Development Associate, Southern Ohio (Columbus, OH)

Development Associate

Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (FIDF) is a dynamic fundraising organization dedicated to transforming the lives of the brave men and women of the IDF Israel's future leaders and builders of society. We move fast, think big, and deliver results. Our team is made up of driven professionals who are personally motivated to make a real difference. If you're inspired by the opportunity to impact the lives of the IDF soldiers, support wounded veterans, uplift bereaved families, and bring hope to a population of diverse ethnicities, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, FIDF is for you!

FIDF is currently seeking a full-time Development Associate for the Southern Ohio Chapter which includes Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton ("Southern Ohio"), reporting to the Southern Ohio Chapter Director and the Ohio Chapter Executive Director, to support and expand the Chapter.

This role is centered on achieving results that align with the organization's broader vision and strategic fundraising goals. Success depends on taking initiative, maintaining a competitive drive, and staying focused on outcomes in a dynamic, ever-changing environment.

The role involves building strong rapport and relationships with individuals and groups, and requires an outgoing, poised, and persuasive communication style. Given the fast-paced environment, it's critical to learn quickly, adapt to changing conditions, and maintain flexibility.

The focus is on driving results, building meaningful relationships, and utilizing organizational systems to cultivate and steward gifts from individuals, foundations, and planned giving sources.

The Development Associate should have a sincere and genuine commitment to FIDF's mission of supporting the soldiers, families, and veterans of the IDF.

Key Responsibilities:

• Administrative Support: Provide comprehensive administrative support for Southern Ohio including managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and, as applicable, preparing agendas, taking minutes, and distributing notes and action items to ensure follow-through.
• Report Preparation: Assist in the preparation of fundraising reports, presentations, and other documents needed for meetings and strategic planning, ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
• Donor Communication: Draft and send thank-you letters, acknowledgment letters, and follow-up communications to donors, maintaining a warm and professional tone to strengthen relationships.
• Database Management: Help maintain and update the donor database, ensuring accurate records of contributions, donor interactions, and engagement history.
• Pledge Agreement Management: Support the back-end processing of pledge agreements, ensuring all necessary documentation is completed accurately and stored appropriately.
• Inventory Management: Maintain an inventory of fundraising materials and supplies, ensuring that all necessary resources are readily available for events and donor communications.
• Research and Data Entry: Conduct research as needed to support fundraising initiatives, including identifying potential donors and compiling relevant information for the development team.
• Logistical Support for Events: Work with South Ohio Chapter Director on planning, organizing, and executing fundraising events including coordinating logistics, volunteers, and promotional efforts to meet or exceed fundraising goals.
• Steward existing donors to enhance retention and drive growth.
• Collaborate with local lay leaders, providing guidance on prospect and donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts.
• Create and oversee peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns to engage supporters.

Key Performance Indicators:

• Fundraising goal to be established upon hire.
• Identify and secure new donors contributing $500 or more.
• Chapter data integrity to support decision making and prospect management
• Plan and execute events designed to raise awareness and engage supporters with ORG's mission.

Job Characteristics:

• Strong sense of urgency in achieving goals and managing multiple activities
• Results-oriented with a focus on innovative and creative problem-solving.
• Skilled in relationship-building to drive results.
• Ability to engage, persuade, and inspire commitment from others.
• Accountable for delivering measurable results.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college/university preferred
• Minimum 4 years sales or fundraising experience
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office 365 applications required and experience using CRM tools, with
• Raisers Edge experience preferred
• Experience using MS PowerPoint and creation of presentations for group and individual meetings
• Local travel required. Occasional evenings and Sundays required.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Early dismissal for Shabbat, 403b with employer matching, Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, FSA, Jewish and Federal paid holidays, sick days, and vacation.
• Compensation is commensurate with experience.

FIDF is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws.