Virtual Assistant for Nonprofits (Remote)

Job overview

Lighthouse Virtual Staffing is advertising a remote Virtual Assistant for Nonprofits opportunity for someone who wants to support the work behind charitable programs and community initiatives. Rather than focusing on online-store tasks or general support for any type of client, this role centers on the careful coordination that helps nonprofit teams maintain donor relationships, organize fundraising, prepare grant materials, and keep their daily operations on track.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. The role is remote across multiple U.S. states; the exact assignment, working hours, and any state-specific eligibility should be confirmed during the hiring process.

No previous nonprofit or virtual assistant experience is required. Paid training introduces the workflows and systems used on the assignment. This may be a fit for career changers, recent graduates, nonprofit volunteers, and people who care about social impact or philanthropy and bring strong organization, considerate communication, and a willingness to learn.

What you'll do

• Manage an executive director’s inbox and calendar, organize requests, and flag time-sensitive messages.
• Prepare donor acknowledgments and help keep donor communications warm, accurate, and professional.
• Update donor profiles, contact history, gifts, pledges, and recurring donations in a nonprofit CRM.
• Learn and use platforms such as Bloomerang, Little Green Light, or Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP), depending on the assignment.
• Help coordinate fundraising campaigns, galas, auctions, community events, and sponsor follow-up.
• Assist with grant applications, supporting documents, deadlines, and reports under appropriate supervision.
• Coordinate schedules and practical details with volunteers, board members, community partners, and sponsors.
• Prepare or schedule email newsletters and social media updates using the organization’s approved messaging.
• Maintain grant calendars, donation trackers, program documentation, board materials, meeting minutes, and impact reports.
• Handle correspondence and other administrative tasks that keep the team’s work organized.

How the work may flow

Tasks vary by organization and by the calendar of campaigns, grant deadlines, and events. A normal workday might begin by checking the executive director’s calendar and inbox, then move to recording gifts, preparing thank-you messages, updating a grant deadline tracker, and confirming volunteer or event details. Before sending donor communications or grant materials, you may check names, amounts, dates, and supporting records for accuracy and route drafts to the appropriate person for approval.

Required qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• No prior nonprofit or virtual assistant experience required; paid training is provided.
• Strong written English and a warm, professional tone for donor-facing communication.
• Good organization, calendar management, follow-through, and ability to prioritize several tasks.
• Attention to detail when entering donor information, tracking gifts, and maintaining grant records.
• Ability to treat donor details and financial information as confidential and follow access and approval procedures.
• Comfort using Google Workspace or Microsoft 365, or willingness to learn the tools used by the team.
• Willingness to learn nonprofit CRM workflows such as Bloomerang, Little Green Light, or Salesforce NPSP.
• Reliable internet, a quiet workspace, and ability to work independently during agreed business hours.

Preferred qualifications

• Previous administrative, virtual assistant, nonprofit, or volunteer experience.
• Familiarity with donor databases, donor acknowledgments, grants, fundraising, or donation tracking.
• Experience coordinating events, volunteers, board meetings, or community partnerships.
• Comfort with Canva, Mailchimp, or similar communications tools.
• Spanish/English bilingual communication skills.
• Interest in social impact, philanthropy, community programs, or charitable work.

Pay and benefits

The advertised pay range is $16–$24 per hour, based on experience and organization size. Entry-level candidates typically start near the lower end of the range. Some assignments may include bonuses connected to fundraising goals or grant wins; these are not guaranteed and should be confirmed for the specific assignment.

Remote-work setup and confidentiality

You will need a dependable internet connection, a computer capable of running common browser-based office and CRM tools, and a quiet workspace for focused administrative work. Specific equipment and any reimbursement or provision arrangements depend on the assignment. Because donor and financial records can be sensitive, use approved systems, protect login details, avoid sharing records outside authorized channels, and follow the organization’s privacy and data-handling procedures.

Application process

Frequently asked questions

Do I need previous nonprofit or virtual assistant experience?

No. Prior nonprofit and VA experience are not required. Paid training is provided. You should be ready to learn the organization’s processes and demonstrate reliability, organization, discretion, and strong written communication.

Which nonprofit CRM will I use?

The platform depends on the assignment. Examples include Bloomerang, Little Green Light, and Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP). You do not need to know all of them in advance; willingness to learn is important.

Will I write grants or manage fundraising independently?

You may help assemble grant applications and reports, maintain deadlines, track campaign activity, and coordinate events. Grant-related writing is described as supervised support, not a requirement to arrive as an experienced grant writer.

Do I need fundraising or donor-relations experience?

No. It is helpful but not required. A respectful tone, attention to names and gift details, and care with sensitive information are important because the role supports donor relationships.

What is the pay, and are bonuses guaranteed?

The stated range is $16–$24 per hour, based on experience and organization size. Entry-level candidates typically start near the lower end. Some assignments may offer bonuses linked to fundraising goals or grant wins, but bonuses are not guaranteed.

Can I work part-time or on contract?

Yes. The role may be full-time, part-time, or contract. Full-time schedules are typically around 40 hours per week, while part-time schedules are typically 20–25 hours. Confirm the exact contract, schedule, and time zone for the assignment.

Could there be evening or weekend work?

Some assignments may need occasional evening or weekend coverage for galas, auctions, community events, or fundraisers. Ask about expected frequency and notice during the interview.

What career paths could this experience support?

With additional experience and training, related paths may include Development Coordinator, Grants Manager, Operations Manager, or nonprofit leadership. Advancement is not automatic and depends on skills, experience, and available opportunities.

Does it cost anything to apply?

No. Do not pay an individual or company to submit an application or receive a job offer.

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