Advancement Specialist

Under the leadership and direction of the Director of Mission Advancement, Advancement Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s growth and operational efficiency from a development and marketing lens. This position is responsible for social media content generation, website updates, eBlasts, coordinating development activities, managing administrative functions, and ensuring effective communication and documentation across teams. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and passionate about supporting organizational goals. 

This role not only upholds the mission and values of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes but also actively contributes to the overarching organizations success and department goals and objectives. Living Goodwill BLUE is required in all business aspects of the position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Donor Communications & Relationship Development (35%)

1. Produce accurate and timely gift acknowledgement letters through fundraising CRM.

1. Maintain customer relationship management database, contacts lists and networks, to facilitate the functioning of donor cultivation as well as outreach and education activities. Supports Advancement Staff with ongoing data integrity and data management.

1. Assist with storytelling and content development - garners relevant and impactful stories from staff, clients, and families for various communication tactics and target audiences.
2. Print and email newsletters. Designs and write articles in concert with the Development & Community Relations team. 

Social Media, Web & Brand Management (35%)

1. Execute creative and impactful social media content including video and photography centered on Goodwill programming, annual events, and advocacy.
2. Support annual events working in collaboration with Development & Community Relations department including event promotion and developing branded collateral as needed.
3. Maintains and updates agency website. Maintains and promotes Goodwill of the Finger Lakes using brand guidelines and graphic standards in the creation of internal and external printed pieces.  Serve as a brand steward by ensuring that GFL staff and volunteers are informed regarding the brand.
4. Serves as a liaison, along with ED of Mission Advancement, to outside vendors including marketing agencies, printers, website developers, advertising specialty firms, and others as needed. 

Administrative Support (15%)

1. Manage calendars, schedule meetings, and coordinate team logistics.
2. Handle correspondence, phone calls, and email communications as requested.
3. Maintain organized files, records, and documentation.
4. Prepare reports, presentations, and meeting agendas as needed.

Community Outreach & Education (10%)

1. Develop culturally appropriate materials to reach individuals who may not be aware of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes services including referral agencies, families and/or individuals. Create ways to engage constituents and address stigma.
2. Plan and/or participate in Goodwill community relations events such as open houses, ribbon cutting ceremonies, community education activities and other special occasions.  Prepare materials for special events, annual meeting, health fairs, and other promotion of services.
3. Assist with agency tours and visits by donors, elected officials, and community leaders.
4. Collaborate with Advancement team to develop skill-based volunteer program for implementation across the agency; source and train volunteers for annual projects and events.
5. Create and maintain digital templates for use of agency staff related to program collateral and client communications. Provide training and support to administrative staff as needed.

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Assist with department clerical duties on occasion/as needed

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:  

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to demonstrate proficiency in meeting competencies required for position; able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodations.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Journalism, Communications, Health Education and/or Community Engagement and three to five years’ experience in public relations, marketing, and/or advertising, high level administration, or equivalent combination of education and related experiences required. Excellent writing, editing and communication skills required. 
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Comprehensive understanding of Microsoft 360 and tools to empower team collaboration.
• Experience with social media and strategies.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of fundraising best practices and trends.
• Proficiency in CRM software and data analysis tools.

Benefits:

• We offer a competive benefits package, including paid vacation, sick time, and business closures in addition to affordable health, dental and vision care options. For more information visit https://www.goodwillfingerlakes.org/careers/benefits

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

While performing the duties of this job the employee is usually working in a combination of a warehouse and retail store environment. At times this employee may be exposed to the outside environment. The noise in this environment will be moderate to loud. Is expected to periodically travel within Goodwill of the Finger Lakes territory. Occasional travel to other states or Goodwill territories as well. 

AVAILABILITY:

Must have open/flexible availability and be willing to work evenings & weekends. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing this job's duties, the employee is regularly required to sit or stand for extended periods of time and work extensively with computers. The employee will be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 5 – 20 pounds.  The employee needs to have reasonable mobility.