Development Coordinator 

Status: Full Time 

Reports to: Vice President of Development 

Submit all inquiries and applications to: aluttrell@forestforward.org

Forest Forward is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization that partners with the community to drive equitable development, economic mobility, and improve outcomes for children, residents, and families of the South Dallas community. Forest Forward launched in 2021 and has experienced a wonderful period of growth and impact. 

Forest Forward is searching for a driven, passionate Development Coordinator to assist the development team in securing funding for Forest Forward Operations and Programs funding pipeline, the Forest Theater Capital Campaign, the Forest Forward Housing Capital Campaign and all additional funding needs. 

This entry-level position demands outstanding organization and communications skills. Candidates should be quick learners, ideally skilled in project management, content development, and cross-departmental coordination to ensure accurate donor database management, gift acknowledgment, stewardship and solicitations. Successful applicants for Development Coordinator will be detail-oriented team players with senses of humor and strong ethical centers. Most importantly, they will have a passion for making positive changes in the community. The ideal candidate will possess a record of being able to communicate effectively and efficiently, have strong writing and organizational skills, and be willing to dive into all aspects of fundraising and grow within the role. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with all aspects of development including capital campaigns, grants management, corporate giving, major gifts, annual giving, and donor events. The position affords the applicant with mentorship and growth pathways alongside seasoned development professionals, and most important, the chance to create opportunities for people in South Dallas. 

Responsibilities: 

• Manage donor records in Network for Good, or comparable donor management software, including donor preferences and demographic updates as well as assist in creating summary reports. 
• Support the planning and execution of Forest Forward’s fundraising initiatives and appeals, including for the annual fund and the capital campaign. 
• • Help compile information and write drafts for grants, proposals, and reports for foundations and corporate giving entities. 
• Assist with organizing stories of impact and inspiration for development communications. 
• Conduct prospect research in collaboration with Development team. 
• Prepare and send donation acknowledgment letters, including annual tax statements. 
• Develop and maintain files on grants and paperwork connected to programs funded by grants. 
• Support the planning and executing of donor and community events. 
• Assist with additional tasks as assigned by the Vice President of Development 
• Additional duties as assigned 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Organization and attention to detail. 
• Ability to meet deadlines. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate across teams. 
• Strong written communication skills: ability to write clear, structured, articulate, and persuasive proposals. 
• Creative and willing to think outside the box and solve problems. 
• Excited to learn new things and engage with people. 
• A passion for making positive changes and a connection with Forest Forward’s mission and values. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

• • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required. 
• • Experience in service, hospitality, project management, fundraising is a plus. 
• Proficient with MS Office and Dropbox. Experience with Monday.com is helpful. 
• Excellent communicator in written and verbal form. 
• Versatile and dedicated to efficient productivity. 
• Eager to learn and have a positive attitude. 

Additional Information 

This position will require evening and weekend work for 20% of the calendar year, in conjunction with major performances and other special events. As we aim to balance the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, the schedule for this position will entail working in the office from Monday-Thursday, Fridays designated for remote work from home. 

Forest Forward provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. 

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.