COMMUNITIES FIRST, INC
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr