Philanthropy Associate

Job Title:    Philanthropy Associate

Budgeted Range: $49,359 - $55,000

About United Way of Rhode Island:  

Our vision is a Rhode Island where every individual in each community has an equal opportunity for justice and prosperity. Since our inception in 1926, the United Way of Rhode Island has effectively moved people from crisis to stability while working to shore up the systems that provide support across the community. When called to action in the face of a global pandemic, we proved that we were built over the last 95+ years to be uniquely equipped to effectively harness resources from government, corporations, nonprofits, and individuals to address the many significant crises affecting all of us. 

The pandemic spotlighted how the war on poverty during the past 50+ years has not created opportunity and prosperity for all community members. In particular, where you live and the color of your skin can make it challenging to live, learn, and thrive in Rhode Island. That is why, we’re committed to a mission of uniting our community and resources to build racial equity and opportunities for all Rhode Islanders. 

To deliver on our goals we must go "deep, rather than wide," with investments and partners to target the root causes that have thwarted Rhode Island's ability to thrive. We serve all Rhode Islanders in need by tackling Rhode Island's great challenge:  reversing the racial inequities that have plagued Rhode Island's Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities for generations. 

That means we are applying all our assets and approaches, including delivery of direct services, strategic community investments, advocacy, and coalition-building to create a better Rhode Island for all. We are applying these tools in the following areas of need: 

• Lift United: We invest in affordable housing, improve care coordination, and expand access to adult education and job training opportunities. We also support the growth and stability of women- and minority-owned businesses. 
• Achieve United: We work to ensure that all Rhode Island children walk into the classroom ready to learn. This includes increasing literacy levels and expanding access to after-school and out-of-school-time learning programs. 
• Invest United: We build nonprofit resiliency and sector leadership development through our Invest United pillar. We empower donors, engage corporations, and connect Rhode Islanders with giving and volunteer opportunities. 
• Advocate United: Through research and public policy, we drive systemic change through our Advocate United pillar. And, because democracy is not a spectator sport, we train Rhode Islanders to be advocates and work to increase voter turnout. 

Learn more about United Way of Rhode Island at https://www.unitedwayri.org/. 

Summary:   

The Philanthropy Associate provides essential support to the Chief Development Officer (CDO) and the Philanthropy Team, playing a critical role in coordinating key initiatives that advance United Way of Rhode Island’s philanthropic goals. This role handles a wide range of high-level administrative and project-based responsibilities requiring excellent organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.

This individual ensures seamless collaboration across teams while managing multiple highly confidential and time-sensitive initiatives. A forward-thinking and solutions-oriented approach is essential to anticipate needs, streamline processes, and proactively address challenges. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and demonstrates a high level of professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

1. Development Operations & Project Management

• Track strategic development initiatives and ensure project timelines, deliverables, and priorities remain on schedule.
• Support the execution of annual development goals and special initiatives through data gathering, logistics, and cross-functional coordination.
• Prepare and edit materials including memos, letters, pledge materials, reports, slide decks, and key documents for key stakeholder engagements.
• Prepare briefing documents and donor reports; support follow-up communications from meetings and events.
• Collaborate with staff to support donor engagement activities across the corporate relations, individual giving, and institutional giving teams.

2. Team Coordination

• Plan and coordinate logistics for Philanthropy team meetings, retreats, and interdepartmental working sessions.
• Maintain project management tools and systems that keep the team aligned, informed, and focused on results.
• Serve as an internal resource for team-wide systems and tools; provide logistical support for internal initiatives and staff development activities.

3. Process Improvement & Efficiency

• Evaluate current administrative workflows and recommend solutions to enhance efficiency and communication.
• Streamline information sharing, file management, and reporting systems for improved team productivity.
• Implement process improvements that enhance data integration, organizational consistency, and operational performance.

4. Communication Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for internal and external requests related to the Chief Development Officer.
• Manage communication flows across the Philanthropy department to ensure clear, timely, and consistent messaging.
• Prepare written correspondence, including donor solicitations, running reports from the donor database, and completing mail merges.
• Handle sensitive communications and information with the utmost discretion.

5. Administrative Support

• Provide comprehensive executive administrative support to the CDO, including complex calendar and meeting management, travel coordination, and expense processing.
• Assist team directors with scheduling and administrative needs as appropriate.
• Organize and maintain confidential records and files, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:  

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in business administration, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• 2 - 3 years of experience in an administrative, operational, or executive assistant capacity,  preferably in a nonprofit, development, or mission-driven organization.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple priorities in a dynamic, deadline-driven environment.
• Abililty to push past obstacles and constantly seek positive solutions to problems
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Zoom).
• Familiarity with donor CRM databases such as Salesforce or Raiser’s Edge is preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• High level of professionalism and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential information.
• Strong alignment with United Way of Rhode Island’s mission and values.

Disclaimer: This job description is intended to convey the essential functions of this position and it is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, duties, responsibilities or working conditions associated with the position.   

Core Values: 

United Way of Rhode Island is looking for candidates who demonstrate their ability to carry out its core values as follows: 

• Impact through equity – place equity at the center and emphasize it while building new corporate relationships and reinforcing existing ones.  
• Respect and value all – is an active team player who builds and fosters internal and external collaboration and partnerships. Seeks input and feedback while also sharing ideas. 
• Lead with a growth mindset – commit to continued growth and process improvements across United Way of Rhode Island’s existing and new resource portfolio. 
• Be a legendary partner – create and foster inclusive interpersonal skills. 
• Strive for excellence – demonstrates and utilizes proven and emerging human resource practices. Understand each employee's unique and valuable role in achieving the Live United 2025 Strategic Plan.    

Compensation & Benefits:  

• Salary – competitive, commensurate with relevant experience and skills, and within a budgeted range of $49,359 - $55,000
• Benefits – comprehensive benefits package including healthcare, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending account; retirement match; and more.   
• Work-Life Balance –  37.5-hour workweeks on average; earn 15 days of paid leave annually; 3 floating holiday days, 2 personal days, and 9 sick days.   
• Learning & Development – individual and collective programs to support staff in achieving organizational and career objectives, e.g., CliftonStrengths® by Gallup Strengths and Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI). 

United Way of Rhode Island is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.