Fundraising Assistant - Full Time, Non Exempt, Oakland, CA

The Salvation Army Mission Statement:

The Alameda County Salvation Army serves those suffering in our community, providing transformational programs and services providing a Way Out of poverty, addiction, and homelessness. These include: a family shelter for those experiencing homelessness, allowing families to stay together as they build towards regaining self-sufficiency; an early-childhood center offering free preschool for low-income families; meals and activities for seniors; workforce development providing training in nursing and construction careers to help those escaping poverty, addiction or homelessness; after school programs for low-income children; food distribution for low-income families; day services for those experiencing homelessness; and more!

BASIC PURPOSE:

The Fundraising Assistant provides essential support in securing and administrating the financial resources that make our programs possible. The position reports to the Alameda County Chief Executive Officer, helping to foster positive relationships with donors, Advisory Board members, staff, and the community. This role encompasses administrative tasks, logistics coordination, managing data systems, producing marketing materials, and engaging in special projects, including preparations for an upcoming Capital Campaign that will expand our capacity to serve more in need.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donation Management:

1. Provide confidential office support for the Chief Executive Officer, demonstrating professionalism and friendliness in interactions with donors, staff, Advisory Board, and the community.
2. Proficiently work with various databases, including Salvation Army-specific systems, and conduct internet research as needed.
3. Execute donor acknowledgments, letters, and communications with excellent grammar, typing accuracy, and meticulous record-keeping.
4. Utilize Publisher and other programs to create marketing materials in collaboration with staff for effective donors, Salvation Army officers, and community engagement.
5. Manage special projects, such as events, tours, and Capital Campaign preparations, working with professionals like architects when necessary.
6. Accurately track pledges, contacts, and donor acknowledgments during the Capital Campaign, occasionally conducting research and interacting with Board members. Some evening and weekend support may be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

1. Friendly and professional demeanor, with quick and appropriate response to requests.
2. Motivated individual eager to learn and advance skills.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to follow instructions.
4. Strong ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.
5. Proficiency in Word (Mail Merge), Excel, Outlook, and Microsoft Publisher or similar programs.
6. Detail-oriented, organized, and deadline-driven team player.
7. Ability to learn and accurately work with Salvation Army-specific software programs after training.
8. Must maintain a reliable work schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1. Preferred experience in fundraising, campaigns, donor relations, or related fields.
2. Experience working with and maintaining databases.
3. Familiarity with Adobe, Acrobat, Photoshop, or related programs is advantageous.
4. Must be 21 years or older.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.