Job Description
Job DescriptionDescription:
MISSION: Ellis Early Learning partners with families to provide high-quality early childhood education in a warm, nurturing environment. A recognized leader in our field, we support children across the socio-economic spectrum, treasure diversity in all forms, and celebrate the joy of childhood.
Ellis (formerly known as Ellis Memorial) is a vibrant, Boston-based nonprofit with a rich history founded in 1885. Our goal is to help all children develop the social, emotional, and academic skills they need to be successful in school and life, regardless of their background. Ellis has earned numerous accolades and is ranked in the top 6% of all early childhood programs by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Ellis is a local and national model for inclusive, equitable quality early education and stands out for being among the most socio-economically, racially, and culturally diverse organizations serving the children of Boston.
Our many innovative partnerships include the New England Conservatory, which provides weekly onsite music instruction to all children, Boston Public Schools which funds four high-performing Boston Pre-Kindergarten (formerly known as UPK) classrooms, JumpStart, Raising a Reader, an urban gardening program and others. Ellis serves over 300 children annually at its flagship campus in the South End and a center in Jamaica Plain.
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Development Assistant plays a key role at Ellis Early Learning during a time of exciting growth and innovation. This is an entry-level opportunity for a mission-driven professional to support a dynamic and expanding development program that fuels our impact on children, families, and the broader community.
The ideal candidate is inspired by Ellis’s mission and energized by the chance to help strengthen relationships with donors, volunteers, and families. As a member of a collaborative and growing team—currently three full-time staff (soon expanding to five) and a full-time student intern—the Development Assistant contributes to all aspects of fundraising and community engagement.
This position reports directly to Patricia “Patti” Keenan, Vice President for Advancement, Community and Equity, a seasoned development leader with deep experience in Boston’s philanthropic landscape. The development department at Ellis is highly collaborative, values creativity and shared ownership, and offers all team members opportunities to contribute ideas, grow their skills, and participate in professional development.
Team members also work closely with Ellis’s CEO, providing additional visibility into organizational priorities and leadership.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Draft and produce donor communications and acknowledgments.
- Salesforce gift entry and the updating of donor records
- Assisting with fundraising operations including gift processing, registration etc.
- Scheduling and providing orientation for community volunteers
- Support planning and execution of key events, including Ellis’s annual fall benefit (raising over $700,000) and smaller community events such as the Spring Social.
- Coordinate outreach and engagement efforts with Ellis families, including organizing events like “Grands Day” and the Ellis Family Campaign.
- Updating the year-round Development Department calendar
- Development prospect research, as assigned
- Other duties, as assigned
Requirements:
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
- Exhibits outstanding organizational skills and the ability to work independently with minimal direction and support
- Team player with a positive attitude
- Willing to be flexible and adaptive in dynamic environments
- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal) and comfort speaking with groups
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Salesforce or similar donor records system
- Ability to appropriately handle highly confidential information
QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree required.
- 1-3 years of events, development operations, and general fundraising experience preferred.
- Demonstrates an understanding of and commitment to the Ellis mission.
- Willingness to work outside of standard business hours, including occasional weekends and evenings, as needed.
- Creative, self-motivated, detail-orientated, and donor-centered.
- Warm personality who can develop positive relationships with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
BENEFITS
Full time (40-hour week) exempt position with a generous benefits package including vacation, sick time, health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, flex spending account and 401K. Please submit résumé and cover letter to HR@ellisearlylearning.org to apply. Salary range: $48k - $52k.