Donor Engagement Coordinator

The Forward is seeking a motivated, resourceful, and detail-oriented Donor Engagement Coordinator to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Development, this role is crucial in supporting our fundraising and donor communication efforts. Key responsibilities include donor research, drafting grant proposals, event coordination, and expanding our reach through prospect identification and partnerships. The ideal candidate will have nonprofit development experience, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple tasks efficiently and simultaneously.

The Forward has experienced enormous transitions and growth over the past several years and the development team is focused on escalating our work to the next level. With a new team, new systems and a sharper focus, the team will continue the trajectory which has grown our contributed revenue by 80% in the last 4 years.

This individual will join a legacy organization with a strong brand and deep loyalties that has undergone an incredible transformation to an all-digital media outlet serving the Jewish community in a variety of ways. Founded in 1897, the Forward is the leading voice in American Jewish journalism and a platform for civil discourse on issues that divide us. We are an independent, reader-supported nonprofit 501(c)(3) that sees journalism as a public service and pillar of our democracy. While we began as a socialist Yiddish newspaper, our only ideology now is that of inquiry, and we aim to serve the full Jewish community.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Donor Communications

• Draft and manage donor communications, including outreach emails, newsletters, annual reports and event invitations, ensuring alignment with fundraising goals. ● Assist with writing grant proposals and reports for major donors and institutional funders. ● Collaborate with internal teams to create compelling donor communications and reach donors on multiple platforms.

Major Donor Prospecting, Cultivation, and Stewardship

• Assist in identifying, cultivating, and stewarding major donors, including foundations, corporations, and individuals.
• Contribute to the development of strategies to enhance donor contributions through targeted and personalized outreach.
• Conduct in-depth research using tools like DonorSearch and Salesforce to build detailed donor profiles, identify giving patterns, and assess capacity for future support.

Event Management

• Support the planning and execution of fundraising and friendraising events in key locations and virtual settings.
• Coordinate event logistics, including managing invitation and rsvp lists, prospect research, lookbooks, and post event follow-up communications.

Administrative and Data Support

• Ensure donor and foundation data is accurate and up-to-date in the Salesforce system. ● Generate and analyze donor and prospect lists and reports to identify trends, opportunities, and potential major donors for targeted outreach.
• Assist with organizing and coordinating the annual campaign and development calendar. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
• Minimum 2 years of nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment. ● Strong project management skills, with the ability to shift between tasks as needed. ● Proficient in computer systems, including donor databases (preferably Salesforce) and wealth screening software (preferably DonorSearch).
• Experience managing multiple time-sensitive projects independently and collaboratively. ● Passion for The Forward’s mission of independent Jewish journalism and community connection.
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends for events.
• Collaborative team player with strong listening and idea-generation skills. ● Strong interpersonal skills for relationship building and maintenance.
• Effective time management to meet deadlines.

Compensation:

Salary for this position, represented by the News Guild, is $52,000-$65,000 depending on experience. All employees are offered a full benefits package including health, dental, vision and life insurance; paid time off, including Jewish holidays; 401k with a matching after one year of service; Pre-tax commuter benefits, flexible spending account, short and long-term disability and life insurance.

Location:

This position is preferred NY-based (with 2-3 in-office days/per week), with occasional travel for key fundraising events.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in this position and relevant experience to jobs@forward.com, with the subject line: Donor Engagement Coordinator.

The Forward is an independent, reader-supported nonprofit committed to diversity, equity, inclusion and justice in our coverage, staffing and culture. The Forward is an equal opportunity

employer. We strongly encourage applications from all qualified individuals regardless of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age, disability or genetic information or any other status protected by law.