Development Coordinator

Root NS, Inc.

Feeding Opportunity and Community

Job Description

DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

ABOUT ROOT
Root is a nonprofit social enterprise with a mission to help young adults create a pathway to independence through foodservice training and employment. Root focuses on the food service industry as it is permeable and accessible for individuals with varying education levels and backgrounds. By developing essential life and work readiness skills, youth leave Root prepared for success in the workplace. Started in 2017 and based in Salem, MA, Root serves youth aged 16-26 from cities and towns north of Boston. Through an emphasis on culinary training and targeted life-skills development, Root has built a Culinary Training Program and an Alumni Employment Program that support multiple social enterprises, including a Community Catering initiative to address local food insecurity. To learn more about Root, please visit: www.rootns.org.

In 2020, Root developed our organizational core values: 
  • Youth-First is our “North Star”. As an organization and as a team, Root leads with the interests of youth in our programs and our enterprises.  In order to prioritize young people, we create opportunities for youth to influence our work and their experience. 
  • Hands-on Skill Development Differentiates Our Graduates & Empowers Them. We believe hands-on skill development is the most effective approach to job training.  Providing youth with practical tools through our enterprises empowers them in the face of systemic marginalization. 
  • Team Transcends Individual and Collaboration Leverages our Individual Efforts. By working together and with our partners, we believe we serve youth and Root’s mission most effectively. 
  • Diversity and Inclusion Strengthens Us.  We acknowledge, respect, and embrace the differences within one another and the communities we serve. 
  • Big success is a series of small wins. We meet youth where they are and celebrate their individual victories as steps on their path to success. 

The youth and communities served by Root are diverse, and we aspire to reflect that diversity in our staff. Root strives to have the most diverse applicant pool possible; to that end, we encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply for any position at  Root. By fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, we seek to provide the best training experience and employment environment for Root Trainees and alumni, and ensure they are prepared to succeed in the 21st century workplace. 

Root’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, age, physical or mental disability, religion, national origins, marital status, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, ancestry, political belief or activity, status as a veteran, military service, application for military service, or any other status protected by applicable law. This policy applies to all areas of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training and development, promotion, transfer, termination, layoff compensation benefits, social and recreational programs, and all other conditions and privileges of employment in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Root is a dynamic, entrepreneurial organization which at times requires “all hands on deck” to fulfill our mission on behalf of youth and community. This role works cross-departmentally, interfaces with both internal and external stakeholders to support Root’s mission, and has opportunity for growth. 

The Development Coordinator role reports directly to the Director of Development and Communications and includes administrative, systematic, and creative support of all areas of a development team tasked with raising $1.6M dollars in 2023. The Coordinator will execute elements of the annual fundraising and communications plans and interact with donors and volunteers on site and at events. The work involves processing gifts, managing the donor database system, assisting with donor cultivation and stewardship, and providing support for organizational events. The Coordinator will help us reach our fundraising goals and support a strong culture of philanthropy which is essential to sustain and grow our program.

AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY
  • Manage gift analysis, entry procedure, and prompt receipt/acknowledgement to donors
  • Manage database, including data entry, report designs, and systems updates
  • Special events planning, support, and logistics
  • Assist in creating, producing, and sending mailings and email marketing campaigns
  • Assist with stewardship management including proactive and reactive prospect research
  • Point of contact for Development & Finance monthly reconciliation
  • General Development team office support

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • 2-4 years of relevant education, work, or internship experience (e.g. sales, retail management, relationship building, partnership development, or volunteer coordination)
  • Technologically savvy with strong database skills 
  • Computer skills required: proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) and Google Docs
  • Excellent attention to detail and solid project management skills
  • Able to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment
  • Handle private donor information with discretion and confidentiality
  • Team player, self-starter, interested in personal and professional growth
  • Able to work occasional weeknight evenings

SALARY AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is $45,000-$50,000 (based on experience) and includes benefits (medical and dental insurance, PTO, parking, etc.). This full time position will be performed primarily on-site at Root’s facility in Salem, MA with the opportunity to complete some work remotely. 

TO APPLY
Please send a resume and cover letter outlining how your experience and background meet the requirements of this role to Faith Emerson (femerson@rootns.org). Please include your pronouns and where you heard about the opportunity. We hope to fill this position urgently and interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.