Development Assistant

Job Posting Title:

Development Assistant

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Hiring Department:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

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Earliest Start Date:

Feb 15, 2024

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER

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Job Details:

General Notes

The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is committed to inspiring the conservation of native plants through its public botanic garden and its education, research and outreach programs. Founded by Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982, the Wildflower Center is the state botanic garden, a community gem, and a national leader in the field of native plant education, sustainable landscapes, land restoration and research. It is home to the largest living collection of Texas native plants in the state, welcomes 240,000 visitors annually, has 16,000 members and reaches more than 2 million people through its website. The Center is focused on improving landscapes and connecting people with our environment.

The Wildflower Center believes that the “environment is where we all meet,” as Lady Bird Johnson once wisely said. We are a community of people that care for each other, our land and our broader community. Benefits-eligible Wildflower Center staff members enjoy the robust health, vacation, and retirement benefits of The University of Texas at Austin employees. Wildflower Center staff also get free parking and annual membership, discounts on Center classes, access to Wildflower Center featured events, and discounts at the Gift Store and Wildflower Café. An inspiring and beautiful work environment with outstanding coworkers awaits you.

Purpose

The Development Assistant will provide assistance in the maintenance and operation of the gifts processing system and fundraising programs or services. This staff member will maintain the accuracy of names and addresses of alumni and donors, and support gift processing, donor records, and development programs. They will review, interpret and enter gift data, verify for accuracy, and retrieve information upon request. They will be responsible for updates to donor records, special projects, and proofreading the data entry of co-workers. They will prepare purchase vouchers, reconcile accounts, maintain inventory, compose routine correspondence, assist with mass mailings to donors, answer telephones, respond to general questions, and prepare reports for various programs.

Responsibilities

• Database Gift Processing: Processes donations, memberships, and pledges.  Answers phones and assists with online gift processing. Completes on-line applications for matching gifts. Responsible for managing Center input to two donor databases, UT VIP and Altru, ensuring prompt and accurate data entry and reporting, including analysis of daily, weekly, and monthly reports to the team.  Ensures gifts are properly archived, acknowledged, and followed up in a timely manner. 

• Donor Correspondence: Prepares weekly gift acknowledgement letters and appropriate correspondence to donors for Director of Development and Executive Director. Regularly updates content of acknowledgement and pledge letters, and other donor communications.

• ​​Event Support: Assists with Center-wide and donor-specific events including, but not limited to Fortlandia, Luminations and Plant Sales.

• Fundraiser Oversight: Leads Wildflower Center’s participation in the University’s 40 Hours for the 40 Acres Campaign in the spring and coordinates planning with university development staff. Tracks donor and gift data.

• List Management: Produces mailing and email lists and executes all development mailings.

• Staff Collaboration: Work collaboratively, proactively and in a professional, guest-service oriented manner with all Wildflower Center and The University of Texas at Austin staff to further our development goals.

• Tribute and Memorial Program Support: Assists Development Specialist with the Tribute and Memorial Program.

• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and 3 years of clerical experience.

• Proficiency in MS Office Suite with a particular emphasis on Excel.

• Outstanding time management, data entry, organizational skills, and attention to detail.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong problem-solving skills.  

• Highly efficient and reflective, always looking for ways to improve processes.

• Ability to manage multiple internal and external relationships with the highest level of customer service.

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