Philanthropic Services Associate

Berkshire Taconic is a highly professional, energetic nonprofit dedicated to building stronger communities and a better quality of life for all residents in Berkshire County, MA, Columbia County, NY, northeast Dutchess County, NY and northwest Litchfield County, CT.

Acting as an agent for positive change in the region since 1987, Berkshire Taconic manages $92 million through a growing collection of charitable funds created by individuals, families and businesses. Each year, the foundation distributes over $7 million through grants and scholarships for programs in the arts and education, health and human services and environmental protection, helping thousands of donors achieve their philanthropic goals and hundreds of nonprofits carry on their good work. Berkshire Taconic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity.

Position Overview:

Berkshire Taconic seeks a full-time Philanthropic Services Associate. This position will support the work of the Director of Philanthropic Services in growing philanthropy throughout the Berkshire Taconic region by engaging individuals and families in charitable work through the Foundation.

Responsibilities:

The Philanthropic Services Associate is responsible for the administrative functions of the department and will support the work of the Director of Philanthropic Services.

Organizational:

• Act as the organizational center for the Philanthropic Services department
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Philanthropic Services
• Manage and maintain the FIMS database, use the database to generate mailing lists, reports and other information that supports the Foundation's work
• Meeting support, including scheduling, drafting agendas, distributing materials, taking notes and drafting minutes

• Other related duties as assigned

Philanthropic Stewardship:

• Maintain records of donors and fund holders and provide reports to staff as needed
• Update records and mailing lists
• Prepare notes or letters to donors and fund holders as requested
• Prepare materials for meetings with fundholders and potential donors
• Provide high quality experience for all donors and fund holders with whom contact is made by phone, email or in correspondence
• Research potential donors as requested

Event support:

• Attend meetings to help plan fundraising and donor cultivation events
• Organize details of events (draft invitations, oversee printing and distribution, develop guest lists, track responses, secure venue and attendance details, draft programs, arrange for caterers, parking, etc) with Director of Philanthropic Services
• Assist in follow up with donors, hosts and attendees

Fundraising:

• Schedule and draft direct mail fundraising letters, secure approvals from appropriate staff and signatories
• Coordinate all aspects of mailing (list selection, mail merges, reply envelopes, inserts, letterhead, etc.) and track responses
• Proof read all material and correspondence
• Draft grant applications as requested, submit and provide all follow up and reporting

Reports to:

Director of Philanthropic Services

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree required

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of office administrative work. Supporting development in a nonprofit organization a plus.

Qualifications:

• Personal commitment to the mission, goals and values of Berkshire Taconic
• Ability to learn quickly and work in a challenging, entrepreneurial environment
• Ability to work both independently and in collaboration with colleagues
• Ability to effectively handle sensitive and confidential information with maturity and discretion.
• Ability to use good professional judgment and apply the Foundation's values in decision making and problem solving

Required Skills:

• Strong computer skills, especially with databases
• Excellent research, and writing skills
• Interpersonal skills and ability to work with a wide range of people
• Attention to detail and respect for accuracy
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to prioritize, schedule, meet deadlines and follow through multiple tasks
• Strong customer service orientation; friendly

Personal Characteristics:

• Strong Project Manager: You are able to juggle multiple tasks, allocate and optimize resources and manage timelines. Attention to detail is one of your strengths.
• Collaborative Work Style: You share information and coordinate effectively at all levels throughout the organization. You work cooperatively, are able to seek out relevant information, decide on appropriate next steps, and know when to seek guidance.
• Problem Solver: You have a solid combination of strategic and tactical thinking that enables you to solve problems and overcome challenges creatively and effectively. You have a can-do attitude.
• Organizational Agility: Our culture is one where we interact with each other on a nonhierarchical basis; you communicate and coordinate effectively at every level.
• Accountable: You own your responsibilities, are impeccable with your word and consistent with your follow through.
• Active Listener: You solicit input, listen to what is being said, share information when appropriate and welcome and respect others' points of view.
• Customer Focused: You are able to focus on the needs of our constituents and listen carefully to their concerns and ideas.

Conditions:

Ability to travel throughout Berkshire Taconic region as needed. This position will require some extended hours and weekend work.

Compensation: $34,000/year. Benefits include health, dental, long term disability and life insurance, employer contribution to a 403(b) plan.

To Apply:

Please submit a resume and a cover letter.

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.