Development Associate

About the Franciscan Center: 

Founded in 1968 in north Baltimore's Old Goucher neighborhood, the Franciscan Center is an innovative hub serving the city's working poor, indigent, and homeless, helping them to realize their self-worth and dignity as people of God. The Center's three focus areas are nutrition, connection, and education. Staff and volunteers prepare scratch-made lunches (M-F) and dinners (T-W), manage an emergency food pantry, and help guests and clients secure identification, clothing, housing and employment--all the elements necessary to live a more self-sustaining life. In 2021, the Center founded the Dignity Plates Culinary Academy, a no-cost, 13-week training program to prepare city residents for careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry. That same year, Dignity Plates Catering, a social enterprise, was founded to provide employment and spread the good news about good food.

Position Summary: 

As a member of the Development & Communications team, the Development Associate is primarily responsible for assisting the Director of Development in organizing and managing essential functions of our grant administration, donor stewardship practices, and the donor database. This position will ensure to maintain, update, and manage the grant calendar and grant process.  This position will also ensure that all gifts are processed, recorded, and acknowledged in a timely manner, work to maintain clean and up-to-date donor records and reports, and, with the coaching and guidance of the Director of Development, will work to assist in the timely and efficient management of gift stewardship, from our annual campaign and direct mailings to event registration and more. This position will also assist with team operations, events, and seasonal projects on an as needed basis.

Specific Responsibilities: 

• Grant Writing & Management:
  • Research and evaluate potential grant opportunities. 
  • Write compelling letters of inquiry, grant proposals, and reports tailored to funder requirements and organizational priorities.
  • Maintain and manage a detailed grant calendar, ensuring all deadlines for proposals and reports are met.
  • Track outcomes, deliverables, and funder communications in collaboration with program and finance teams.
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• Donor Communications & Development Support:
  • Assist in drafting donor stewardship materials, case statements, and annual appeals.
  • Contribute to the planning and execution of fundraising campaigns, events, and donor engagement activities.
  • Support with donor communications, stewardship efforts, and fundraising.

• Collaboration & Strategic Input:
  • Partner with program staff to gather program data, metrics, and stories that support grant writing and donor engagement.
  • Help develop strategies to grow and diversify institutional giving.
  • Participate in development team meetings and strategic planning initiatives.

• Assist the Director of Development with the administration of the Development Department

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree preferred. 
• 2-4 years of professional experience in grant writing and nonprofit fundraising.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while working collaboratively.
• Strong commitment to the mission and values of our Franciscan Center
• The ability to independently travel.