DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE

Job Title: Development Associate
Reports to: CEO
Program/Department: Development
Schedule: Full-Time

Position Summary

Ballet Des Moines is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and detail-oriented Development Associate to serve as the operational backbone of our fundraising department. This role is designed for a "professional navigator" who thrives on managing complex calendars, streamlining administrative processes, and ensuring that no detail—from grant deadlines to donor thank-you notes—slips through the cracks.

The ideal candidate will act as a strategic partner to leadership, managing the "behind-the-scenes" logistics so the executive team can focus on high-level donor cultivation and the company’s long-term artistic vision.

Key Responsibilities

Institutional Giving & Grant Management

  • Grant Calendar Oversight: Create and maintain a rigorous master calendar of all grant application and reporting deadlines. Proactively manage the workflow to ensure all materials are drafted, reviewed, and submitted well ahead of schedule.

  • Drafting & Reporting: Assist in drafting grant applications, letters of inquiry, and mid-year/final reports.

  • Execution: Prepare formal correspondence for executive signature; manage the physical or digital mailing and filing of all institutional documents.

Donor Stewardship & Benefits Fulfillment

  • Stewardship Management: Ensure timely follow-up with institutional donors and sponsors. This includes writing and sending acknowledgment letters, impact reports, and personalized updates.

  • Benefits Logistics: Coordinate the delivery of benefits for corporate sponsors and institutional partners (e.g., logo placement, program mentions, ticketing perks, and event invitations).

  • Meeting Support: Schedule donor meetings, manage Zoom logistics, prepare agendas, and compile briefing materials to ensure leadership is fully prepared for every interaction.

Development Operations & Administration

  • Departmental Calendar: Manage the overall Development Calendar, including fundraising campaigns, mailings, and cultivation events.

  • Database Support: Perform basic functions within Little Green Light (LGL) to retrieve donor information, update contact records, and pull basic reports to support daily operations.

  • Project Tracking: Act as a "project manager" for the department, keeping all stakeholders on target for deadlines and keeping "the gnats" at bay for senior leadership.

Events & Logistics

  • On-Site Support: Assist with the planning and execution of donor cultivation events and patron-related hospitality.

  • Collaboration: Work closely with the Development and Operations teams (e.g., Michael/Todd) to ensure seamless event setup and donor experiences.

Qualifications

  • The "Air Traffic Controller" Mindset: Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple moving parts and high-pressure deadlines.

  • Strong Communicator: Excellent professional writing skills with the ability to draft compelling narratives for grants and stewardship.

  • Tech Savvy: Proficiency with Google Workspace/Microsoft Office; experience with (or willingness to be trained on) Little Green Light or similar CRM databases.

  • Proactive Nature: A self-starter who anticipates needs before they are voiced and isn't afraid to "manage up" to keep leadership on track.

  • Passion for the Arts: A genuine interest in the performing arts and the Des Moines cultural community.

  • 2-4 years of administrative experience preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Ballet Des Moines provides competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid time off, holidays, health insurance and retirement contributions, as well as work/life flexibility and the extraordinary quality of life offered by the beautiful Des Moines region.

Why Join Ballet Des Moines?

This is a pivotal moment for Ballet Des Moines. You will be joining a high-energy team during a period of significant growth and restructuring. This role offers the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your organizational expertise on the stage and in the community.

Applications and Inquiries

Please submit a letter and resume with a summary of demonstrable accomplishments to (electronic submissions preferred): tammy@balletdesmoines.org.

Ballet Des Moines is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer and welcomes all applications.