Job Description

About Friends of the Arava Institute

The Friends of the Arava Institute (FAI) promotes the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies , a leading environmental research and academic institute in the Middle East. Located in Israel’s Arava Valley, the Arava Institute houses academic programs, research centers and regional cooperation programs focusing on a range of environmental challenges. The Arava Institute is dedicated to the concept that nature knows no borders. With a student body composed of Jordanians, Palestinians, Israelis, and students from around the world, the Arava Institute offers an exceptional opportunity to learn from leading scientists, form friendships, and develop skills to help solve today’s most pressing environmental concerns. FAI’s mission is to support environmental peacebuilding and the Institute's continued success and growth through US student recruitment, effective fundraising, and educational campaigns.

About the Role

The Development and Administrative Associate (DAA) will work closely with senior management to support Friends of the Arava’s mission to advance environmental and peacebuilding work in the Middle East in a growing, dynamic nonprofit development office. This role is a great opportunity for an aspiring Development professional to gain hands-on experience with a wide range of fundraising programs including annual campaigns, major gifts, capital campaigns, grants, and events. This individual will also develop expertise in donor relations, research, data management, board relations, operations, and more. This is a full-time non-exempt position. The position will report to the Director of Development (DoD) and work closely with the CEO. Candidates must live within commuting distance and be able to work in the office in Newton, Massachusetts at least three days per week. The office is accessible by public transportation, and free parking is available.

Development Responsibilities

• Assume primary responsibility for the accuracy and integrity of the donor database.
• Enter gifts, run reports, and manage constituent records, including notes, event management, etc.
• Review data and make updates as necessary.
• Draft donor correspondence, acknowledgements, pledge letters, parlor meeting invitations and other items as necessary.
• Conduct donor and external relations research.
• Track pledges, multi-year gifts and other expected gifts.
• Assist with planning and implementation of events, including invitations, RSVPs and follow-up after donor meetings and events.
• Support senior development staff and CEO in implementation of large events.
• Provide administrative support for the Development committee, including scheduling meetings and taking minutes.
• Interact with donors and event participants; respond to inquiries and information requests.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Schedule and coordinate meetings with internal and external stakeholders, make travel arrangements, provide relevant prep materials and follow-up as appropriate.
• Provide support to the Board and board committees including scheduling, communications, meeting preparations, agendas and materials, logistics, and taking minutes.
• Maintain Board and committee data.
• Provide administrative support for programs, events and other activities as needed.
• Answer phones, respond to emails and requests for information, and coordinate follow-up with staff.
• Respond to office support needs of the CEO, DoD, Director of Finance and Administration, and other office colleagues.
• Oversee the CEO’s and DoD’s schedules.
• Liaise with the Arava Institute staff in Israel, scheduling meetings and gathering information as needed.
• Work with FAI staff to schedule team activities, support office culture, etc.
• Manage software accounts including iWave, Mailchimp, Zoom, and others.
• Order supplies, printed materials, catering for events, holiday gifts.
• Support the CEO, DoD and Director of Finance and Administration in the planning and execution of the Annual Meeting.
• Manage Zoom meetings.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of administrative experience.
• High proficiency with technology, including Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Development databases (Experience with Donor Perfect a plus).
• Able to multitask and work independently without significant direction.
• Experience with Mailchimp, Zoom, Canva, and WordPress is a plus.
• Highly detail-oriented, outstanding organizational skills.
• Enjoys working with a small team in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong sense of personal accountability and follow-through on assignments.
• Strong sense of confidentiality and integrity.
• Possibility of periodic travel, including to Israel
• Passion for the environment and peace building is a plus.

To Apply: Please submit your resume and a cover letter to office@friendsofarava.org. In your cover letter, please highlight your experience in nonprofit finance and your interest in the Arava Institute’s mission. No phone calls and principals only, please. Please include “[Your Name]- Development and Administrative Associate” in the subject line.

Equal Opportunity Statement

FAI provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or military or veteran status in accordance with applicable federal laws. In addition, FAI complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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