PROJECT SAGE IS HIRING

Development Associate

Location: Lakeville, CT | Full-Time, Non-Exempt (37.5 hours/week, on-site)

JOB DESCRIPTION

Who We Are

Project SAGE is a domestic violence prevention education agency in northwest Connecticut. Our mission is to create social change by challenging attitudes and beliefs about power, control, and gender norms while advocating for victims and survivors. We envision a world where everyone can be themselves, have healthy relationships, and live free from interpersonal relationship violence. 

We are a compassionate, committed team working toward a safer, more just future. 

At Project SAGE, every role contributes to building healthy relationships—both internally and externally in our community. As a small team, all staff members are expected to contribute to the overall functioning and wellbeing of the agency. Our core principles are cooperation and mutual respect, collaboration and communication, and strength in diversity. 

Who You Are

As the Development Associate, you play an important role in strengthening Project SAGE's fundraising and donor stewardship efforts. You are organized, detail-oriented, and genuinely energized by people—you find joy in making donors feel valued, welcomed, and deeply connected to the mission their support makes possible. 

You thrive on assisting with the different areas of philanthropy—from annual appeals and donor communications to assisting with the planning and execution of donor engagement events. You have a natural warmth and presence that puts people at ease. 

You are equally comfortable working behind the scenes helping to manage data and logistics as you are building genuine connections with donors through face-to-face interactions. You bring a collaborative mindset, strong communication skills, a genuine desire to learn about and contribute to non-profit philanthropy and an authentic enthusiasm for helping people feel seen, appreciated, and part of something meaningful. 

What You Will Do

Reporting to the Development Manager, you will support Project SAGE's fundraising and donor engagement efforts. 

  • Appeals (30%) You will assist in the planning and production of Project SAGE's annual fundraising appeals, including the Annual Appeal, Year-End Appeal, Giving Tuesday efforts, Trade Secrets underwriting outreach, and LYBUNT re-engagement campaigns. This includes assisting in managing mailing lists, coordinating mail and digital communications, and tracking responses across multiple channels. 

  • Donor Engagement & Events (35%)  You will assist in planning, coordinating, and executing donor engagement events, including the Trade Secrets Underwriters Cocktail Party and Sip & Savor. You will support meaningful engagement with donors by helping implement the donor engagement plan, building warm, professional relationships through regular touchpoints. 

  • Development Operations (25%)  You will support the internal systems that power fundraising by helping to maintain donor records, processing gifts and acknowledgments, running reports, coordinating development mailings, and helping manage fundraising workflows and timelines through project management tools such as Asana while assisting with tracking fundraising performance and revenue data. 

  • Trade Secrets Support (5%)  You will provide administrative and logistical support for Trade Secrets, Project SAGE's signature fundraising event, including assisting with donor engagement activities, committee coordination, and event preparation.  

  • Agency Collaboration (5%) As part of a collaborative team, you will participate in agency meetings, events, and trainings, provide occasional backup phone coverage when needed, maintain strict confidentiality, and support agency-wide initiatives. 

What You Will Bring

We are looking for someone who: 

  • Is highly organized and detail-oriented 

  • Has strong written and verbal communication skills 

  • Enjoys working on projects and can manage working on multiple tasks simultaneously 

  • Has strong interpersonal skills with a natural ability to make people feel welcome, valued, and at ease 

  • Brings warmth, grace, and professionalism to every interaction—anticipating needs and creating positive experiences for donors and stakeholders 

  • Thrives on building genuine relationships and finds energy in people-centered work 

  • Demonstrates discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive information 

  • Works well both independently and collaboratively 

  • Has experience assisting with planning and executing events with attention to hospitality and guest experience 

  • Is enthusiastic about and committed to Project SAGE's mission and values 

Desired Qualifications 

  • Background in hospitality, event management, or customer-facing roles requiring exceptional relationship skills 

  • Some experience working in nonprofit fundraising or development 

  • Some experience with project coordination or development/fundraising support 

  • Some experience with databases, Project SAGE uses Little Green Light 

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace 

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism 

  • Willingness to obtain domestic violence counselor certification (training provided) 

  • Commitment to Project SAGE's mission and values 

Special Requirements 

  • Willingness to answer and direct agency hotline calls when advocates are unavailable (training provided) 

  • Willingness to travel locally for agency-related activities, requiring a valid driver's license and insurance 

  • Flexibility to occasionally work outside normal hours for events (primarily around Trade Secrets) 

Physical Expectations 

  • Ability to sit or stand at a desk for extended periods, lift up to 20 pounds occasionally, and move around the office (including stairs) 

  • Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified candidates with disabilities 

We Offer 

  • Compensation: $27-$30hr based on experience, skills, and the potential you bring to the team (salary range of $52,650-$58,500) 

  • Schedule: Full-time, non-exempt, 37.5 hours/week on-site at our Lakeville, CT office, limited WFH eligibility. 

  • Benefits: Up to 20 days of paid time off per year, 11 federal paid holidays, 12 Sick and Wellness days, health and dental insurance, flexible spending account, retirement plan with 4% employer match, and life insurance

  • Meaningful Work: An opportunity to help survivors rebuild their lives and contribute to lasting change in the community

  • Supportive Culture: A workplace rooted in compassion, collaboration, inclusion, and courage — where your work is valued, and your growth is supported

How to Apply: Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to careers@project-sage.org with the subject: Development Associate. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every single qualification. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and our mission, we want to hear from you!

Project SAGE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all