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Development Associate
Administration, Customer Service
Silver Spring, MD, USA
USD 55k-63k / year
Posted on Jun 14, 2026
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland
Supervisor: Development Manager
Status: Full-time, Non-exempt
What We Need
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (the Foundation), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, is seeking a highly motivated individual to join our Development Team as a Development Associate. Reporting to the Development Manager, the person in this position will play a key role in the Foundation’s fundraising and development efforts, support a growing Development team. This role focuses on supporting Development operations, donor relations, and assisting in the coordination of development activities.
This work entails providing administrative support to the Development Team, writing and editing, and conducting research to inform a strategic development plan. The responsibilities of the Development Associate will include but will not be limited to Salesforce data entry and maintenance, calendar and schedule management, correspondence management, file management, events organization, prospect research, travel arrangements, expense reports, and general administrative tasks. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, an excellent communicator, and can thrive in a fast-paced environment. Ideally this candidate will have at least one year of experience working with a fundraising team for an NGO or non-profit. Experience with Salesforce (entering data and running reports, among other tasks) or similar is strongly desired but not required.
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to a culture of inclusion, equity, and belonging. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.
What You’ll Do
Development Support & Donor Engagement:
- Serve as first point of contact for donor inquiries, monitor departmental email inboxes and phone line, triage incoming communications.
- Manage systems and software to track/support progress and cultivate donors and prospects, including our donor database (Salesforce) and wealth screening tools.
- Manage gift processing procedures, including coordination with other departments, tracking of revenue, storing records, and regular internal reporting and reconciling.
- Manage the donor acknowledgment process, ensuring that donors receive timely tax letters and stewardship.
- Maintain a donor database, ensuring accurate tracking of contributions, pledges, and donor communications.
- Support the reporting and tracking of Development revenue goals.
- Collaborate with the communications team to develop donor newsletters, impact reports, and other promotional materials.
Prospect Research:
- Support the team with Research and identify potential donors, corporate partners, and grant opportunities aligned with the Foundation's goals, focused on individual donors and prospective Trustees.
- Prepare proposals, presentations, and other materials for fundraising initiatives.
- Provide research and other support for staff who are engaged in the donor cultivation and solicitation process.
Event Coordination:
- Support with Planning and executing fundraising events, and other special events related to donor engagement.
- Assist in managing event logistics, including venue selection, vendor coordination, and event promotion.
- Coordinate travel arrangements for development team and donors as needed.
Administrative Support:
- Provide administrative support to the Development team, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating Development orientations.
- Support creating and managing departmental, event, and campaign budgets.
- Assist with general office duties related to development.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- Regular attendance required.
Who You Are
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in non-profit management, communications, business, or a related field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to work effectively with Board members, donors, and senior staff.
- Keen attention to detail.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and professionalism.
- Ability to travel occasionally.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 1-2 years of experience in development, fundraising, or nonprofit administration.
- Knowledge of and experience using donor management software (e.g. Salesforce).
- Knowledge of the following systems: Microsoft Teams, Concur(for travel planning and expense accounting), and Asana (for implementing projects).
- Demonstrated commitment to marine conservation and the mission of the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation.
Why You Will Love Us
The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation (“Foundation”) is a leading voice for U.S. protected waters, working with communities to conserve and expand those special places for a healthy ocean, coasts, and Great Lakes. The Foundation works in close partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to increase stewardship of our ocean and Great Lakes through on-the-water conservation projects, and education and public outreach activities, and by support for research. Together, we safeguard species and the places they call home, and support coastal communities and economies.
- Dedicated and passionate staff committed to marine and Great Lakes Conservation
- Generous leave policy, plus paid time off the week between December 25 and January 1; and 12 paid holidays
- Health benefits: Medical with an FSA option; dental, and vision
- Foundation paid Life and Disability Insurance
- Preparing for the Future: 403(B) with employer contribution after one year of service
- Commuter Benefits
Compensation and Benefits: $55,000 - $63,000/year based on experience. The Foundation offers a competitive benefits package.
Apply through the Foundation’s online portal. A resume, cover letter, and three professional references are required. Applications must be received by June 26, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST.
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland (HQ office).
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The National Marine Sanctuary Foundation is committed to equal opportunity and a collaborative work environment. We are dedicated to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We honor experiences, perspectives, and unique identities, and welcome the contributions that you can bring to the dedicated team. With a diverse team of employees, we can grow and learn better together and achieve our mission to protect the health of the ocean, coasts and Great Lakes for current and future generations.