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DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT 

The Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation (GDMPAF) is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) educational organization which, as a public charity, funds and administers a program to advance public art and public art education throughout Greater Des Moines.

GDMPAF is the “go to” resource, the lead organization and advocate for “advancing public art” in Greater Des Moines. It is dedicated to envisioning, developing, advancing and promoting public art projects in the community. GDMPAF recognizes that art belongs in streetscapes, parks, buildings and infrastructures of a thriving community, not just in galleries and museums. Thus, it actively seeks opportunities for art integration throughout the community with the goal of establishing a world-class destination for public art.

 

Vision

Serve as a catalyst for outstanding public art projects with the power to inspire and engage people who reside in, work in, and visit Greater Des Moines.   

Mission

Advance the best of public art in the community through public and private collaborations, enhancing community access and understanding, and adding to the cultural record through its installations.

 

POSITION SUMMARY: The Development Assistant plays a critical role in GDMPAF’s development efforts. The Development Assistant provides high-level development support to the Executive Director and works closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, and consultants in a dynamic environment. The Development Assistant performs confidential and administrative assignments as the principal manager of the development office’s database and records. Overall responsibilities include, selection of (together with Executive Director), onboarding of, and maintenance of donor database, as well as maintenance and organization of donor and prospect files, gift and acknowledgement processing, campaign mailings, pledge tracking, and general office support. The Development Assistant also executes details of donor solicitations, including planning, packet and mailing preparation, and meeting coordination. In addition, this position assists with special events, including planning, preparation, processing, and execution. The Development Assistant prepares e-newsletters, assists with the creation of promotional materials, and social media content pertaining to fundraising.

The Development Assistant will work approximately 10 hours a week with $30 per hour as compensation. The Development Assistant must be available in November and December 2026 for the opening events surrounding the DSM International Airport Project. During this period, hours will be extended for events.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • Assist Executive Director with annual giving and other fundraising campaigns
  • Schedule donor meetings
  • Manage and maintain the donor database and contact files
  • Track and manage pledges 
  • Track contributions; produce and mail gift acknowledgment letters in a timely manner 
  • Assist in implementation of events, such as community and donor events, solicitation meetings, including tracking attendance, creation of nametags, and other activities
  • Keep record of local and regional grant opportunities and their respective deadlines
  • Assist with grant applications
  • Assist with various aspects of solicitation and bulk mailings, including packet and newsletter drafting and preparation
  • Participate in the planning and implementation of strategic development activities and in the creation and execution of annual development plan
  • Assist the Executive Director with other development and fundraising duties as assigned

 

EDUCATION: Required: Bachelor’s degree 

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS: 

  • Extraordinary interpersonal skills to interact with a broad range of donors, partners board members, staff, volunteers, and the public 
  • Experience with record management
  • Proficient use of Microsoft Suite (Word and Excel), Adobe Suite, Canva, Mailchimp
  • Demonstrated ability to exercise excellent judgment, diplomacy, confidentiality and sensitivity to a range of constituents
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, to be flexible and to prioritize to meet deadlines 
  • Able to work well in a team environment 
  • Be organized and exhibit follow through on tasks and goals 
  • Self-starter; ability to work without direct supervision 
  • Familiarity with non-profits, research methods, data standards, and databases
  • Affinity for the museum, education, humanities and/or STEAM subjects
  • Preferred: minimum of two years of general office experience in a non-profit, museum, or office environment 
  • Must be able to work a flexible schedule including occasional evening and weekend events
  •  Must have valid driver’s license 

 

GDMPAF is an equal opportunity employer.