Philanthropy Specialist

VERMONT COMMUNITY FOUNDATION • Middlebury, VT

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vermont Community Foundation (VCF) is seeking a Philanthropy Specialist to support its Philanthropy team in asset development, stewardship, and administrative functions. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented administrator with strong organizational and customer service skills, capable of multitasking effectively. Responsibilities include general office duties like answering phones and emails, coordinating mailings, and scheduling meetings, as well as development-related tasks such as event planning (both in-person and virtual), drafting communications, taking meeting notes, and tracking follow-up actions. The position also requires proficiency in using technology systems for data entry and reporting. This role offers a collaborative environment with opportunities for independent work across a diverse range of responsibilities.

Requirements

• Solid organizational skills and a problem-solving mindset.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and balance workload effectively.
• Strong technology skills and experience with customer data administration.
• Interest in and aptitude for data analytics and research.
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated qualities of a collaborative team player.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage responsibilities proactively.
• Professional integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality.
• Minimum of three years of administrative, development, or client service experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, communications, business, public administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Enthusiasm for emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools that enhance research, strategy, and donor communications.

Responsibilities

• Provide customer service for donors and fundholders, including answering questions, triaging inquiries from high-net-worth clients, and offering support for the VCF donor portal.
• Perform administrative tasks such as pulling donor, fundraising, and gift reports; organizing and ordering materials; opening and sorting mail; capturing meeting minutes; logging contact notes; and tracking outreach and engagement activities.
• Act as a superuser for the donor database (Salesforce CRM), ensuring accurate data entry, validation, error identification, and reporting to support stewardship, communications, and reporting efforts.
• Collaborate with the philanthropic advising team on asset development and fundraising, including preparing stewardship materials, scheduling fundraising appeals, coordinating proposals and grant reports, and assisting with newsletters and emails.
• Provide logistical support for events such as professional advisor gatherings, house parties, and council meetings, including managing invitations, coordinating with venues, and engaging participants.
• Conduct research and analysis on nonprofits for grant opportunities and on fundholders for engagement and prospecting.
• Offer backup support and cross-training in gift processing and fund administration as part of an integrated team.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level