Fund Development Associate

Organization Overview  Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. CFI is committed to improving the quality of life for the individuals and communities it serves through strategic partnerships, sustainable development, and community centered investment.  Position Summary  The Fund Development Associate supports the execution of Communities First, Inc.'s fundraising and donor engagement efforts. This role is responsible for donor database management, event coordination, fundraising support, and stewardship activities that advance the organization’s development goals.  The Fund Development Associate works closely with Development leadership, Marketing and Communications, Finance, and Program teams to ensure accurate donor data, successful fundraising events, and a positive donor experience.  Essential Functions and Responsibilities  Fundraising Support  Support individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising efforts through research, coordination, and follow up  Assist with annual giving campaigns, sponsorship outreach, and donor engagement initiatives  Prepare donor materials, including solicitation letters, proposals, acknowledgments, and stewardship communications  Support board and leadership fundraising activities as assigned  Donor Database and Raiser’s Edge Management  Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in Raiser’s Edge  Process and track gifts, pledges, and in kind contributions in accordance with CFI policies  Generate donor reports, mailing lists, dashboards, and fundraising activity summaries  Ensure timely and accurate gift acknowledgments and donor recognition  Maintain confidentiality and data integrity at all times  Event Coordination  Coordinate logistics for fundraising, donor, and community engagement events  Support event planning timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, and volunteer support  Manage event registration, RSVP tracking, and attendee communications  Assist with onsite event execution, including set up and tear down  Support post-event follow-up, donor thank yous, and reporting  Stewardship and Donor Engagement  Assist with donor stewardship activities to strengthen relationships and retention  Coordinate donor recognition efforts, including thank you letters, reports, and events  Respond to donor inquiries and requests in a timely and professional manner  Support the development of donor engagement materials and impact reporting  Cross-Functional Collaboration  Work closely with Marketing and Communications to support event promotion and donor communications  Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate reconciliation of donations and event revenue  Collaborate with Program staff to gather stories, outcomes, and impact data for donor communications  Provide administrative and project support to Development leadership as needed  Other Responsibilities  Maintain awareness of fundraising best practices and nonprofit trends  Support special projects and initiatives as assigned  Other duties as assigned   Education and Experience  Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field preferred  One to three years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, or donor relations  Experience coordinating events in a nonprofit or mission driven environment preferred  Experience working with donor databases required; Raiser’s Edge experience strongly preferred  Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  Proficiency in Raiser’s Edge or similar donor management systems  Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines  Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail Ability to work collaboratively across departments  Professional discretion and ability to handle confidential information  Customer service-oriented mindset with a donor-centered approach  Flexibility to support occasional evening or weekend events  Core Competencies  Customer service  Organization and time management  Attention to detail  Teamwork and collaboration  Communication  Data accuracy and reporting  Initiative and follow-through  Adaptability and flexibility  Commitment to mission-driven work  Physical Requirements Ability to lift up to 25 pounds  Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods during events  Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by events  Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance  Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.   Disclaimer  Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.