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 fordonor 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 ensureaccuratedonor 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

• Maintainaccurateand up-to-date donor records in Raiser’s Edge
• Process and track gifts, pledges, andin kindcontributionsin accordance withCFI policies
• Generate donor reports, mailing lists, dashboards, and fundraising activity summaries
• Ensuretimelyandaccurategift acknowledgments and donor recognition
• Maintain confidentiality and data integrity at all times

Event Coordination

• Coordinatelogisticsfor fundraising, donor, and community engagement events
• Support event planning timelines, budgets, vendor coordination, and volunteer support
• Manage event registration, RSVP tracking, and attendee communications
• Assistwithonsiteevent execution, including set up and tear down
• Support post-event follow-up, donor thankyous, 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 ina timelyand professional manner
• Support the development of donor engagement materials andimpactreporting

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Marketing and Communications to support event promotion and donor communications
• Coordinate with Finance to ensureaccuratereconciliation 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 Power Point
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional…