2023-17: Development Assistant
MDRC is seeking an entry-level Development Assistant to work in the Program Development Department, which supports and strengthens the organization by identifying and securing project, infrastructure, and unrestricted funding and by supporting the development of programs and new project ideas across MDRC’s policy areas and centers.
MDRC is seeking candidates interested in nonprofit development and public policy research. The Development Assistant will have the unique opportunity to work in a dynamic and challenging environment as part of the organization’s program development team, focused on building foundation relationships and on social policy issues that affect individuals and families who have low incomes.
Responsibilities:
The position provides the successful candidate an opportunity to focus on a range of development activities, including:
- Work closely with the Vice President and Director of Program Development, the Deputy Director of Program Development, and the Grants Manager, supporting activities with MDRC project staff and external funders, such as doing background research on foundations, generating and reviewing funder acknowledgement letters, documenting decision points and key takeaways from team meetings, and gathering and organizing funder data, among other tasks.
- Create foundation profiles by researching foundation programs, grants, staffing, news updates, and financials.
- Research and identify prospective funders for new and existing MDRC projects.
- Assist with the management of the grants database and the maintenance of the development files and systems.
- Coordinate and assist with the production of proposals, which may include reviewing and tracking guidelines and deadlines, copyediting, compiling data, and working closely with project staff for online submissions.
- Manage compliance reporting to funders, including tracking requirements and deadlines, working with fiscal and project staff on grant report submissions, and filling out reporting forms and grant portals.
- Support project incubation and launch, such as coordination and background research for new projects.
- Provide additional support for the core operations of the Office of Development.
Qualifications:
- Candidates should have a bachelor’s degree, a demonstrated interest in education and/or social policy issues and nonprofit development, and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with others. This is an entry-level position.
- Desired knowledge and skills include a basic understanding of nonprofit development and fundraising.
- Excellent attention to detail and organization, ability to multitask.
- Demonstrated emotional intelligence.
- Strong interpersonal, writing skills, and computing skills.
- Discretion, good judgment, and the ability to handle confidential information appropriately and with tact are critical.
- Candidates also should be comfortable working in a team-oriented and fast-paced environment.
This position is part of a collective bargaining unit under Social Policy Workers United (SPWU) – Local 57 of the American Federation of State, County, & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).
Timing: Applications should be submitted by Friday, May 19, 2023. Please see “What to expect from MDRC’s recruitment process” for more information.
Location: The position will be based in MDRC’s New York City office.
Compensation and benefits: Salary range is $53,500 – $55,500 and will be commensurate with experience. Comprehensive benefits and relocation assistance offered. Some on-the-job training will be provided.
Instructions: When submitting your application, please include:
- Resume
- Cover letter
- Writing sample
Only candidates selected for further consideration will be contacted. Please note that the health and safety of our employees and candidates is very important to us and that interviews (when scheduled) will be conducted via video conferencing. As a Federally Contracted employer, MDRC is in full compliance with all applicable regulations including, but not limited to, recent changes that require vaccination of employees of federal contractors. All employees are required to be fully vaccinated with one of the available COVID-19 vaccinations, unless they have sought and received an exemption from this policy due to a disability or other medical condition, or because of a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodations are granted in accordance with applicable law and regulations. Applicants must submit proof of vaccination or request and submit an applicable request for accommodation during the offer stage.
MDRC is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. No qualified applicant, employee, intern, volunteer, or apprenticeship trainee will be discriminated against on the basis of his, her, or their race (including traits historically associated with race, including but not limited to hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, national origin (including physical, cultural or linguistic characteristics), marriage to or association with persons of a national origin group, tribal affiliation, membership in or association with an organization identified with or seeking to promote the interests of a national origin group, name that is associated with a national origin group, accent, language use, immigration status, citizenship, possession of a driver’s license issued to persons unable to prove their lawful presence in the United States, and other definitions under California or other states’ laws, ancestry, creed, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), age, citizenship, veteran and/or military status, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity (including transgender status), gender expression, gender transitioning or perceived gender transitioning, marital status or civil partnership/union status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, protected medical leaves (requesting or being approved for leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act) or similar state family medical leave laws, domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state or local law. Legal work authorization is required. To request a reasonable accommodation during any stage of MDRC’s employment process due to a disability, please contact HRQuestions@mdrc.org.
MDRC’s dedication to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion exceed compliance requirements. We believe that recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce of all backgrounds and perspectives improves the quality and relevance of our research, as well as the daily experiences of our staff. By fostering an equitable culture of inclusivity and belonging, we seek an environment in which staff feel welcomed, valued, and engaged in their work.