Graduate Assistant, Development

About the Role

The Graduate Assistant for Development supports the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) Development Team in advancing fundraising, donor engagement, stewardship, alumni relations, and special projects. This position provides hands-on experience in higher education advancement and philanthropy through involvement in donor research, prospect management, stewardship activities, events, communications, and data management.

The Graduate Assistant will work closely with development officers, alumni engagement staff, Foundation, and University partners to support initiatives that strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, and friends of CLAS. The position offers valuable experience for students interested in careers in fundraising, nonprofit management, higher education advancement, alumni relations, communications, or philanthropy.

Responsibilities

• Assist development officers with donor and prospect research, including biographical, philanthropic, and engagement background information.
• Support prospect identification and qualification efforts through data collection and analysis.
• Assist with preparation of donor visit materials, briefing documents, presentations, and stewardship reports.
• Help manage stewardship activities, including donor acknowledgements, thank-you correspondence, and impact reporting.
• Assist with tracking donor engagement activities and maintaining accurate records in Foundation database systems.
• Support fundraising campaigns and special initiatives, including UConn Gives and annual giving efforts.
• Conduct research to support alumni engagement and stewardship strategies.
• Collaborate with communications and alumni engagement colleagues to promote CLAS initiatives and events.
• Provide general administrative support as needed.
• Model and articulate the Foundation’s organizational core values at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership

• Provide visible leadership across the entire organization by engaging in organization-wide activities such as department meetings, all-staff meetings, and staff events.

Requirements

• Must be a currently enrolled UConn graduate student in good academic standing.
• Interest in fundraising, advancement, nonprofit management, alumni relations, communications, higher education, or philanthropy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Demonstrated professionalism and ability to work with confidential information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Schedule

Work approximately 15-20 hours per week during the academic year, with a flexible schedule based on academic commitments. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be requested in advance for events and donor engagement activities.