Fund Development Associate

Fund Development AssociateCommunities 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.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 ResponsibilitiesFundraising SupportSupport individual, corporate, and foundation fundraising efforts through research, coordination, and follow upAssist with annual giving campaigns, sponsorship outreach, and donor engagement initiativesPrepare donor materials, including solicitation letters, proposals, acknowledgments, and stewardship communicationsSupport board and leadership fundraising activities as assignedDonor Database and Raiser's Edge ManagementMaintain accurate and up-to-date donor records in Raiser's EdgeProcess and track gifts, pledges, and in kind contributions in accordance with CFI policiesGenerate donor reports, mailing lists, dashboards, and fundraising activity summariesEnsure timely and accurate gift acknowledgments and donor recognitionMaintain confidentiality and data integrity at all timesEvent CoordinationCoordinate logistics for fundraising, donor, and community engagement eventsSupport event planning timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, and volunteer supportManage event registration, RSVP tracking, and attendee communicationsAssist with onsite event execution, including set up and tear downSupport post-event follow-up, donor thank yous, and reportingStewardship and Donor EngagementAssist with donor stewardship activities to strengthen relationships and retentionCoordinate donor recognition efforts, including thank you letters, reports, and eventsRespond to donor inquiries and requests in a timely and professional mannerSupport the development of donor engagement materials and impact reportingCross-Functional CollaborationWork closely with Marketing and Communications to support event promotion and donor communicationsCoordinate with Finance to ensure accurate reconciliation of donations and event revenueCollaborate with Program staff to gather stories, outcomes, and impact data for donor communicationsProvide administrative and project support to Development leadership as neededOther ResponsibilitiesMaintain awareness of fundraising best practices and nonprofit trendsSupport special projects and initiatives as assignedOther duties as assignedEducation and ExperienceBachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, marketing, or related field preferredOne to three years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, or donor relationsExperience coordinating events in a nonprofit or mission driven environment preferredExperience working with donor databases required; Raiser's Edge experience strongly preferredRequired Knowledge, Skills, and AbilitiesProficiency in Raiser's Edge or similar donor management systemsStrong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPointAbility to manage multiple priorities and deadlinesStrong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detailAbility to work collaboratively across departmentsProfessional discretion and ability to handle confidential informationCustomer service-oriented mindset with a donor-centered approachFlexibility to support occasional evening or weekend eventsCore CompetenciesCustomer serviceOrganization and time managementAttention to detailTeamwork and collaborationCommunicationData accuracy and reportingInitiative and follow-throughAdaptability and flexibilityCommitment to mission-driven workPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift up to 25 poundsAbility to stand, walk, and move for extended periods during eventsAbility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required by eventsEqual Employment Opportunity & ADA ComplianceCommunities 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.