Development And Communications Assistant

Job Summary:

ACOF is a nonprofit affordable housing development corporation founded in 1988 with the goal of developing housing for individuals and families with special needs. Its mission is to end homelessness through the provision of quality permanent supportive housing for people with mental illness. ACOF’s values are Dignity, Excellence, Equity and Community.

Working with the Director of Fund Development and other members of the team, the Development & Communications Assistant will participate in all fundraising activities, donor relations, direct mail, digital appeals, and special events to enable the department to function at the highest level of efficiency and effectiveness. In addition, this role will also assist with maintaining ACOF’s online presence in the form of its website and social media platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:

FUND DEVELOPMENT

• Manage donor database, including, but not limited to, adding, maintaining and updating constituent records, running database reports, manage all communications within CRM.
• Process all gifts and charges into database.
• Cross-reference monthly donor finance reports with donor database reports.
• Draft donor communications (both direct mail and digital appeals) and maintain scheduling calendar.
• Prepare acknowledgement letters and other donor correspondence on a consistent schedule developed with Director of Fund Development.
• Conduct prospect research and prepare bios for donors in collaboration with development staff.
• Create and maintain stewardship lists and recommendations.
• Implement new software and technology as necessary.
• Maintain and expand understanding of donor management software with consistent training and online courses.

COMMUNICATIONS

• Assist in the creation of external messaging, including, fact sheets, web postings, press releases, invitations, articles, social media, correspondence, etc.
• Respond to requests for digital assets and other PR or communications information from press, foundations, or others.
• Maintain and organize digital assets, such as photos, videos, logos.
• Attend various ACOF and building related events to gather information and photography or work with Director of Fund Development to schedule photographer or videographer as necessary.
• The person in this position frequently communicates with donors, staff, and other stakeholders and must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.

SPECIAL EVENTS

• Assist in the planning and execution of events including annual fundraiser, ground breakings, grand openings, lectures and other donor stewardship events.
• Develop timeline and checklist of tasks associated with event and communicate all deadlines to team members.
• Outline the scope of the event, including time, date, location, and budget.
• With Director of Fund Development, scout and inspect event venues.
• Work with Director of Fund Development on the management of all logistics of all events, including vendor relationships, volunteer recruitment and management, Board member engagement, and event publicity and Communications.
• Work with vendors to get bids and determine best fits for the budget and goals of the event.
• Coordinate event logistics and services, including technology and equipment needed to run the event, food, drinks, transportation, lodging, and more.
• Work with Director of Fund Development to manage the budget and ensure the event stays within guidelines; ensure vendors are paid.

ADMINISTRATION

• Maintain departmental calendar including, but not limited to, special events, social media outreach, donor communications and acknowledgement, website, grant deadlines and reporting.
• Maintain meeting notes when necessary and follow up with participants as needed.
• Create and maintain boards and timelines on Monday.com.
• Create relevant spreadsheets and timelines for ongoing projects.
• Organize and maintain a system for Fund Development files on server.
• Print, mail and file donor letters and other communications.
• Work efficiently within established timelines and budgets.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director of Fund Development and CEO.

Basic Qualifications:

• 2+ years of relevant work experience in fundraising and event management including at least 1 year of donor database management
• At least 1 year of experience using Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop and other design programs.
• Knowledge of effective marketing and branding strategies and how to communicate to a broad audience.
• Proficiency in PC applications: Neon One CRM (or other CRM software), Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Microsoft Publisher and Internet navigation.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills; good public presentation skills.
• Demonstrated time management skills including the ability to juggle multiple goals and priorities, often under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a dynamic team, enthusiasm for team building.
• A sense of humor.
• Passion for ACOF's mission
• Access to personal vehicle to be used to conduct ACOF business.
• Ability to meet ACOFs insurance requirements.
• Must have valid California driver’s license.
• Must be able to operate a computer, personal automobile, and phone system. Must be able to move/lift items weighing at least 15 pounds.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us.