Development Assistant

TITLE: Development Assistant

LOCATION:  Brooklyn office -  hybrid 

WORK SCHEDULE:  Part-time, 20-25 hours per week

EMPLOYMENT/JOB TYPE: 4 months temporary, non-exempt employee. October 1, 2024 to January 31, 2025

DEPARTMENT: Development

SUPERVISOR:  Development Operations & Annual Giving Manager

DIRECT REPORTS: N/A

SALARY: USD $23.50 per hour, non-negotiable.

About Rainforest Foundation US

For over 30 years, Rainforest Foundation US (RFUS) has worked to address climate change and safeguard biodiversity by promoting the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities and supporting their efforts to protect and defend their rainforests. Science shows that forests managed by indigenous peoples are healthier, suffer less deforestation, capture more carbon, and contain more biodiversity than forests managed by private or public entities--including nationally protected areas. What’s more, scientists tell us that protecting forests is as important as reducing greenhouse emissions if we hope to stem the tide of ecological collapse.

RFUS works in partnership with indigenous and local communities and their representative organizations to protect tropical rainforests by supporting their efforts to secure rights to their lands, strengthen monitoring and land security, influence laws and policies that protect their resources, and build strong and sustainable community leadership. By investing directly in indigenous and local communities, RFUS connects the people rooted in the land with the tools, training, and resources to be effective advocates and protectors of the forests they call home. RFUS currently operates four country programs in Brazil, Guyana, Panama, and Peru, and hosts a number of regional partnerships in Central America, the Amazon Basin, and across the tropical belt.

About the Position

The Development Assistant will support the fundraising efforts of the development team. Reports to the Development Operations and Annual Giving Manager and works closely with the Development Associate. 

Main responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Maintain a record of donations in our CRM database system (Virtuous), this includes but is not limited to cleaning, importing, and updating our donor database records
• Process and receipt gifts, including checks and other non-cash gifts
• Support with the monitoring of the fundraising department’s main email account
• Support the Development Operations team with seasonal mailings for the end-of-year campaign
• And any other duties needed to help drive to our Vision, fulfill our Mission, and abide by our Organization's Values.
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Requirements

• Experience in fundraising is ideal but not required
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Knowledge of data management software/customer relationship management software preferred
• Excellent computer skills and interest in learning new tools
• Outstanding organization skills and attention to detail
• Good communication skills and the willingness to ask questions
• Available to work from our Brooklyn office at least one day per week, including December 26th or 27th

Compensation 

According to the FLSA, it is a non-exempt, part-time, temporary position. Compensation for this role is $23.50 per hour, and benefits are provided according to NY regulations. 

Workplace Culture & Conditions

At RFUS, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to fulfilling our vision of building a better workplace and a better world. From our hiring practices through the entire employee experience, we embrace and celebrate the unique experiences, perspectives, and cultural backgrounds that each employee brings to the workplace. RFUS strives to foster an environment where our employees feel respected and valued, and our team members are at the forefront of helping us promote and sustain an inclusive workplace for all.

RFUS prides itself on providing a flexible, family-friendly work environment that values work-life balance. Our offices are in a historic downtown Brooklyn neighborhood easily accessible by public transit. 

Commitment to Equal Employment Opportunities

​​Rainforest Foundation US does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws, in any of its activities or operations. We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, partners, and clients. Black, Indigenous, and people of color are highly encouraged to apply.

Application instructions

• Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early and advised to carefully study the job description to ensure they meet the requirements and skills we are looking for.
• Applications will not be considered without the submission of a resume and cover letter.
• Please note that the position will be listed as open until filled. Only candidates who are shortlisted for interviews will be contacted.
• The candidate must possess the legal requirements to work in the United States. RFUS participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.A. Find more information about what E-Verify is and your rights here. Rainforest Foundation US will not sponsor visas for international candidates.