Development AssociateSylmar, California, United States

Development Associate

Come join the fun and make a difference with Discovery Cube! For over 25 years, we've been inspiring kids and educators alike with our hands-on science education initiatives and interactive exhibits. Our four core initiatives - STEM proficiency, early childhood education, healthy living, and environmental stewardship - are future-forward in promoting life-long-learning. Plus, with our immersive campuses in Orange County and Los Angeles, as well as our educational outreach programs, there are endless opportunities for learning exploration. As a prominent advocate for modern science education, we believe in empowering our learners with real-world applications and spotlighting science as a solution and force for good. Don't miss out on the excitement and join our important mission today!

Position

The Development Associate plays a key role in supporting the fundraising efforts of Discovery Cube Los Angeles. This in-office position assists the Development team with grant applications, donor research, relationship management, and administrative support. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, proactive, and passionate about advancing Discovery Cube's mission by building and maintaining strong relationships with donors, partners, and stakeholders. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives on details and information, knows they want a career in development, and is ready to learn more about fundraising.

Responsibilities

Grant Writing & Research

• Assist with preparing letters of inquiry (LOIs), grant applications, and reports for foundation, corporate, and government funding.
• Conduct research on potential funding opportunities, including foundations, corporations, and individual donors.
• Maintain a grants calendar to track deadlines and submissions.

Donor & Fundraising Support

• Work together with development team to help identify and cultivate new donor prospects by researching philanthropic trends and potential partners.
• Support relationship-building efforts with current donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners through regular communication and outreach.
• Assist with donor stewardship activities, including acknowledgment letters, donor recognition, and event follow-ups.

Events & Campaign Support

• Collaborate with the Development team to support fundraising events and campaigns, such as galas, donor appreciation events, and annual giving drives.
• Provide logistical and administrative support for event planning and execution.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM system
• Generate reports on fundraising progress, donor engagement, and grant outcomes.
• Track and analyze development metrics to identify areas for improvement.

Administrative Duties

• Coordinate internal and external meetings, including preparing agendas and taking minutes.
• Assist with budget tracking and expense management for development activities.
• Provide general administrative support to the Development team as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 24 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development, or a related field. Experience with grant writing or donor relations is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work occasional evening and weekends as may be required for events
• This position is a full-time, in-office position based in Sylmar, CA.
• Skills:
• Exceptional organizational and time management abilities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with donors and stakeholders.
• Strengths in attention to detail, time management and oral and written communication
• Must have a self-starter mentality and must be able to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision.

What's In It For You

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Optional supplemental insurance coverage
• 401K with up to 4% match after one year for full-time employees
• 14 Free general admission tickets per year
• Festival tickets plus admission
• On-site dining and shopping discount
• Employee discounts through ADP
• Accrued paid time off for full-time employees
• 10 paid company holidays

Pay Range for this position is: $85,000 - $95,000 DOE

Compensation

$85,000 - $95,000 USD

Discovery Cube provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.