Job Type:

Full-time

Overview of the Job:

The Louisiana SPCA is seeking a detail-oriented, mission-driven Advancement Associate to join our team. This position plays a vital role in supporting fundraising operations through gift entry, donor acknowledgments, prospect research, and donor stewardship. The Advancement Associate serves as a key administrative and customer service point of contact for donors, ensuring every interaction reflects the organization’s commitment to compassion, accuracy, and gratitude.

This role is ideal for a collaborative professional who takes pride in organization, accuracy, and continuous improvement. The Advancement Associate will also contribute to special fundraising projects such as Carnival, Giving Tuesday, and the End-of-Year campaign, helping to execute high-quality donor experiences and events.

Key Responsibilities: 

Gift Entry & Acknowledgment

· Accurately record all gifts, pledges, and tribute donations in the donor database (currently Raiser’s Edge), ensuring proper coding and documentation.

· Generate daily deposit reports and coordinate with Finance for reconciliation and backup documentation.

· Produce timely, personalized acknowledgment letters, tribute notifications, and in-kind tax receipts, maintaining up-to-date templates and processes.

· Support recurring giving management and reporting.[AH1] 

Donor Stewardship

· Execute stewardship touchpoints such as thank-you cards, texts, donor welcome packages, and special recognition for recurring and milestone donors.

· Partner with the Gift Officer to assist with mid-level donor (4Paws) renewals and follow-up communications.

· Maintain accurate documentation of all donor interactions and updates in Raiser’s Edge.

Prospect Research

· Conduct basic prospect research using online tools and resources to identify potential donors, lapsed supporters, and community partners.

· Update constituent records with relevant contact information, interests, and giving potential to support cultivation strategies.

· Prepare research summaries for events and donor meetings as needed.

Donor Assistance & Customer Service

· Provide prompt, professional support to donors via phone, email, and text, assisting with inquiries, tribute notifications, and recurring gift updates.

· Monitor donation inboxes and ensure timely response or follow-up with the appropriate team member.

· Represent the Advancement Department with warmth, professionalism, and a donor-centered mindset.

Special Projects & Events

· Creating and updating SOPs for Advancement functions. 

· Support for major fundraising events and campaigns.

· Assist with our annual auction including donor outreach, tracking, and fulfillment, in partnership with the team.

· Collaborate cross-departmentally on campaign materials, donor communications, and event data management.

· Assist with mailings, stewardship projects, and administrative tasks that advance departmental goals.

· Create and update documentation of gift entry and acknowledgment processes.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

· Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional attention to detail.

· Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.

· Experience handling sensitive donor information with discretion and accuracy.

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively in a collaborative environment.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and database systems; experience with Raiser’s Edge or other CRM platforms preferred.

· Customer service mindset with a solutions-oriented approach and ability to adapt to changing priorities.

Qualifications

·  Must uphold the Louisiana SPCA’s core values: compassionate towards people and pets; adaptable; creative problem solver; emotionally intelligent; diverse-equitable-inclusive; and humbly confident.

· Detail oriented, self-motivated, and able to work under deadlines, with a focus on maintaining accurate donor data.

· Excellent organizational skills to plan, prepare, and execute donor correspondence, acknowledgments, and stewardship communications.

· Strong analytical skills for tracking and recording constituent details.

· Demonstrated ability to maintain filing and retrieval systems.

· Must be able to pass a criminal background check and pre-employment substance screening.

· Must have (or be able to obtain) a valid State of Louisiana driver’s license.

· Excellent organizational and collaborative skills, with ability to multitask and remain detail oriented.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and other data management tools.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to analyze and evaluate outcomes.

· Exceptional client service and problem-solving mindset.

· Ability to meet deadlines, juggle competing priorities, and maintain a positive, engaging atmosphere.

· Able to quickly and calmly adjust to changing priorities with a customer-oriented mindset.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

· Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds; push and pull heavy objects; bend, twist, and reach.

· Must be able to perform strenuous physical activities including frequent walking, standing, bending, and stooping.

· Should not be allergic to animals or nuts; must be able to work around all animals and nut products.

· Must be able to work with industrial-strength cleaners and disinfectants.

· Works in an area with a high noise level.

· Potentially subject to animal bites and scratches.

· Must attend all required training and animal handling classes.

· Occasional evening or weekend work required for fundraising events and donor engagements.

Education & Experience

· High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.

· Minimum one year of experience in data entry, nonprofit administration, or donor relations.

· Prior experience with fundraising or donor databases strongly preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

· Pay Range: $16–$18/hour, commensurate with experience.

· Full-time, hourly, non-exempt position.

· Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability; 401(k) with match; paid time off and holidays; and eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

· Knowing your work helps save the lives of animals and supports the people who love them.