Development Assistant

CONTRIBUTION TO MISSION & CONTINUUM OF CARE

The Development Assistant works directly with the Development Director to support Dawn Farm’s fundraising initiatives and ensure the sustainability and growth of the organization. This role contributes to scholarships for indigent clients, operational support for Spera, housing scholarships, and supplies for all programs. The Development Assistant also assists with volunteer coordination, direct mail campaigns, events, and other special projects, helping to foster a culture of service and community engagement.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Assist with donor solicitation, acknowledgements, and relationship management as needed.

• Support the maintenance of the donor management database, including gift processing, updates, and reporting

• Assist in planning and execution of events, including volunteer coordination and on-site support

• Help manage in-kind donation programs

• Support direct mail campaigns and large mailing initiatives

• Collaborate with the Development Director on grants and grant opportunities

• Assist in creation of training materials and support training programs for future development staff

• Provide administrative and operational support to the Development Team through regularly scheduled in-office tasks and as requested

• Participate in all required trainings, staff in-services, and special events
  
  

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS 

• Friendly demeanor and positive attitude

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Detail-oriented, adaptable, and able to successfully manage multiple projects and tasks

• Willingness to work collaboratively and creatively

• Commitment to honesty and integrity in all work
  
  

ALL DAWN FARM EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Integrates Dawn Farm mission and core values into daily functions

• Familiar with recovery principles and the philosophy and practice of 12-step recovery

• Pursues continuing education to improve job knowledge and maintain licensing/certification, as applicable

• Able to interact with a wide variety of people in a cordial, professional manner, both independently and as part of a team

• Able to interact with clients and family members in an empathetic manner while maintaining professional boundaries

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May supervise volunteers in association with special projects, events, or large mailings

CREDENTIALS

• Minimum 2 years experience in an office or administrative environment preferred

• Experience with event management and/or database management preferred

RECOVERY CREDENTIALS

• At least eighteen months of continuous sobriety, if in recovery from addiction. 

• If ever a client in any Dawn Farm program, at least one year since the date of last service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For all Dawn Farm employees

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to speak and listen.

• The employee is frequently required to use hands to write, type, use phone, and to reach with hands and arms.

• The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, and walk.

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and peripheral vision.

• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Approved By:  Anna Byberg

Approved Date:  3/20/2026