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Development Associate – MAC

Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a nonprofit legal advocacy organization dedicated to removing barriers to educational and life opportunities for children and youth. Based in Boston, and serving the state of Massachusetts, we employ a racial equity lens and use law, policy, and organizing to change the education system as a whole, while also helping individual families and children overcome barriers to education. We focus our advocacy on historically excluded students — children with disabilities, youth of color, immigrants, and English learners — so that they thrive in school and beyond.  MAC was launched in 1969 in response to the widespread exclusion of disabled children and children of color from school and has been at the forefront of education advocacy ever since.

This video gives a window into who we are and what we’re about: Who We Are

Since 2016, MAC has been engaged in an organization-wide Racial Equity Initiative designed to make us better equipped to identify, name and respond to the effects of structural and other forms of racism within our organization and educational systems. This has required an ongoing and deep transformation in the organization’s external programs and internal policies and practices, as well as in the composition of its board and staff leadership.

How we envision the position:

MAC seeks a motivated, passionate, detail-oriented, and computer savvy person to join us in supporting our growth and impact as a Development Associate. The Development Associate will contribute to both fundraising and communications work at MAC. We welcome candidates who are eager to learn and support MAC during a dynamic and exciting period of growth. The Development Associate will work directly with the Director of Development and Communications and the Executive Director.

The Development Associate will provide creative, systematic and administrative support to all areas of MAC’s fundraising and communications work. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and enjoy working collaboratively as well as independently. Writing skills to support grant-related work are a plus! This position offers opportunities to grow with experience and as proficiency is demonstrated.

What you would be working on:

1. Development and Fundraising:

  • Collaborate with the Director of Development and Communications and Executive Director to execute fundraising strategies and initiatives.

  • Research and identify potential funding sources, including individual donors, foundations, corporations, and government grants.

  • Assist in grant submissions and reports, donor appeals, and sponsorship materials to secure financial support.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and grant databases and records (e.g., documenting relationships and timelines) and sending timely acknowledgements for gifts.

2. Communications and Marketing:

  • Develop compelling ways to tell MAC’s story to a variety of audiences and in a variety of formats.

  • Help maintain MAC’s website, social media channels, and other digital platforms with engaging and relevant content.

  • Support the development of marketing materials (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and promotional materials).

3. Event Support:

  • Support the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events and campaigns.

  • Assist with logistics for events, including venue coordination, invitations, and guest communications.

4. Administrative Support:

  • Provide general development and communications-related administrative support.

Qualifications:

We appreciate and value that a wide variety of life and work experiences could prepare someone for this role. We also recognize that people from historically marginalized communities may not apply for positions if they do not have every qualification. We encourage anyone who believes they would be a good fit to apply!

  • Commitment to social justice and belief in MAC’s mission.

  • Previous experience in fundraising, development, or communications in a nonprofit or analogous setting is preferred but not required.

  • Great communication skills. Ability to explain the organization’s mission and impact effectively.

  • Detail-oriented and well-organized. Able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines independently.

  • Strong computer skills: experience using Microsoft Office Suite; at ease with learning or already experienced with other platforms such as Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Little Green Light.

  • Experience with social media platforms and familiarity with digital marketing strategies.

  • Ability to work collaboratively within a culturally and racially diverse team.

  • Design experience preferred but not required.

Salary and benefits

This is a full-time exempt position and salary is $60,000-$65,000 dependent on experience. MAC offers a flexible, family-friendly culture and generous benefits including health insurance and paid time off. This is a full-time position in our hybrid office (staff currently work in the office two days per week).

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Elsa Liu, Office Manager, at eliu@massadvocates.org. Please indicate “Development Associate Application – [Your Name]” in the subject line. While applications are considered on a rolling basis, we aim to fill this position quickly so encourage applicants to submit materials by the end of October.

Massachusetts Advocates for Children strives to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment. We celebrate diversity and work to dismantle dominant cultural systems of workplace requirements and restrictive hiring practices. Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Middle Eastern and North African, Bilingual and/or Bicultural candidates, and LGBTQ2SIA+ candidates and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, or sexual orientation, in accordance with federal and state law.

Note: The job description provided is a general outline and may be modified in communication with the Development Associate as needed to reflect the specific needs of Massachusetts Advocates for Children.