Development Associate

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

AP Fund for Journalism (APFJ)

The AP Fund for Journalism was created in April 2024 as the charitable sister organization to The Associated Press. It is dedicated to supporting public service journalism and making it accessible to state and local news organizations. Our ambition is to underpin and support the U.S. news ecosystem by ensuring news services and widespread access to reliable, nonpartisan and fact-based news and information. APFJ also supports journalism in topical areas, like health, democracy, education, and climate.

Development Associate

The AP Fund for Journalism (APFJ) seeks a Development Associate to play a vital role in supporting APFJ's individual philanthropy efforts. The Development Associate will provide comprehensive support to the Vice President, CEO, and other leadership to develop and implement strategies to achieve large, multi-year fundraising goals. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a detail-oriented professional to contribute meaningfully to our mission while gaining valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and donor relations. In this role, you will support the fundraising efforts of the Vice President, CEO, and other leadership, occasionally represent APFJ with individual donors, and advance high-quality journalism to inform communities and foster a thriving civil society. This is a remote position, with a preference for candidates in New York, or Chicago, IL. If based in those cities, candidates must be comfortable working a hybrid schedule.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Fundraising & Stewardship Support

• Support stewardship of individual donors and help expand APFJ’s individual donor base through continuous prospecting, research, and collaboration
• Assist with qualification, cultivation, and stewardship of individual donor relationships
• Support the development of fundraising materials and presentations
• Assist in creating compelling donor communications, impact reports, and stewardship materials
• Draft donor acknowledgment letters, thank you notes, and communications
• Coordinate planning for meetings with high-net-worth individuals and philanthropic partners
• Help coordinate donor recognition activities and stewardship events

Communication & Operational Support

• Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and background research for donor meetings
• Process gifts, acknowledgments, and donor correspondence with attention to detail and timeliness
• Coordinate meetings, events, and donor visits

Research & Database Management

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in the CRM system
• Conduct prospect research and prepare research profiles
• Track donor interactions, preferences, and giving history to support personalized engagement strategies
• Generate reports and analytics to support fundraising performance monitoring and strategic decision-making

Team Collaboration & Project Management

• Coordinate with other departments to ensure seamless donor experience
• Coordinate with operations, grant management, finance, and impact teams to ensure spending and gift agreement deliverables are on track, and work with the impact team on completing interim and final reports
• Support board engagement efforts related to fundraising
• Occasionally travel to industry conferences and APFJ offices for team meetings, as needed

Educational Requirements:

Minimum Requirements/Experience:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience,

• 3+ years' of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or related field
• Genuine interest in journalism, media, and independent news
• Background in major gifts fundraising or donor relations
• Knowledge of philanthropic trends and best practices
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities
• Strong relationship-building skills
• Ability to represent APFJ to external and internal stakeholders
• Demonstrated experience in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
• Project management skills with ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Research and analytical skills with ability to synthesize complex information
• Experience with donor database management and CRM systems (Salesforce preferred)
• Eager to learn and take on increasing responsibilities
• Ability to maintain professionalism and sense of humor under pressure
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $66,000 - $90,000 contingent on experience, location and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with APFJ policy.

Application deadline is August 18, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law.