Development Associate

Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute (GMGI) is an exciting independent research institute addressing critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment through innovative scientific research and education. GMGI’s Development team executes all activities related to philanthropic contributions in support of the marine genomics research institute, Gloucester Biotechnology Academy, and organization-wide priorities.
The Development Associate will play a critical role in GMGI’s efforts to cultivate and enhance philanthropic support. Charitable giving supports GMGI’s ability to address critical challenges facing our oceans, human health, and the environment as well as our efforts to offer young people new career pathways in the life sciences and biotechnology. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Development and Donor Engagement

• Conduct in-depth prospect research on individuals, foundations, and corporations using the internet and the iWave wealth screening service to help prepare for meetings and to develop cultivation strategies


• Conduct research using the iWave wealth screening service to uncover new prospects


• Assist the Development Director in executing special fundraising initiatives such as programmatic campaigns or leadership giving campaigns


• Support scheduling, logistics, and strategic follow up of prospect and donor meetings for the Development Director and Executive Director


• Provide high level support for special fundraising projects and initiatives as assigned by the Development and Executive Director

Event Planning and Execution

• Working in coordination with the Director of Development, support event conceptualization and event logistics for mission aligned external events such as GMGI’s annual Byrnes Lecture, Academy breakfasts, and Research Lectures ensuring seamless execution and strategic engagement with guests


• Provide logistics support for additional development related event functions including maintenance of RSVP lists, generation of name tags, working with caterers and other event vendors.


• Collaborate with the Development Director to maximize event impact through post-event guest follow up, translating new gifts, information and data capture of attendees

Database Management and Reporting

• Manage Salesforce CRM database activity to support all Development work, ensuring accurate data input, integrity, and reporting related to donations, donors, and prospects


• Become expert on the Salesforce CRM database and ensure that all of our systems and processes in Salesforce are being conducted as efficiently as possible and we are getting maximum value out of our CRM system.


• Coordinate with the Finance department to ensure proper tracking and accounting of all philanthropic contributions


• Prepare minutes and documentations as needed for Development Committee meetings

Education and Work Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree required


• 2+ years’ experience in development, donor relations, or alumni relations


• Proficiency in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel, and Adobe required


• Familiarity with standard database functionality required (Salesforce preferred)


• Familiarity with basic tools and techniques of prospect research desirable


• Demonstrated success working as a member of a high functioning team

Other Requirements:

• Can manage a workload with changing priorities and diverse functionalities


• Strong written and verbal communication skills


• Capable of mastering new software applications and technologies


• Excellent project coordination skills; solutions-oriented problem solver


• Tenaciously organized and detail-oriented


• Reliable and timely follow through


• Ability to communicate with broad spectrum of internal and external stakeholders


• Strong, self-starting work ethic


• Professionalism in engaging with multiple stakeholders (donors, leadership, Board members)


• Diplomacy, confidentiality, and discretion


• Enthusiasm and commitment to GMGI’s mission for science and education


• Self-starting, independent, creative thinker with strong problem-solving skills