Development Associate - African Parks Foundation of America

Position Summary:
The Development Associate is responsible for supporting APFA’s development team by conducting prospect research, managing the CRM database (Salesforce), analyzing donor data, event coordination and logistics and ensuring smooth operational processes that enhance donor engagement and moves management. This position is managed by the Director of Development Operations, APFA and works closely with APFA staff and APN colleagues to advance African Parks' mission through strategic donor cultivation, events, and data-informed decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Prospect Research & Moves Management

• Conduct comprehensive research on prospective and current major donors, including individuals, corporations, and foundations, to assess their giving capacity, philanthropic interests, and potential alignment with African Parks’ mission.
• Leverage wealth screening tools, donor giving histories, industry trends, and other prospect information to prioritize high-potential donors based on their capacity and propensity to give.
• Generate qualified leads for frontline fundraisers to pursue and manage.
• Identify major global conferences and events that present fundraising and visibility opportunities for African Parks.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development Operations to manage and maintain frontline fundraisers' portfolios (for current and future hires), ensuring the seamless flow of donor interactions and updates.

CRM Database Administration & Donor Data Analysis

• Serve as the primary CRM (Salesforce) data entry lead for APFA, ensuring accurate and timely data entry for all targets, leads, and donors.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development Operations and APN colleagues to provide comprehensive donor data analysis that supports strategic fundraising initiatives.
• Ensure that all fundraising deliverables are accurately updated and maintained within Salesforce, supporting accountability and transparency in donor management.
• Design and generate reports for APFA staff, APFA board members, and APN leadership, analyzing key metrics and insights to inform donor engagement strategies.
• Maintain and update fundraising dashboards to monitor progress toward development goals, providing APFA leadership with data-driven insights into performance.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development Operations on new funding and goal tracking.

Supporting Frontline Fundraisers, Event Management & Administrative Support

• Assist the Executive Director with logistics for donor events, including the creation of invitation lists, managing RSVPs, and coordinating on-site and virtual event logistics.
• Ensure that all event-related materials, schedules, and communications are organized to create a seamless experience for donors and stakeholders.

• Coordinate scheduling and travel arrangements for the Executive Director, ensuring well-organized donor meetings and trips.
• Perform additional administrative duties as needed to support the development team and ensure effective donor engagement.
• Support APFA staff on creating high-level donor presentations and decks.
• Work with the Finance and Administration Associate on creating a streamlined donor acknowledgment letter process.
• Draft high-level strategic briefings for donor visits, events, conferences, and other fundraising engagements, ensuring that Executive Director, APFA staff, APFA board members, and APN leadership are well-prepared for effective donor interactions.
• Support Director of Development Operations in stewardship management efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., business, communications, nonprofit management) or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years of experience in fundraising, donor prospect research, data management, or CRM systems (Salesforce experience preferred).
• Strong analytical skills and familiarity with data analysis to support informed decision-making in fundraising.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize, maintaining accuracy and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality briefings and reports.
• Proficient in Microsoft (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) & Adobe
• Commitment to the mission of African Parks.