Development Operations Associate

Join to apply for the Development Operations Associate role at PolicyLink.

This range is provided by PolicyLink. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

68,600.00 / yr - $83,200.00 / yr

Department

Development

Reports to

Director, Development Operations

Status

Full Time / Exempt

Location

Remote; Must reside and be authorized to work in the United States of America

About PolicyLink

PolicyLink is a research and action institute working to advance a nation that truly governs for all. We advance structural solutions, shape conditions, build connections, and strengthen the field infrastructure needed to deliver on the promise of a nation where all can thrive. We are relentlessly focused on delivering results at a scale that matches the challenges — and the potential — of this country.

To Achieve This Vision, We Concentrate Our Efforts In Five Key Arenas That Shape How The Nation Governs And Delivers For Its People :

The legal and regulatory systems that shape our democracy and economy, including amending and advancing the U.S. Constitution

Federal agencies, which are the engines of public policy and implementation that must deliver results

State and local governments that deliver the benefits of citizenship to our everyday lives in the cities and states where we live

We the People — whose collective consciousness and action must be activated toward everyone’s thriving

The institutional leaders, decision makers, and capital allocators who hold disproportionate influence over how the nation governs

Across these arenas, we are working to awaken a shared consciousness that embraces the humanity of every person; to shape government to deliver results for all; and to align the full force of our public, private, and civic resources to realize this future.

Position Overview

PolicyLink is seeking a Development Operations Associate to join its Development team and maintain the data infrastructure that drives strategic fundraising decisions. The Development Operations Associate will serve as the foundation of the Development team's data systems, with primary responsibilities including data entry and cleanup across Salesforce, Google Drive, and spreadsheets. Success in this role means maintaining data accuracy to enable strategic fundraising decisions, creating documentation and standard operating procedures that support team efficiency, and building the skills to independently prioritize competing demands. Reporting to the Director of Development Operations, this role will work closely with the entire Development team.

Responsibilities

Perform accurate and timely data entry of donor projections, pledges, and gifts into Salesforce and related systems.

Process and manage gift and tax acknowledgments for all donations, ensuring timely and accurate donor stewardship.

Maintain high-quality development data in Salesforce, including record updates, coding, and documentation, with attention to identifying and correcting data errors.

Support the technical management of development systems (Salesforce, online donation platforms, and email tools) by troubleshooting basic issues, documenting processes, and coordinating with internal and external tech support as needed.

Create and maintain Salesforce dashboards and reports for moves management, progress-to-goal tracking, and departmental reporting.

Assist in developing systems to track donor ratings, capacity, and background data within Salesforce to support strategic fundraising decisions.

Help ensure ratings for Candid and Guidestar are maintained and updated annually, coordinating with relevant staff to gather and submit required information.

Create, maintain, and refine development processes and workflows, including written procedures, how-to guides, and checklists for recurring tasks.

Maintain a digital library of current policies, forms, training materials, and standard operating procedures, ensuring easy access and version control for the Development team.

Support onboarding of new staff to PolicyLink's development systems and database tools, including sharing materials, demonstrating basic system functions, and answering process questions.

Support management of online giving campaigns, including tracking and processing online gifts.

Draft, edit, and proofread donor-facing materials, including cultivation emails and event follow‑up.

Assist in preparing briefing materials and donor-related background information as needed.

Assist in the in‑house logistical planning of cultivation events, including managing guest lists and maintaining event data.

Conduct basic prospect research and compile background information on institutional and individual donors as requested.

Support special projects related to improving development systems, processes, and reporting.

Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Skills, Abilities, and Knowledge Required

Strong affinity for data quality, with attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

Ability to independently prioritize and manage multiple tasks with good judgment, building trust through reliability and follow‑through.

Quick learner who is coachable, eager to build new skills, and has an aptitude for learning technical systems and troubleshooting basic issues.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to create clear documentation and standard operating procedures.

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to foster effective working relationships and collaborate across teams.

Comfortable with results‑based accountability and learning.

Commitment to racial and economic equity and the mission of PolicyLink.

Qualifications

Experience Qualifications

A minimum of 1–3 years of relevant experience, preferably at a nonprofit organization.

Experience with, or strong interest in, development operations, data entry, and database management.

Prior experience with a Development CRM (Salesforce, Raiser's Edge, or similar) is preferred; willingness and aptitude to learn new systems and tools are required.

Demonstrated ability to conduct research, gather data, analyze information, and prepare reports.

Compensation And Benefits

PolicyLink offers competitive salaries commensurate with employees’ experience and skills. The starting salary range for this position is $68,600–$83,200.

Additionally, PolicyLink Provides a Comprehensive Benefits Package That Includes :

100% employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision plans.

401(k) with employer and employer‑matching contributions that vest immediately. New employees are eligible to participate within one month of their date of hire.

Flexible Spending Account.

Short‑ and long‑term disability insurance.

Group term life insurance plus guaranteed‑issue voluntary life insurance.

Unlimited vacation and sick leave, and other generous leave benefits.

Three required organization reset weeks plus 13 paid holidays.

Work Environment

The position will involve leading and participating in frequent remote video and telephone conferences. It is a 100% remote position, though occasional travel will be required.

To Apply

We accept online applications only. Please note that the application includes two required written prompts. Candidates should provide thoughtful and complete responses to the prompts; incomplete answers will not be considered. No phone calls, please. Only those selected to participate in our hiring process will be contacted.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT

PolicyLink strongly values equity and believes in a just and fair society where all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. We work toward a more inclusive world, and as such, we are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, skin color, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, military status, pregnancy, or parenthood. PolicyLink is committed to maintaining a diverse and multicultural working environment.

Proof of eligibility to work in the United States must be provided if selected for hire.

Seniority level

Entry level

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Management and Manufacturing

Public Policy Offices

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