About Youth Connect 

YouthConnect is an innovative violence prevention, intervention and advocacy program that addresses the needs of marginalized and disconnected youth in Boston. Started in 1996 as a program of Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, our social workers are placed in six police stations and three citywide units across Boston to provide wraparound services, including therapy, case management, resource coordination, and advocacy, to young people and their families.

Position Overview 

YouthConnect is currently seeking a motivated and professional Development Associate to play a critical role in the organization’s development function as we become an independent nonprofit organization (July 2026) and expand our reach, programmatic impact, and the funding base necessary to support such growth. The Development Associate will be detail-oriented, has exceptional project management and communication skills, takes tremendous pride in their work, and strives for excellence. They will be excited about making a real impact in people’s lives, enjoy new challenges, and be eager to help extend the impact of YouthConnect’s efforts to support youth in Boston. The Development Associate will report to the Director of Development and work closely with the Executive Director. A successful Development Associate will: 

• Maintain and provide analysis of all development data in the organization’s fundraising database, including regularly updating information that’s essential to managing donor and partner relationships.  
• Prepare and record gift acknowledgements on a timely basis.
• Work with the Director of Development and Executive Director to develop and maintain the organization’s social media calendar, highlighting the work of the organization, our partner organizations, and social issues where YouthConnect can provide subject matter expertise.
• Assist with the management of the organization’s grant calendar and submissions, support proposal and report writing, and keep an active list of funding prospects. 
• Support donor cultivation and stewardship activities and events such as print and online appeals, our annual breakfast, and smaller, tailored donor experiences. 
• Assist with the writing and design of development and marketing communications across multiple print and digital platforms to a variety of external audiences. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities 

Data Management

• Take primary responsibility for the organization’s development database, becoming an expert in its design and functionality, developing strategies for its use, and ensuring regular, accurate updating and report generation
• Maintain up-to-date contact information and record of contacts 

Grant Writing and Management

• Support the grant submission process, including collection and synthesis of data, completion of high-quality proposals, tracking, reporting, and some correspondence  with donors 
• Build a pipeline of prospective funders by researching and identifying new grant prospects, ensuring an increase in new foundation funds annually 

Communications 

• Manage a calendar of communications that incorporates planned outreach and  updates across social media, email, print mailings, and the website that will go to donors, prospects, volunteers, and other external constituents 
• In collaboration with the Director of Development, manage the design and creation of email and hard copy content, quarterly newsletter, and periodic e-communications to donors, friends, and prospective donors 
• Develop and manage the strategy for social media platforms, ensuring timely and interactive social media content 
• Support updates to the website 
• Support the management of branded collateral, including organizational one-pagers  

Donor Stewardship and Solicitation 

• Regularly research and identify foundation, corporation, and individual prospects at all  giving levels 
• Support strategic donor outreach and communications, including annual appeals, regular correspondence with key funding representatives, and coordinate necessary site visits 
• Assist with developing the strategy, managing the logistics, and executing all special events
• Ensure accurate and timely gift acknowledgements as well as thoughtful, personalized thank yous
• Support the Executive Director and Director of Development in managing their donor portfolio, including research, meeting preparation, and scheduling

Qualifications 

Required 

• Bachelor’s degree and two to three years of relevant work experience; direct experience with fundraising and grant writing required 
• Passion for the mission of YouthConnect
• Strong computer skills that include experience with donor databases, Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and design software (Canva preferred). 
• An unwavering commitment to inclusion and belonging, including deepening your personal understanding in advancing our collective work
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent organization and project management skills 
• Ability to work on multiple projects, adjust quickly to shifting priorities, meet deadlines,  exercise good judgment, and handle high-pressure situations 
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of audiences 
• Team player who demonstrates a positive attitude, sense of humor, energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to collaboration
• Flexibility that allows for periodic work on Saturdays and evenings

Preferred or Ideal 

• Full-time professional experience as a generalist in Marketing; event support experience 

Location

YouthConnect Office (Boston, MA)