Development & Donor Relations Assistant

Overview

California Community Foundation’s mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. We envision a future where all Angelenos have the opportunity to contribute to the productivity, health and well-being of our region. And we believe that our common fate will be determined by how successfully we improve the quality of life for all our residents. The impact we help create is of, by and for Los Angeles, because the community is our foundation.

CCF seeks to build a strong and diverse community. We strive to be an employer of choice – offering a competitive compensation package, development opportunities and a rewarding environment. CCF believes in equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or other protected status. We consider qualified applicants in a manner consistent with federal, state, and local laws. 

Position Summary

The Development and Donor Relations (DDR) Assistant works to provide administrative support to the external team. Responsibilities include support of development activities as it relates to relationship management with advisors, new business prospects, donors and nonprofit agencies; materials generation; event coordination, mailings and other special projects as assigned. This position is responsible for developing and strengthening relationships with donors, prospects and fund advisors by positively representing CCF and supporting external team members. This position requires an individual who can prioritize and multi-task while maintaining a high level of customer service among donors, advisors, prospects and grantees.

Major Responsibilities

• Administrative & Relationship Support: Provides administrative support to the external team which includes drafting correspondence, data entry, responding to voice or e-mail messages, meeting preparation and management, filing and scheduling. Prepares reports, collateral and materials for external team members to present and utilize in meetings. Confirms meeting dates, locations and all necessary logistics in advance of meetings. Works with external members to ensure meeting follow-up and action items are completed.
• Donor & Fund Operations: Provides proactive, responsive and comprehensive customer service to donors and funders with professionalism, timely attention to detail and coordination with other teams including Donor Relations, Grants Management, Programs and Accounting teams. Performs new fund set-up and produces new donor welcome materials. Includes customer service, timely attention to detail and coordination with other teams including Grants Management and Accounting. 
• Customer Service: Advocates for quality customer experience for donors in general and online through DonorConnect and other web portals. Audits database to ensure smooth operation of CCF’s customer service processes. Highly responsive to donor requests for information. As a member of the donor operations team, identifies needs for systemic adjustments to institute operational efficiencies and better serve donors.
• Database, Document Management & Reporting: Maintains the integrity of CCF electronic files and records. This includes ensuring that established protocols for entering, maintaining and changing information are followed. Also includes identifying, proposing and executing methods for optimal database management and record keeping.  Responsible for entering data in Raiser’s Edge that tracks individual team members’ progress against goals. This includes proposals, relationships, individual actions, biographical information, communication and philanthropic preferences. 
• Events: Provides support for CCF events, which includes project management support leading up to an event, invitee & rsvp lists, event registration, creation of name tags and collateral materials, onsite support, including greeting, set-up and breakdown.
• Research: Conducts research on prospective donors and advisors, using online and database research tools. Conducts nonprofit and issue area research for donors, including review of the nonprofit programming, nonprofit outreach, Form 990 review, and summarizing information to craft donor presentations.
• Mailings: Produces mailing lists. This includes invitations, letters and labels, quarterly statements, and other mailings as assigned. Oversees in house mailings. Works with marketing and communications staff to coordinate mailings with outside mail-house as necessary.
• Mission Orientation & Integration: Becomes familiar with the trends, challenges and solutions addressed in the foundation’s key areas of grantmaking. Stays current on developments affecting low-income and vulnerable populations in greater Los Angeles. Supports team members in their demonstration of mission orientation and integration by assisting with relationship management that promotes aligned giving. 
• General: As appropriate, assists other departments and works as a member of interdepartmental teams to ensure the effective and efficient operations of CCF. At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with supervisors and coworkers. Other duties as assigned, dependent on organizational needs and employee skills. 

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function assigned satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 4 years’ experience as an administrative professional, or equivalent experience, preferably at a nonprofit organization, and most preferably with client relations or sales experience, is required.
• Technical Skills: Internet competency and strong computer proficiency, including mastery of the Microsoft Office software suite and a familiarity with database software, is required. Minimum of three years’ experience with Blackbaud software, with a willingness and ability to learn appropriate database, spreadsheet and other computer programs.
• Project Management Skills: Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritize work and adjust to multiple demands. Demonstrated ability to follow tasks through to completion in a timely manner.
• Communication Skills: Excellent writing skills with the ability to write clear, Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communications skills. Superior and proven customer services skills, including experience in writing customer-oriented policy and procedure documents.  
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills: Ability to assess, compile and disseminate information and independently complete assignments is necessary. Self initiated ability to analyze and improve on development, operations and other systems.
• Community Knowledge: Knowledge of the Los Angeles County nonprofit community, government agencies, elected officials and civic leadership. Working knowledge of distinct geographies and diverse neighborhoods that make up the region. And experience in working effectively with diverse and broad-based community constituencies.
• Teamwork & General Skills: Ability to work well independently and as team member.  Ability to take initiative, and follow tasks through to completion.  Ability to lead a team toward CCF’s goals, leveraging each team member’s skill set.