Development Assistant

Job Title: Development Assistant

Location: UCD Belfield Campus, Dublin (Hybrid — up to 2 days WFH)

Contract: 3-Year Fixed-Term Contract

Salary: €30,000 p.a.

About the Role

Are you an organised, proactive individual with a passion for fundraising and non-profit operations?

UCD Foundation is recruiting a Development Assistant to join our team in supporting major giving, trust, and foundation fundraising across the university. Reporting to the Director of Development, this hands-on support role directly contributes to the success of our fundraising campaigns, helping secure funding for transformational projects at UCD.

This is a brilliant opportunity to build transferable skills across proposal writing, prospect research, events co-ordination, and stewardship within a warm and collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Trusts & Foundations: Identify and research prospective foundations, assist with crafting high-quality funding proposals, track application pipelines, and support funder stewardship.
• Major Gifts Support: Assist in drafting clear, visually appealing donor reports and funding proposals, sourcing content from colleagues across UCD.
• Prospect Research & Outreach: Serve as a desk-based fundraiser, carrying out cold calls to qualify potential donor prospects.
• Event Co-ordination: Manage invitations and logistics for donor cultivation and stewardship events, such as breakfasts, receptions, and dinners (both in-person and virtual).
• Database Management: Keep donor and prospect records up to date in our CRM database.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: Background in administration, sales, communications, marketing, events, or non-profit work. Prior experience in fundraising or working with major donors is a clear advantage, though not strictly required.
• Skills: Excellent organisational, administrative, and research skills, along with strong MS Office proficiency.
• Communication: Exceptional written communication, editing/proofreading skills, and a warm, customer-service-focused approach.
• Mindset: Enthusiastic, collaborative, and adaptable under tight deadlines, with an ability to multitask in a busy team.

What We Offer

• Generous benefits package including 21 days annual leave plus additional closure days (e.g., Christmas, Good Friday).
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Hybrid working model (typically 3 days on-site / 2 days remote) + up to 2 weeks remote working abroad annually.
• Reduced employee rates at UCD Sports & Fitness, Cycle-to-Work scheme, and access to professional body memberships (CASE, Charities Institute Ireland).

How to Apply

To view the full job specification and details on how to apply, visit our careers page: https://www.ucdfoundation.ie/about-us/our-careers/

Closing Date: Friday, 18th September 2026 at 5:30 PM

• (Note: Applicants must hold the pre-existing right to work full-time in Ireland at the time of application.)