Reports to: Director of Development
Location: Hybrid (Boston, MA) — In-office presence required 3 days a week

About CRWA

Charles River Watershed Association (CRWA) is an internationally recognized nonprofit working at the intersection of climate resilience, environmental justice, and clean water advocacy. Based in Boston, MA, CRWA's mission is to protect, restore, and enhance the health of the Charles River and its watershed through science, advocacy, and the law.

Position Overview

CRWA is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Development Operations Associate to support key functions in donor database management, operations, and event logistics. 

Key Responsibilities

Advancement Services & Database Management

• Ensure accurate and timely gift processing, donor record updates, relationship tracking, and data coding to maintain database integrity

• Ensure timely acknowledgment of gifts and pledges

• Manage all aspects of direct mail campaigns and event invitations

• Distribute monthly gift reports and quarterly pledge reminders

• Maintain a catalog of reports and fulfill internal/external data requests as needed

• Monitor and implement database enhancements and updates (DonorPerfect experience preferred)

• Develop and maintain best practices for donor records, prospect management, and legacy giving

• Provide guidance and training to staff on database functionality and ensure consistent usage

Development Operations

• Research donors and prospects to expand the mid and major-level donor pipeline

• Coordinate meeting logistics for the Executive Director and Director of Development, including scheduling and preparation

• Assist in preparing materials for meetings with internal teams, donors, and partners

• Provide administrative support for grant applications and reporting

Events and Communications Support

• Manage donor acknowledgement process, including custom impact-reporting for mid and major-level donors

• Coordinate logistics for CRWA’s development events, tours, and meetings (including board and committee)

• Manage event details such as invitation lists, RSVPs, vendor relations, and follow-ups

• Support the planning and execution of donor tours and networking events

• Assist Senior Development Manager with corporate sponsorship applications and corporate relations 

• Work with Development Associate to plan and execute fundraising campaigns and appeals, including managing timelines, vendors, and production

Team and Organizational Support

• Stay informed about emerging best practices in fundraising and advancement services

• Support general development tasks and projects as needed

• Contribute to CRWA’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice through all aspects of the work

Qualifications

At CRWA, we recognize that someone may excel in this role even if they don’t have every attribute listed below. We also recognize that the skills needed in this position may be gained from a variety of personal, educational, employment, and volunteer experiences. We take all of this into account when reviewing applications and if you think you’d be a great fit for this role, we encourage you to apply!

• At least three years of experience in development services, database management, or administrative roles (nonprofit experience preferred)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through

• Effective time management and ability to prioritize in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated ability to achieve annual revenue targets in non-profit sector or comparable sales role

• Excellent proofreading and communication skills (written and verbal)

• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Calendar); experience with DonorPerfect or similar CRM/database systems preferred

• Ability to work independently and take initiative

• Commitment to CRWA’s mission

• Able to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed 

CRWA strives to attract and retain staff from a wide range of backgrounds, expertise, and perspectives and to foster a culture of belonging in which all feel valued and respected. If you need accommodation(s) to make the interview process more accessible, please let us know by emailing hiring@crwa.org. 

CRWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, pregnancy (which includes pregnancy, childbirth, medical conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and breastfeeding), genetic information, or other bases protected by law. 

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. CRWA is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

Financial Overview

• Development team FY24 Contributions raised: $1.4m

• Development team FY25 Goal: $1.7m

• FY25 total organization budget: $3.7m

• Anticipated FY26 organization budget: $4.1m

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time position based in Boston. The starting salary for this position is $65,000 annually. CRWA-sponsored benefits include generous paid time off, employer contributions to health insurance premiums and retirement plan, paid family and medical leave, Employee Assistance Program, transit stipend, and professional development opportunities. CRWA’s office operates on a hybrid remote/in-person schedule (3 days per week in the Boston office); we are unable to consider fully remote candidates for this role.