Organization Overview
Since 1995, Futures and Options has empowered New York City’s underserved youth to explore careers through career development and paid, mentored internships. We reach out to teens at a formative time of their lives, guiding them to further their education and become contributing citizens. Our model program enables New York’s underserved youth to gain much needed access to the economic mainstream, work‐readiness training and support from caring adults. At the same time, private and nonprofit businesses are connected to a pipeline of promising, motivated and diverse young people. Together with our business and community partners, we are building the workforce of tomorrow. Our career development program makes it possible for underserved, motivated teens to acquire the applied skills and higher education to successfully contribute to a global 21st‐century economy. Since 1995, Futures and Options has served more than 3,000 New York City teens and coordinated internships at more than 300 businesses in New York City, with 90% of all participants successfully completing their program, graduating from high school and pursuing higher education.
Development Assistant Position
The Development Assistant will work closely with the Director of Development and Executive Director to help sustain and grow the organization. The Development Assistant will be responsible for:
Development and Fundraising
Support development and constituency building activities
Assist with the creation, editing and sending of fundraising materials
Research potential corporate and foundation grant opportunities
Work with the Director of Development to produce annual fundraising plan and annual appeal mailing
Donor Cultivation
Develop creative approaches to cultivate donors
Assist the Director of Development, Executive Director and Board with identifying and cultivating potential donors
Help create fundraising campaigns and manage donor database
Process individual donor contributions, event sponsorships, grant payments and related acknowledgements
Communications
Create and send monthly e-newsletter containing Futures and Options news and updates
Oversee organizational social media efforts including Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn
Set up Google Alerts about relevant educational topics and forward to appropriate staff
Assist with production of annual report
Event Planning
Assist with the creation of materials including save the date notifications, invitations, journal book and any other relevant print materials for events
Represent Futures and Options at events, and conduct photography for media as needed
Collaborate with staff and vendors on the preparation and production of events throughout the year
Prepare print materials before production, compose talking points for speakers, solicit and organize silent auction items and assist with event planning and execution
Identify and solicit potential sponsors from Futures and Options business partners and donors
Media Relations
Develop media contacts, write press releases and op-ed pieces as needed, promote and track media coverage
Secure editorial coverage necessary to promote impact investing and the activities of the Futures and Options, develop and manage the organization’s media relationships
Develop and execute press strategy for special events, including annual fundraiser
Create and maintain media lists; create, update and maintain press kits and media materials, as required
Qualifications
Team player with strong relationship-based approach to working with staff, partners and program participants
Excellent interpersonal and written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work independently and efficiently; establish priorities and meet deadlines
Outstanding organizational skills and attention to detail
A strong work ethic and creative thinker with an entrepreneurial spirit
Willing to take on responsibility and manage multiple projects
Background and interest in education and/or youth development preferred
Must have computer proficiency and knowledge of MS Office, including Outlook, Excel, Powerpoint and the Internet
Proven ability to succeed in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment
Bachelor’s degree and writing sample are required
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