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 focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves. 

Job Summary: 

The Gifts Officer will play a pivotal role in fundraising efforts for Communities First, Inc. by cultivating relationships with donors, soliciting gifts, and maintaining donor relationships. The individual in this role will possess strong interpersonal skills, fundraising experience, and a deep understanding of donor interests and philanthropic interests.  

Essential Functions: 

• Identify and cultivate relationships with prospective donors 
• Develop personalized cultivation and solicitation strategies based on donors' interests 
• Generates gifts and other contributions through face-to-face meetings, phone calls, written documents, and other methods Steward donor relationships through regular communication, updates, and acknowledgment of their contributions 
• Recognize donors for their support through personalized thank-you letters, public recognition, and donor appreciation events 
• Ensure timely and accurate acknowledgment of gifts, including gift processing and donor recognition in accordance with CFI policies and procedures 
• Conduct prospect research to identify new potential donors and assess their philanthropic interests to build relationships between donors and CFI 
• Build and manage a pipeline of prospective donors, tracking interactions, cultivation activities, and solicitation opportunities 
• Collaborate with leadership to identify fundraising opportunities and engage donors in the organization's mission and programs 
• Ability to travel as needed 
• Assist with set up for events 
• Facilitate donor engagement opportunities 
• Collaborate with donors to develop and implement gift planning strategies for giving opportunities 
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor records, contact information, and gift documentation 
• Generate reports, dashboards, and analysis on fundraising performance, donor trends, and pipeline activity to inform decision-making and strategy development 

Education: 

• Bachelor's Degree or higher is required 

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience: 

• Three or more years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with a focus on gifts and donor relations 
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) and Adobe Acrobat 
• Possess strong work ethic and demonstrates initiative; shows commitment and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment 
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, establish trust, and inspire confidence with donors 
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate the organizations mission, impact and funding priorities 
• Familiarity with nonprofit fundraising best practices, ethical standards, and legal requirements related to giving and donor stewardship 
• Proficiency in donor management software  
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines 
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, with a passion for making a positive difference in the community 

Competencies: 

To perform the duties and functions of the role successfully, an individual should demonstrate and/or possess the following competencies: 

• Stellar customer service skills 
• High-energy 
• Self-starter 
• Interpersonal skills 
• Ability to speak and write clearly and concisely 
• Organizational skills 
• Teamwork 
• Ability to analyze, research, and interpret data 
• Maintain confidentiality 
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people 
• Flexibility 
• Detail Oriented 

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance: 

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated. 

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.