Development Associate

TITLE: Development Associate 

REPORTS TO: Executive Director of the PTK Foundation

FLSA STATUS: Exempt, Full-Time

WORK LOCATION: PTK Headquarters, Jackson, MS 

DATE: June 5, 2026

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY:

The PTK Foundation is seeking a motivated and relationship-focused individual to support fundraising, donor engagement, sponsorship development, and grant coordination efforts. This role will help strengthen relationships with donors, corporate partners, alumni, and foundations while supporting fundraising campaigns, special events, and data-informed development strategies that advance the mission of Phi Theta Kappa.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Assist the Executive Director of the Foundation to support and implement fundraising and donor engagement strategies.
• Identify, research, and build relationships with potential sponsors, donors, alumni, and corporate partners.
• Conduct outreach to prospective donors and sponsors to support Foundation initiatives, scholarships, events, and programs.
• Assist in preparing sponsorship proposals, donor communications, presentations, and fundraising materials.
• Coordinate and oversee the grant process, including grant research, writing, submission tracking, reporting, and organization of grant documentation.
• Maintain organized records related to grants, donor engagement, sponsorships, and fundraising activities.
• Support stewardship efforts to ensure donors and sponsors are thanked and recognized in a timely and meaningful manner.
• Assist with PTK Foundation fundraising campaigns, special events, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather information, stories, and impact data for fundraising and grant applications.
• Monitor fundraising activity and assist with reporting and tracking progress toward development goals.
• Support PTK Connect for Business relationship development and outreach opportunities as needed.
• Attend the annual PTK convention and other related conferences throughout the year. 
• Utilize data and reporting tools to help analyze donor trends, sponsorship opportunities, campaign performance, and engagement strategies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, communications, or a related field preferred. 
• Experience in fundraising, nonprofit development, grant writing, communications, higher education, or related fields preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Experience or interest in donor databases, fundraising analytics, data reporting, or data management strongly preferred.
• Ability to build and maintain professional relationships with donors, sponsors, alumni, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, perspectives, and communities, fostering an environment of respect, belonging, and inclusion.
• Knowledge of Phi Theta Kappa and community college education are preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across departments and contribute to a team-oriented environment.
• Experience with grant writing, grant reporting, or grant management preferred.
• Professional, proactive, and mission-driven approach to fundraising and relationship building.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of Phi Theta Kappa.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Noise: This work environment is an office-like setting with moderate noise.
• Physical Exertion: The incumbent may frequently be required to lift approximately 10 pounds and/or occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Vision: The incumbent must possess close, midrange, distance and peripheral vision; as well as the ability to identify colors, judge distances, and adjust focus.
• Speaking/Hearing: The incumbent must be able to give and receive information through speaking and listening.
• Motor Coordination: The incumbent in this position is frequently required to: use their hands and reach with their hands and arms. The incumbent is occasionally required to: stand, walk, and stoop, kneel, crouch or bend.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical requirements listed for this job are not exhaustive, and additional requirements may be added as needed. Corrective devices may be used to meet physical requirements.

NOTE: THIS JOB DESCRIPTION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT

Phi Theta Kappa is committed to the elimination of unlawful discrimination in connection with all employment relationships, business operations and programs. Discrimination based on gender, family or marital status, race, color, national origin, military or veteran status, economic status, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, genetic information or history, age, disability, political affiliation and cultural and religious backgrounds is prohibited.