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.