Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management Assistant

Organization Background 

The Bald Head Island Conservancy (BHIC), founded in 1983, is a nonprofit organization with a mission to discover, learn, conserve, and preserve the natural environments of barrier islands. Located on Bald Head Island, NC, BHIC is recognized for its nationally acclaimed Sea Turtle Protection Program, as well as its engaging environmental education programs and conservation research. At its core, BHIC works to inspire people to live in harmony with nature.

Description

BHIC is seeking a Philanthropy and Nonprofit Management Assistant to join our team. This is a full-time, entry-level position designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience for recent college or graduate school graduates and early-career professionals.

The Assistant will play an important role in supporting the Conservancy’s fundraising and stewardship efforts while building skills that serve as a strong foundation for a career in nonprofit leadership, development/fundraising, communications, project management, or environmental philanthropy. The position includes the unique opportunity to live and work on a barrier island only accessible by ferry, with the primary form of transportation being golf carts.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in growing the Conservancy’s membership program by managing renewals, acknowledgments, and communications with the goal of strengthening engagement and long-term retention. 
• Analyze donor and membership data to identify trends and drive strategies that improve donor retention and acquisition.
• Maintain accurate donor records in eTapestry database, including data entry, reporting, and auditing.
• Design and implement data management systems that integrate information across multiple platforms, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and efficiency (e.g. eTapestry, Eventbrite, QuickBooks, Mailchimp). 
• Advance business partnerships and sponsorships by preparing proposals, tracking deliverables, and contributing to stewardship strategies that highlight mission impact.
• Develop, schedule, and assess philanthropy-focused communications across email, web, and social media platforms in partnership with the Marketing team.
• Support and refine fundraising events, from planning through evaluation, with attention to impact, efficiency, and donor experience.
• Coordinate and mentor summer interns within the Philanthropy Department, providing direction and feedback. 
• Collaborate with other departments to promote a culture of philanthropy across the Conservancy.
• Serve as an informed ambassador for the Conservancy, representing programs and initiatives to donors, partners, and the broader community.
• Demonstrate professionalism and stewardship in daily responsibilities, upholding high standards in interactions and care for Conservancy facilities and properties.

Qualifications/Attributes

• Recent college or graduate school graduate with a degree in public administration, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, business, environmental studies, or related field.
• Interest in pursuing a career in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, communications, or related fields.
• Eagerness to learn about nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy in practice.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; comfortable interacting with diverse audiences.
• Experience (paid, volunteer, or academic) in nonprofit operations, fundraising, event planning, project management, marketing, communications, and/or customer service.
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficiency with Google Suite; familiarity with donor databases, Canva, or eTapestry Database a plus.
• Ability to work and live with a diverse group of people, communicate directly and effectively, and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Self-directed, resourceful, and eager to learn about nonprofit fundraising and philanthropy.
• Must be authorized to work in the US, possess a valid driver’s license, be able to lift 40 lbs, and pass a background check.

Details

This position will run from March 2, 2026 – December 11, 2026, with an anticipated start date of March 1, 2026. BHIC’s office is open from 8:30 am – 5 pm daily. This position will primarily work during these hours, with occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays required to support events and donor activities. The average workweek is 40–50 hours, with 2 days off per week.

Compensation

Assistants will receive a stipend of $1,200 per month (pre-tax). Also provided are shared living quarters in the BHIC field house, utilities including wireless internet, parking for a vehicle at the Deep Point Marina, and a weekly ferry ticket for trips between the island and the mainland.

How to Apply

Email a cover letter, resume, and list of 3 references as 1 PDF to Kaitlin O’Toole at kaitlin@bhic.org. In the email header, please write “Philanthropy Assistant.”  Direct questions to Kaitlin O’Toole, Philanthropy Specialist, at kaitlin@bhic.org.