At the Children’s Museum of Franklin, we believe that play changes lives — and so do the people who make it possible. Every day, hundreds of smiling faces walk through our doors to explore hands-on exhibits, spark imagination, and build connections. Behind every smile is a team member who makes this space run smoothly.
Community Engagement Associate
Location: 157 Cottage Street, Franklin, MA (on-site/hybrid)
Employment Type: Hourly
Pay Rate: $20 per hour
Schedule: Approximately 15 hours per week.
Position Summary
The Community Partnerships Associate supports the fundraising and community engagement efforts of Children’s Museum of Franklin by helping execute the strategic direction established by the Director of Development and Community Partnerships.
This entry-level position is ideal for an organized, outgoing, and motivated individual interested in gaining hands-on experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, community engagement, and special events.
While grounded in relationship building, the Community Partnerships Associate is primarily an execution-focused role. Responsibilities include supporting fundraising event logistics, generating new prospective partner and donor leads through outreach, coordinating ongoing stewardship activities, maintaining accurate donor and prospect information, and developing the foundational resources that help the development team work efficiently and effectively.
The Associate will work closely with the Director of Development and Community Partnerships and collaborate with staff across the Museum to help strengthen the network of individuals, businesses, and organizations that support the Museum’s mission and long-term sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Lead Generation
Execute prospecting and outreach efforts under the direction of the Director of Development and Community Partnerships.
Conduct high-volume outreach to area businesses and organizations through email, phone calls, mailings, and other channels to introduce opportunities to engage with and support the Museum.
Research and identify prospective corporate partners, event sponsors, donors, and community connections.
Maintain organized prospect lists and track outreach, responses, and appropriate next steps.
Help prepare introductory materials, mailings, and other resources used in donor and partner outreach.
Route promising leads and relationship-building opportunities to the Director of Development and Community Partnerships for cultivation and follow-up.
Support other fundraising campaigns and initiatives as assigned.
Donor & Partner Stewardship
Coordinate ongoing, low-touch stewardship efforts that help the Museum maintain meaningful connections with donors, sponsors, and community partners.
Prepare and coordinate donor mailings, acknowledgments, invitations, and other communications.
Assist with donor and sponsor recognition and fulfillment of partnership benefits.
Support the Director of Development and Community Partnerships with additional stewardship activities as needed, including helping to ensure donors and community partners receive timely, thoughtful, and accurate communications from the Museum.
Donor Data & Development Operations
Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor, prospect, sponsor, and community partner information within the Museum’s CRM.
Enter gifts, contact information, outreach activities, notes, and other development-related data as assigned.
Assist with maintaining mailing lists, prospect lists, sponsorship trackers, event records, and other foundational development resources.
Help ensure development records are organized, consistent, and accessible to support the collective work of the team.
Assist with pulling lists and preparing information for fundraising campaigns, events, stewardship, and outreach.
Support ongoing efforts to improve the organization and efficiency of the Museum’s development operations.
Fundraising Events
Provide hands-on logistical support for the Museum’s marquee fundraising events, including but not limited to:
Play Fore the Kids Charity Golf Classic
A Night at the Museum
Scary Scurry 5K & Fun Run
Responsibilities may include sponsor outreach and fulfillment, registration support, organizing event materials, coordinating mailings, supporting signage and recognition materials, tracking donations and sponsorships, event setup and breakdown, and other event logistics.
General & Organizational Support
Work collaboratively with Museum staff and volunteers to advance organizational priorities.
Participate in staff meetings, development planning, and event preparation as appropriate.
Be willing to jump in where needed in a growing, collaborative nonprofit environment.
Perform other duties as assigned, all in support of the health, wellbeing, and successful operations of Children’s Museum of Franklin.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree preferred, or equivalent combination of education, internship, volunteer, or professional experience.
2 years of professional experience; prior nonprofit or fundraising experience is welcomed but not required.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Comfortable making phone calls, sending introductory emails, and reaching out to individuals and businesses with whom the Museum does not yet have an established relationship.
Ability to manage repetitive and detail-oriented tasks while maintaining accuracy and enthusiasm.
Comfortable working with databases, spreadsheets, and digital tools; experience with a CRM is a plus but not required.
Ability to manage multiple assignments, meet deadlines, and follow through on tasks.
Collaborative, dependable, and willing to learn.
Ability to represent the Museum professionally and warmly in the community.
Availability for occasional evening and weekend events.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation will be commensurate with experience and determined by Museum
leadership, with guidance from the Board of Directors.
A collaborative, mission-driven workplace dedicated to serving children and families
This position may require occasional evening and weekend hours to support Museum programs, fundraising events, and community engagement activities. Flexible scheduling is provided when operationally appropriate.
This is a non-exempt, hourly position.
About the Children’s Museum of Franklin
The Children’s Museum of Franklin is a community-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving Franklin, MA and the surrounding region. We believe that play is integral to learning and development. Through interactive exhibits, educational programming, and shared experiences, we create opportunities for children and families to discover, imagine, and grow together through play and exploration.
The Children’s Museum of Franklin is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Museum’s core values are: Belonging, Joy, Curiosity, Connection, and Respect.