Development and Donor Services Associate Job Opening

JOB TITLE: DEVELOPMENT AND DONOR SERVICES ASSOCIATE

Reports to: VP for Development and Donor Services Status: Non-exempt, full-time

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Development and Donor Services Associate is responsible for providing exceptional customer service and donor stewardship for new and existing Community Foundation donors. This position works closely with the Vice President for Development and Donor Services to implement strategies to increase CFL's assets. The position focuses on building relationships with an assigned portfolio of current fund holders, cultivating relationships with prospective donors, and outreach to professional advisors and other key constituent groups to grow the Foundation’s assets and strengthen long-term relationships. This position also provides support for the Community Foundation's overall development efforts to build charitable assets, including assisting in development outreach efforts with residents, organizations, community groups and professional advisors. This staff position serves as the main liaison and primary point of contact for a portfolio of donors and provides comprehensive donor relationship management.

HOW TO APPLY

Email resume and cover letter to info@cf-lowcountry.org. No calls please.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS, PAY & BENEFITS

Job Type: Full-time

Reports to: VP for Development and Donor Services 

Education: Bachelor's degree required

Pay: $65,000.00 - $80,000.00 salary per year

Benefits: 403(b) matching; Dental insurance; Health insurance; Dental & Vision insurance; Flexible Spending Account; Life insurance; Paid Time Off.

Location/Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. This position is in-person at CFL's office located on Hilton Head Island. No remote work is offered. Strong preference is given to applicants that currently live in the area and have reliable transportation.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor and Prospect Development

• Collaborate with the VP for Development and Donor Services to develop and implement strategies for identifying, cultivating, and soliciting current and prospective donors for the establishment of new gifts, funds, and planned gifts.
• Manage a portfolio of assigned funds, donors, and prospects, focusing on deepening relationships that lead to new gifts, funds, and expanded partnerships.
• Identify and implement outreach efforts with local private foundations to develop partnerships, collaboration opportunities, and potential fund relationships.
• Conduct prospect research and maintain donor intelligence to inform cultivation strategies and strengthen development efforts.
• Support donor and prospect cultivation efforts by tracking relationship progress through a moves management process, maintaining pipeline data and generating reports that help to inform strategic priorities and overall development efforts.

Donor Stewardship and Engagement

• Work with VP for Development and Donor Services to implement the stewardship, engagement, and data management of the Foundation’s Legacy Society, through targeted outreach, in-person meetings, and personalized communications/updates on the Foundation’s work.
• Design and implement data-driven approaches to strengthen donor engagement, improve retention, and enhance outreach to diverse audiences and private foundations.
• Work with VP for Development and Donor Services to establish and implement benchmarks, processes, and reporting tools to evaluate/measure the success of donor outreach and stewardship efforts, and to inform ways to improve donor experiences and expectations.
• Assist in planning, implementing, and coordinating donor engagement events, educational programs, and other initiatives with key constituents that build strong community foundation relationships.
• Work with VP for Development and Donor Services, and Director of Marketing and Communications to coordinate CFL's annual campaign and other special fundraising initiatives as needed.

Professional Advisor Outreach

• Build and maintain relationships with professional advisors to serve as a trusted charitable planning resource for them and their clients.
• Collaborate with the VP for Development and Donor Services and the Director of Marketing and Communications to develop strategies, tools, and materials that engage and support professional advisors.
• Identify, educate, and secure new partnership relationships with potential investment firms through the Investment Partners Program.
• Educate professional advisors on the benefits of partnering with CFL through the Investment Partners Program; and inspire client referrals for the establishment of charitable funds.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Community Engagement

• Represent CFL at community events, speaking engagements, and professional gatherings.
• Participate in internal meetings and cross-functional committees as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience with increasing responsibility, in development, donor stewardship and cultivation, gift planning, financial services, or a related field.
• A self-starter with proven ability to build relationships, gain trust, and engage comfortably with a broad spectrum of donors, professional advisors, nonprofit partners, volunteer committees, and community leaders.
• Knowledge of planned giving, major gift solicitation, and donor engagement strategies preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal, customer service, and written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to individuals and large groups.
• Exceptional organizational skills and proven ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, with a creative and adaptable approach.
• Ability to listen and find connections between donor needs/interests and giving strategies.
• Strong technology skills, with proficiency in donor database platforms, spreadsheets, and other software tools; ability to analyze and report on data effectively.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and a professional, approachable demeanor.
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
• Demonstrated appreciation for philanthropy and the role of community foundations in strengthening communities.
• Commitment to ongoing training and professional development to maintain and improve current skills and knowledge.