Development Associate

Massachusetts Advocates for Children

Job Description

Development Associate


Application Deadline: March 25, 2026


About MAC


Massachusetts Advocates for Children (MAC) is a non-profit legal aid organization working to remove barriers to education for low-income students, children with disabilities, immigrant children, and Black and Brown youth. During a time when civil rights in education are under political attack, MAC is a key leader in fighting to maintain and enforce longstanding education protections for these children in Massachusetts and achieve education equity. 


Our work is multi-level and is driven by a community-informed, ground-up advocacy model. We use a combination of direct legal advocacy for families, strategic litigation, legislative change, coalition leadership, community training, and a multilingual helpline that serves thousands each year. Our longstanding organizational commitment to racial equity guides both our internal practices and external advocacy, aligning our work with equity, justice, and inclusion and equipping us to identify structural racism internally and externally. 


To learn more about our mission and work, please visit MAC’s website or view a video about who we are.  


The Opportunity


MAC seeks a motivated, detail-oriented, and digitally savvy Development Associate to support both fundraising and communications work. This role will join a growing development team alongside another Development Associate and report to the Director of Development and Communications, working closely with the Executive Director and staff across the organization. We welcome candidates eager to learn and support MAC during a dynamic and exciting period of growth. 


The Development Associate will provide creative, systematic and administrative support to all areas of MAC’s fundraising and communications work. The successful candidate will be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and enjoy working collaboratively as well as independently with strong attention to detail. This position offers opportunities for growth as proficiency is demonstrated.  


Key Responsibilities and Impact Areas


1. Development and Fundraising:  


  • Collaborate with the Development and Communications team to execute fundraising strategies and initiatives.  


  • Research and identify potential funding sources, including individual donors, foundations, and corporations.  


  • Support logistics of grant submissions and reports, donor appeals, and sponsorship materials to secure financial support. Support program staff to produce data for grant reports.  


  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor and grant databases and records (e.g., documenting relationships and timelines) and sending timely acknowledgements for gifts.  


  • Support donor appeal campaigns through list development, follow-up correspondence, and tracking of gifts. 


2. Communications and Marketing:  


  • Assist with maintaining MAC’s website, social media channels, and other digital platforms with engaging and relevant content.  


  • Create marketing materials consistent with MAC’s branding (e.g., brochures, newsletters, and promotional materials).  


3. Event Support:  


  • Support the planning, coordination, and execution of fundraising events with development team.  


  • Assist with logistics for events, including venue coordination, guest lists and invitations, guest communications, and day-of event staffing and coordination.  


4. Administrative Support:  


  • Provide general development and communications-related administrative support including support with maintaining deadlines in Outlook and other programs, scheduling internal and external meetings, and coordinating translation of communications materials.  


 Qualifications


We appreciate and value that a wide variety of life and work experiences could prepare someone for this role. We also recognize that people from historically marginalized communities may not apply for positions if they do not have every qualification. If you believe you can thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply. 


  • Detail-oriented and well-organized. Able to handle multiple tasks and deadlines independently.  


  • Previous experience in fundraising, development, or communications in a nonprofit or analogous setting is preferred but not required.  


  • Commitment to social justice and belief in MAC’s mission.  


  • Great communication skills. Ability to explain the organization's mission and impact effectively.  


  • Strong digital skills: experience using Microsoft Office Suite and basic design experience (for example Canva or equivalent program) required. At ease with learning or already experienced with other platforms such as Constant Contact, Squarespace, and Little Green Light.  


  • Experience with social media platforms and familiarity with digital marketing strategies.  


  • Ability to work collaboratively within a culturally and racially diverse team.  


Location, Compensation & Benefits


Location: This is a full-time, exempt hybrid position requiring at least 2 days a week in our Boston office near South Station. We plan ahead whenever possible when additional in person time is required and maintain a highly flexible and a family-friendly work environment.  


Salary Range: $54,000 - $60,000, established through market benchmarking and aligned with MAC's racial equity-informed internal compensation framework. 


Benefits: 


  • ***Pilot 4-day workweek*** (Fridays off at full pay. Read more here) 


  • Health insurance with 85% employer contribution 


  • Employer-paid life and short-term disability insurance 


  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match  


  • Generous paid time off: 2 weeks vacation to start, 15 sick days, 11 holidays + 2 floating holidays, office closure from December 26–January 1, and 2 personal days 


  • Sabbatical eligibility after 7 years of service 


How to Apply


Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to Elsa Liu at eliu@massadvocates.org with “Development Associate Application – [candidate name]” in the subject line. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. 


 The hiring process includes a virtual interview, skills assessment, and in-person interview. Applications are due on March 25. 


 


MAC is committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from Black, Indigenous, and People of Color; bilingual and bicultural candidates; LGBTQIA+ people; and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, marital status, age, or sexual orientation.  


Note: The job description provided is a general outline and may be modified in communication with the Development Associate as needed to reflect the specific needs of Massachusetts Advocates for Children.