Advancement & Communications Associate

Description Join a mission-driven team supporting and empowering future college graduates! Who We Are At Steppingstone, our mission is to prepare students from under-resourced communities to access, navigate and graduate from college. In Boston we provide academic, social-emotional, and college readiness — starting in fifth grade and continuing all the way through to college graduation. Nationally, through the National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA), Steppingstone connects the people, practices, and innovations essential for eliminating barriers to college and career success. Who You Are The Advancement & Communications Associate role is a strong fit for an emerging professional who is passionate about educational equity, has an interest in fundraising, communications, and event planning, and is adept with data and administrative support. The ideal candidate will have the skills to excel in a role that blends meticulous database management and financial reconciliation with administrative support, and will thrive on a collaborative team dedicated to driving philanthropic growth and engagement. Start Date: July 2026 Salary: $60,000 Responsibilities: Data Management and Administration Manage the database, including gift entry, donor acknowledgments, receipts, and letters of intent Ensure accurate and timely handling and recording of gifts and related documentation, including administering pledge reminder schedule and invoices Use Salesforce to track constituent notes and maintain all mailing and email addresses to remain current Create donor listings for the Annual Giving Report and reconcile with the Chief Financial & Operations Officer Support front-line fundraising efforts with research using WealthEngine Work with the Chief Financial & Operations Officer to reconcile gifts on a quarterly basis and in preparation for the annual audit Additional administrative support as needed Communications: Use HubSpot to update digital communications assets and help with contact data clean-up Create all mailing lists as needed. Assisting in the preparation and mailing of all Advancement communications Provide support to the Senior Director of Communications with social media, website updates, and printed materials Organize and maintain Advancement and Communications digital storage using Google Drive, HubSpot, and Canva Event Support: Provide assistance for events, including the Gala, Appreciation Party, fundraising receptions, Alumni Reunion, etc. Support logistics related to professional photography and videography; occasionally take photos of programming and events informally Prepare materials such as slides, handouts, and nametags Coordinate Board meetings logistics Maintain the Advancement calendar Requirements Required Knowledge and Skills: Demonstrated commitment to educational equity and college access Experience working with individuals with different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences Experience as an effective team member in a changing environment; ability to manage multiple projects and priorities Strong relationship-building and group facilitation skills across differing stakeholders; resolves conflicts constructively and respectfully Demonstrated initiative, flexibility, and independent problem-solving capabilities Clear written and verbal communication style; ability to adapt communication style to different audiences Must be familiar with Salesforce; HubSpot also preferred Strong attention to detail and organizational skills Strong customer service orientation Demonstrated proficiency with data and financial information, strong ability to create reports and spreadsheets using a database Education and Work Experience: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required 1-2 years of relevant experience preferred Physical demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to work at a desk, communicate information, move about the office, operate office equipment and utilize a computer for extended periods of time. Pursuant to the ADA, Steppingstone will provide reasonable services and accommodation(s) to employees with qualified disabilities in order to perform the essential functions of their employment, except when doing so would be unduly disruptive and/or result in undue hardship to the organization. Schedule: This position will be a hybrid role with two days in the office and three days remote, with some flexibility around work hours. A $500 home office set-up stipend will be provided upon hire, followed by quarterly stipends of $50. Laptops are provided to each employee to enhance the hybrid experience. Employee Benefits: Generous paid time off (over 8 weeks total, as outlined below) 15 days PTO 2 days Discretionary Time Off 5 wellness days 12.5 holidays 2 weeks paid office closure (the weeks before Labor Day and New Year’s Day) $500 Home Office Set-up Stipend; plus $50 quarterly Health, Dental and Vision coverage Life, Short-Term and Long-Term disability insurance Healthcare Reimbursement Account Plan (HRA) Pet Insurance Flexible Schedule Retirement Plan Tuition & Professional Development reimbursement Flexible Spending Accounts - Health and Dependent Care Pre-tax Transportation Plan (Transit & Parking) Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Membership to the National Partnership for Educational Access (NPEA) Steppingstone Core Values Mission First - Keep Scholars front and center in all we do. Lead with Inclusion - Elevate every voice, consider every perspective. Stronger Together - Team up and trust each other. Own It - Act with integrity, stay accountable, and be transparent. Learn. Grow. Innovate. - Embrace change, drive creativity, and never stop learning. Steppingstone is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any individual, employee, or application for employment in accordance with law. A candidate will be found unsuitable for employment with Steppingstone and automatically disqualified if they use threatening language or behavior, either written, verbal, or physical, during any phase of the interview process. Steppingstone will never require lie detector tests or other assessments designed to gauge the honesty of an applicant's responses in accordance with Massachusetts law.