Senior Development Associate, Pratham USA

Position Title: Senior Development Associate

Reports to: Director of Philanthropy Operations and the Associate Director, Philanthropy (NY tri-state)

Position: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Remote – New York and U.S.-based (must be eligible to work in the United States)

Travel: Flexibility to attend in-person events and be available to travel as needed

Salary: $65,000 - $80,000 with comprehensive benefits and generous PTO

About Pratham

Founded in 1995 to expand educational opportunities for children in the slums of Mumbai, Pratham (which means “first” in Sanskrit) has grown into one of the largest and most impactful education-focused nonprofits in India. We work in close partnership with governments, communities, parents, teachers, and volunteers to design innovative solutions that address critical gaps in the education system. Guided by our mission—“every child in school and learning well”—we are committed to creating lasting change that improves learning outcomes for children across India.

Today, Pratham operates in 21 of India’s 29 states, reaching millions of children and youth each year from Kashmir to Tamil Nadu. Our evidence-based approaches have gained global recognition through ASER (Annual Status of Education Report), India’s largest citizen-led learning assessment, which has inspired similar initiatives in fourteen countries around the world.

Innovative Programs
Pratham develops results-driven programs that reimagine traditional teaching methods and challenge ineffective learning practices. Our work emphasizes accountability, measurable impact, and continuous improvement.

Scalable Solutions
We design and rigorously evaluate low-cost learning models that can be easily replicated, ensuring high-quality education can reach children at scale.

Advocacy for Systemic Change
Pratham embraces innovation and adaptability to drive broader educational reform. By openly sharing data and insights, we collaborate with other organizations and policymakers to influence large-scale improvements in education.

Community Engagement
We believe learning is a collective responsibility. Pratham engages parents, teachers, and local leaders while training and supporting community volunteers to deliver effective, grassroots learning interventions.

Pratham USA supports this mission as a volunteer-driven organization with 13 chapters across the United States. These chapters raise awareness and mobilize resources to strengthen Pratham’s work on the ground. Recognized with the highest four-star rating from Charity Navigator, Pratham USA upholds the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and financial stewardship. More information about Pratham USA can be found at: Pratham USA.

The Role

Pratham USA is recruiting a Senior Development Associate to assist in supporting the growing fundraising efforts of the East Region, specifically the NY-Tristate Chapter. Come join us and be part of a growing team, and help lead and shape all aspects of our fundraising efforts. The Senior Development Associate will be based in the NY-Tristate area and will work closely with the Pratham USA team, our chapter board members, donors, and volunteers.

Pratham USA seeks a Senior Development Associate to play a strategic administrative role in advancing the organization’s fundraising operations in furtherance of its charitable mission. This position is responsible for planning, analyzing, and directing fundraising strategy and development operations for the NY-TriState Chapter and exercises independent judgment on matters of significance affecting organizational revenue and effectiveness.

Impact Areas 

The Senior Development Associate serves as a key strategic partner to regional leadership and chapter boards, with responsibility for developing and implementing fundraising strategy, establishing development processes, and advising on donor and corporate engagement initiatives. The role operates with a high degree of autonomy and discretion and is not limited to logistical or administrative support functions.

Chapter Strategy & Fundraising Operations

• Support the Associate Director (AD) of the NY Tri-State Chapter and team with all chapter-related activities, including chapter planning, analysis, and target setting, along with quarterly Board meetings.
• Plan, direct, and oversee chapter-level fundraising initiatives, including the annual fall NYC Gala and local salons and meetings, by setting strategy, revenue targets, donor engagement priorities, and coordination frameworks, while working collaboratively with the national events and development teams on execution.
• Collaborate closely with the Associate Director on chapter planning, analysis, target setting, and evaluation of fundraising performance across major initiatives and campaigns.
• Analyze fundraising performance, donor trends, and revenue outcomes across events, donor segments, and initiatives, and make recommendations regarding targets, allocation of effort, and strategic adjustments.
• Advise chapter leadership and board members on fundraising goals, performance metrics, and operational improvements.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration with development, marketing, events, and operations teams to ensure fundraising initiatives align with organizational priorities and revenue goals.

Event Leadership

• Plan and execute Pratham’s flagship NYC Gala in the Fall alongside the NY chapter team. Collaborate across internal teams (events, marcomm, IT, etc) and externally with the Gala committees to ensure a smooth experience for guests.
• Work closely with the Associate Director to plan and execute other chapter cultivation and stewardship events throughout the year. Manage event logistics, guest coordination, volunteer management, and post-event logistics.
• Set strategy and priorities for chapter initiatives, including Readathon and the Young Professionals board (incorporated in 2025), by working collaboratively with the Senior Associate of Community Engagement to establish and refine processes, monitor participation and outcomes, and track performance of events and board meetings for planning and reporting purposes.
• Serve as primary lead for chapter initiatives such as Readathon and Young Professionals. Collaborate with the national marketing and communications team for chapter social media and website content, event marketing materials, etc.

Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management

• Lead donor management for Mid-Level donors ($1,000-$9,000) in the NY Tri-State region, with guidance from the Associate Director and support from the development and marcom team.
• Oversee donor portfolio strategy for mid-level donors ($1,000–$9,000) in the NYTriState Chapter, including determining cultivation approaches, stewardship priorities, and growth strategies.
• Develop and direct corporate engagement strategy for the Chapter, including expanding corporate relationships beyond gala sponsorships through ERGs, volunteer initiatives, and relationship-based engagement models.
• Strategize with the Associate Director and the corporate team to grow Corporate engagement in the Chapter. Support the expansion of Corporate accounts beyond Gala sponsorships through ERG groups and volunteer activities.

Communications & Collaboration

• Collaborate with the national marketing and communications team for chapter social media and website content, event marketing materials, etc.
• Collaborate with the national marketing and communications team to guide chapter social media presence, website content, and event marketing materials in support of fundraising strategy and donor engagement objectives.

Special Projects & Travel

• Deliver on special projects and campaigns as needed.
• The role will involve regional travel with evening and weekend work schedules based on need.
• Participate in regional travel and attend evening and weekend events as required, consistent with the strategic oversight and leadership responsibilities of the role.

• Bachelor's degree
• Minimum 2-5 years' experience working in fundraising
• Strong project management experience
• Superior interpersonal skills
• Passionate about education and fundraising, demonstrated empathy for international development and diverse cultures
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully across diverse cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives in a collaborative environment
• Motivated self-starter who can think critically and solve challenges creatively
• Excellent presentation, written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of Salesforce preferred, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google applications required
• Ability to work effectively in a results-oriented team environment and meet established deadlines
• Able to work with minimal supervision as well as part of a team
• Able to work effectively with volunteers

Attributes for Success

• Strategic thinker with strong execution and accountability.
• Confident, empathetic relationship builder comfortable making direct asks.
• Collaborative team player who shares information, seeks feedback, and contributes to collective goals.

This full-time, exempt position offers competitive compensation and benefits aligned with the U.S. social impact sector. Salary: $65,000–$100,000 (commensurate with experience and location) plus medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer 401(k) match; paid time off; and additional standard benefits.

To Apply

Pratham has engaged Charity Search Group to manage the recruitment process for this position. To apply, kindly submit your application through the provided link. For inquiries or accommodation needs during the application process, please reach out to Orlisha Fox at Orlisha@charitysearchgroup.com or visit www.charitysearchgroup.com.

Pratham USA  is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.  We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.