, or branding is a plus