What are the responsibilities and job description for the Fund Development Associate position at Child Care Network?
Child Care Network is seeking a self-motivated and passionate individual to fill a newly created development position as we launch our All in for CCN! campaign. The Development Associate will be a strategic fundraising partner and will report to the Finance and Operations Director as a valued member of the CCN Operations Team. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal skills and possess knowledge of the following areas: fundraising, donor relations, stewardship, communications, grant writing, and event planning. This position requires some travel within the eight-county region of Child Care Network (i.e., Washtenaw, Branch, Genesee, Hillsdale, Jackson Lenawee, Livingston, and Monroe) and may occasionally require evening and/or weekend hours. This is a tremendous opportunity for a fundraising expert to develop and grow a robust fund development program to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact organization.
Responsibilities
Essential Functions:
• Exude positive energy and enthusiasm and embrace the mission of Child Care Network.
• Work closely with the Director of Finance and Operations to develop fundraising strategies and goals and deepen and expand relationships with donors.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising plan to meet the organization’s annual revenue goals.
• Identify and cultivate new community-level and major gift prospects, as well as build corporate and private foundation support, to obtain financial funding for CCN programs, initiatives, and administration.
• Partner with the Board of Directors and Executive Director to reach potential donors.
• Collaborate with the Communications Team to develop and execute effective donor communications and marketing materials that clearly illustrate the impact of giving.
• Monitor and analyze fundraising data to evaluate performance and adjust strategies as needed.
• Research and assess special events that engage donors to raise funds for the organization.
• Provide education and training to CCN staff to reinforce the value of fundraising to the organization and to involve employees in fund development efforts.
• Complete 16 hours of professional development annually to further develop and refine skills.
Required Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
*Research shows that people from communities of color, women, and other marginalized groups often only apply to positions if they completely meet all qualifications. Racially/ethnically diverse individuals and women with lived experience, who may not meet all stated qualifications, are encouraged to apply.
• Bachelor's degree.
• 3-5 years of professional work experience.
• Experience in nonprofit fundraising, or equivalent, with a proven track record of success.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write compelling donor communications and marketing materials.
• Strong relationship-building skills, including the ability to ask questions, listen sincerely and effectively, and make inferences that help you understand a donor’s motivation.
• Be politely persistent and comfortable managing difficult discussions about giving.
• Be goal-oriented, motivated by achieving individual and group fundraising goals.
• Familiarity with donor databases and the ability to analyze data to inform moves management.
• Familiarity with policies and procedures required to accept gifts other than cash (e.g., stocks, donor advised funds, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and Board members.
• Capacity to work independently in a self-directed manner.
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement.
• Possess a deep commitment to the mission and values of our organization.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Desired Personal Characteristics:
• Trustworthy and reliable.
• Ability to build trusting relationships.
• Self-motivated, positive, and enjoys learning.
• Believes that “fun” is part of the work experience.