Development Assistant

Are you curious about the world of philanthropy? Passionate about helping to make the world a better place? The Milwaukee Jewish Federation is looking for a highly organized self-starter to provide departmental coordination and support for our Chief Development Officer (CDO) and our Financial Resource Development (FRD) and Jewish Community Foundation (JCF) teams. This role blends a high level of professionalism and customer service with superior administrative and organizational skills.

About the role

Our ideal candidate is comfortable with technology, has strong communication skills, and is a champion multi-tasker. They will have the opportunity to coordinate and contribute to a variety of projects, including fundraising campaigns, donor engagement and stewardship, and major events, learning about fundraising and development from top to bottom while working in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordination of Departmental Activities
  • Work closely and effectively to keep the CDO well informed and prepared for upcoming meetings, commitments and responsibilities.
  • Assist in preparing materials for meetings, events, and volunteer training activities, including agendas and presentations.
  • Coordinate meetings with volunteer leaders, partners and donors, including calendaring, taking notes, and following up on action items.
  • Assist with managing annual campaign volunteers, including coordinating meetings, preparing correspondence and materials, tracking assignments, etc.
  • Assist with donor information in CRM database and prepare reports as needed.
  • Maintain the annual campaign calendar and department files.
  • Coordinate with Marketing to ensure FRD supplies are kept appropriately stocked.
• Donor Engagement & Portfolio Management
  • Manage relationships with a small, assigned portfolio of donors, including cultivating, stewarding and soliciting annual campaign contributions.
  • Assist in research of potential new donors and affinity group members and prepare dossiers to support engagement meetings.
• JCF Gifts Processing and Substantiation
  • Coordinate the acceptance and administration of all incoming JCF gifts.
  • Coordinate and execute donor correspondence.
  • Provide support to fundholders in using the Fund Portal.
  • Work closely with Business Services in the management of transactions and recordkeeping.
  • Provide assistance with the operation of grants, JCF Funds, statements, and scholarships.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Assist the Events Manager with event logistics, including planning, setup and cleanup, as needed.
  • Collaborate with the organization’s administrative staff to develop and execute administrative support process improvements.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years’ administrative support or project management experience preferred; fundraising experience a plus.
• Familiarity with and respect for Jewish community and culture.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to multitask and manage shifting priorities.
• Extremely accurate with above average attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to comfortably interact with all types of personalities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer service orientation, with ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with diplomacy and discretion.
• Ability to work independently and efficiently to support various functions within the Development team.
• Expert user of Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Power Point).
• Proficiency with customer/donor relationship management (CRM) databases.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Benefits

• Minimum of 10 vacation days and 7 personal days annually.
• 7 federal holidays plus 11–17 additional paid days off annually for Jewish holidays (varies by Hebrew calendar).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Employee assistance program.
• Paid parental leave.
• Health savings and flexible spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• 401K plan.

Pay

USD 50k–60k / year

Schedule

• Full-time position, minimum 38 hours per week.
• Typical office hours: Monday–Thursday, 8 am–5 pm, and Friday, 8 am–3 pm.
• Majority in-person, with remote option available 1–2 days per week.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.

Work Environment & Physical Demands

This position operates in a professional office environment with pleasant working conditions, good lighting and ventilation, and moderate noise level. This role frequently uses standard office equipment. There will be frequent computer usage requiring arm and hand dexterity as well as all vision abilities. This is primarily a sedentary role, however occasional filing and transport of meeting materials will be required, including the ability to lift and/or move up to 15–20 pounds, usually waist high.