Purpose of Position: The Development Associate plays a key role in advancing RAMP's mission by coordinating and growing fundraising initiatives, including special events, sponsorships, donor engagement, and community partnerships. This position is responsible for independently managing assigned fundraising activities, developing and maintaining donor and sponsor relationships, and identifying opportunities to increase revenue and community support. 

Working under the strategic direction of the Development Director and collaborating with Marketing and other team members, the Development Associate independently plans and executes assigned fundraising activities, cultivates donor and sponsor relationships, and contributes to achieving RAMP's annual fundraising goals. 

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Development Director.  

Position Location: Home office is located in Rockford, IL; opportunity for hybrid work following successful 90-day onboarding. 

Primary Responsibilities 

Plan and Implement RAMP’s Annual Special Events  

• Lead the planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of assigned fundraising events in alignment with established development strategies, budgets, and revenue goals. 
• Develop and manage event timelines, budgets, and sponsorship activities; monitor progress toward established revenue goals and communicate results, challenges and recommended adjustments to the Development Director. 
• Identify, solicit, secure, and retain event sponsors, participants, and community partners. 
• Recruit, coordinate, and support event volunteers and planning committees. 
• Oversee event logistics, including vendors, permits, registration, communications, setup, implementation, and follow-up. 
• Collaborate with the Marketing Manager to develop promotional materials and marketing strategies to maximize participation and revenue. 
• Maintain accurate event records, sponsorship commitments, and participant information within designated fundraising platforms and databases. 
• Monitor event expenses and revenue to maximize net fundraising results. 
• Complete post-event evaluations, including financial outcomes, sponsor retention, participant feedback, and recommendations for improvement. 

Donor Solicitation, Cultivation, and Recognition  

• Identify, cultivate, and solicit prospective donors and sponsors through community presentations, meetings, phone calls, emails, mail, and online platforms.  
• Provide effective communication with donors and sponsors to maintain strong relationships to ensure continued support. 
• Develop and implement donor recognition strategies to thank donors for their support. 
• Maintain accurate records of donor and sponsor interactions, commitments, and follow-up activities to support coordinated stewardship and fundraising efforts across the team.  

 Fundraising Strategy Implementation & Departmental Support 

• Implement assigned fundraising strategies and initiatives established in collaboration with the Development Director to support annual revenue and organizational goals. 
• Identify opportunities to strengthen fundraising activities, increase donor and sponsor engagement, and improve overall development results. 
• Track and report progress toward assigned fundraising goals, including revenue, sponsorships, donor engagement, and other established performance measures. 
• Complete required internal documentation, expense reports, and fundraising reports accurately and on time. 
• Provide administrative, research, and project support for broader Development initiatives, including campaigns, donor communications, and grant-related activities, as assigned. 
• Collaborate with the Development Director to evaluate fundraising outcomes, address challenges, and recommend improvements to future initiatives. 

 Performance Metrics 

• Achieve or exceed annual fundraising revenue and performance goals. 
• Secure a minimum of 20% new event sponsors/donors annually. 
• Maintain a sponsor/donor retention rate of 70% or higher within assigned fundraising activities and relationships. 
• Maintain accurate and timely fundraising records, donor communications, and progress reports within established Development systems. 

Required Skills/Abilities 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to present information in a clear, concise manner. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a team player. 
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. 
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Effective time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. 
• Ability to confidently solicit financial contributions, sponsorships, and community support. 
• Ability to develop and manage project timelines, event budgets, and competing priorities. 
• Ability to work independently in a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE), manage competing priorities, and remain accountable for assigned outcomes. 
• Ability to effectively use donor management systems, fundraising platforms, and databases to maintain accurate records, track fundraising activities, and generate reports, with the ability to learn new systems as needed. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively with leadership and colleagues while exercising independent judgement within assigned responsibilities. 
• Ability to demonstrate creativity, take initiative, and display responsible decision-making. 

Minimum Qualifications: 

• One to three years of experience in fundraising, event management, sales, community relations, or a related field preferred. Relevant professional and lived experience will be considered. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications: Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Outlook. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks while maintaining organization and meeting deadlines. 
• Professional manner in dress and when interacting with others both inside and outside of the organization. 
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the Independent Living Philosophy and disability inclusion; relevant professional, personal, and lived experience will be considered. Personal experience with a disability is preferred, not required. 
• Self-motivated, task oriented. 
• Reliable transportation and a willingness to work early morning, evening and some weekend hours, if needed. 
• Experience building and maintaining professional relationships with donors, businesses, and community partners. 
• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and principles. 
• Associate or bachelor's degree in a related field is preferred, not required. 

Compensation and benefits 

• Salaried Non-Exempt: 26 bi-weekly pay dates, working 37.5 to 40 hours per week to meet results. 
• Starting Salary Range: based on experience $44,800 - $48,384. 
• Supportive Work Culture: Be part of an inclusive, compassionate, and respectful work environment that values your contributions and fosters personal and professional growth. 
• Mileage and Expense Reimbursement: All job-related mileage and qualifying expenses are reimbursed. 
• Performance-Based Work Model: Autonomy in determining how and when to achieve established work outcomes, consistent with organizational responsiblities, scheduled commitments, and performance expectations. 

Full Benefits Package:  

• 2 weeks of PTO, accrued over 26 pay periods, available after 90 days.
• 2 weeks of sick/wellness time, accrued over 26 pay periods, available immediately, upon accrual.
• 14 observed holidays, including a floating holiday.
• Holiday Gift Week, paid time off between Christmas and New Years.
• 401K program with employer match, currently 3%, with ROTH option.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage, partially covered by RAMP.
• Vision and Dental insurance coverage, dental partially covered by RAMP.
• Life Insurance Coverage, covered by RAMP.
• Supplemental Voluntary Coverage options including Accident, Life Insurance, AD&D Insurance, Short and Long-Term Disability, Identity Theft Protection, and Legal Assistance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for all family members.

Work And Physical Requirements 

• Ability to work in an office environment, including using a computer for extended periods, and communicating via email and phone.  
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to accommodate meetings and events scheduled outside regular business hours.  
• May occasionally require standing, walking, bending, carrying or moving event materials, and other light physical activity associated with meetings and special events. 
• Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Disclaimer: The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.  

RAMP provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. 

This statement applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.