Advancement Coordinator

AYA Youth Collective•Grand Rapids, MI

20h

About The Position

The Advancement Coordinator is directly responsible for engaging and inviting the community to participate with AYA through events, volunteerism, and fund development activities. They will successfully do so by: creating spaces for new and current donors to interact with AYA, coordinating the volunteer process and meal donations for AYA’s Drop-in Center, support cultivating current and new corporate sponsors, being hospitable to all prospective and active donors, and assisting in project managing AYA Events (such as the Coming Home Event, the Silent Auction, the AYA Golf Outing, and other community events). This person will have a detail-focused mind that enjoys collaborating in thought and strategy, enjoys being part of a team, thrives on creating experiences for donors and partners, and is motivated by working towards specific goals. Additionally, this person is responsible for creating and maintaining an environment that is welcoming, safe, and affirming to youth (ages 14-24) who are experiencing unsafe/unstable housing or are literally homeless.

Requirements

2+ years equivalent professional experience in event coordination + fundraising settings
Dedication to teamwork, professional development, and overall excellence
Detail-oriented with strong project management skills and a self-starter attitude
Basic understanding of the West Michigan nonprofit and donor landscapes and have a social and professional network to appropriately introduce partnerships with AYA
Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written) with diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to solve problems, analyze systems and data, and make suggestions for improvement
Ability to pass all background and driving checks
Possess a valid driver’s license
Flexibility for 10-20 non-traditional work hours per month (evenings and weekends)

Nice To Haves

Basic understanding of challenges for those who have experienced housing crisis, trauma and/or mental health/substance use issues.
Experience implementing large events
Experience seeking funding from donors and organizations
Experience working in databases
Marketing, business and/or sales experience

Responsibilities

Articulate and demonstrate the culture, mission, and goals of AYA among current and prospective donors and volunteers.
Cultivate and grow relationships with current and prospective donors of all kinds: monetary, in-kind, third-party donors, and more.
Serve as an internal liaison between AYA’s Programs Team and External Stakeholders, with an emphasis on volunteers. Help articulate the needs of AYA youth in Housing and Drop-in and then determine pathways to fulfill those needs.
Coordinate Group Volunteers by responding to requests, scheduling visits, and hosting volunteers.
Cultivate a meaningful volunteer experience for those visiting AYA and maintaining those relationships.
Articulate AYA’s vision and mission during volunteer events while also being hospitable and dignifying to guests, AYA staff, and youth.
Working closely with the Director of Advancement, assume responsibility for implementation and coordination of designated AYA events. This will include tours, community engagements, and organizational gatherings.
Cultivate positive long-term relationships with event stakeholders, especially committee members and sponsors, and seek to consistently improve event execution and revenues.
Coordinate the needs of AYA’s Program Team with donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
Secure and coordinate donated meals to AYA’s Drop-in Center.
Work with AYA’s program teams to facilitate needed items such as Welcome Kits for housing, holiday gifts for youth, and everyday basic need requests.
Cultivate relationships with designated corporate sponsors, coordinating with the VP of Advancement but assuming responsibility for ongoing engagement and relationship cultivation.
Create, execute, and continuously improve a strategy to grow corporate sponsors.
Engage new corporations and organizations in order to find meaningful ways for them to connect with AYA.
Support other initiatives, strategies and duties as assigned by Advancement Director and/or Executive Director.