Associate for Philanthropic Partnerships

FUSE is seeking an Associate for Philanthropic Partnerships to support the systems, processes, and day-to-day tasks that power FUSE’s fundraising operations. The Associate will contribute significantly to data quality, project coordination, and donor engagement operations.

Location: FUSE is a fully virtual organization, and this position can be based remotely from anywhere in the United States.

Annual Salary: This position offers a non-negotiable annual salary of $63,000 and robust benefits. More details can be provided upon request.

About FUSE

FUSE is a national nonprofit dedicated to increasing the capacity of local governments to work more effectively for communities. We embed private sector executives in city and county agencies to lead projects that improve public services and accelerate systems change. Since 2012, FUSE has led over 400 projects in 58 governments across 26 states, impacting a total population equivalent to 1 in 10 Americans.

When designing each fellowship project, FUSE works closely with government partners and community stakeholders to define a scope of work that will achieve substantive progress toward high-priority local needs. Projects address today’s most pressing challenges and opportunities, including affordable housing, economic mobility, climate resilience, public safety, infrastructure, technology, and more.

FUSE conducts a full executive search for each individual project to ensure that the selected candidate has at least 15 years of professional experience, the required competencies for the role, and deep connections to the community being served.

Executive Fellows are embedded in government agencies working with senior leaders for at least one year of full-time work. Prospective responsibilities may include thorough data analytics and research, developing enhanced operations and financial models, building change management and strategic planning processes, and/or building broad coalitions to support project implementation efforts. Executive Fellows are data-driven and results-oriented, and able to effectively manage complex projects. They build strong relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, foster alignment within and across various layers of government, and build partnerships between governments and communities.

Throughout the fellowships, Executive Fellows receive training, coaching, and professional support to help achieve their project goals.

Position Overview

The Associate for Philanthropic Partnerships ensures accurate and timely donor data entry and upkeep in Salesforce, maintains organized file management in Dropbox, generates regular reports and dashboards, and prepares concise prospect research briefs and meeting packets. This role also tracks donor engagement and grant calendar reminders, drafts and processes acknowledgments, and documents donor touchpoints with care and confidentiality. A successful candidate will be detail-oriented, tech-savvy, and proactive about upholding data quality standards, following Standard Operating Procedures, and supporting fast-moving priorities in a collaborative, remote environment.

Position Responsibilities - Specific responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

• Data Quality & Customer Relationship Management Support (Salesforce)
• Execute data entry and routine hygiene in Salesforce (creating/updating contacts, accounts, opportunities; logging activities and meeting notes; de-duplication, field cleanup, list maintenance) using established Standard Operating Procedures.
• Build scheduled dashboards and ad hoc reports (pipeline snapshots, donor tracking, deadlines, engagement touches) for team use.
• Maintain basic documentation; surface data gaps and propose fixes or improvements.
• Pull accurate lists and reports for campaigns, updates, and events
  

• Digital File Organization (Dropbox) & Documentation
• Maintain organized, searchable folders for proposals, grant agreements, reports, briefings, and acknowledgments using FUSE naming protocols.
• Prepare and organize meeting prep packets and post-meeting materials; keep shared trackers and templates current.
  

• Prospect Research & Briefing Support
• Prepare research briefs on prospective and current donors using public sources and internal notes.
• Track relevant news on key funders and share timely updates with team members.
• Support conference preparation and donor meetings/visits (attendee lists, briefing notes, scheduling assistance) and follow-up tracking.
  

• Grant Tracking, Reporting & Acknowledgments
• Update and track entries through the donor and prospect calendar (touchpoints, report due dates, renewal timelines); surface upcoming tasks to relevant staff.
• Draft and process acknowledgment letters and receipts; record engagement actions.
• Track all proposals and report milestones in Salesforce.
• Support gift documentation and reconciliation in coordination with Finance; maintain audit-ready records.
  

• Cross-Team Collaboration
• Collaborate with members of the broader FUSE team to support effective cross-team collaboration and the achievement of organization-wide goals.
  

Required Skills and Experience

• A passion for civic innovation and a belief that local government can affect change in people's lives.
• 1–3 years of experience in project support, process management, data operations, or similar (internships and service years welcome).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; strong proofreader, able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, remote environment.
• Clear, professional communicator (verbal, email, Slack) with strong listening and follow-through.
• Proficiency with Customer Relationship Management data entry/reporting (Salesforce experience preferred) and cloud file systems (Dropbox or similar); strong Google Workspace/Microsoft Office skills.
• Natural collaborator who builds trust and influences without authority; strong interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence.
• Systems thinker with curiosity and initiative; learns quickly and follows through reliably.
• Discretion in handling confidential donor information; familiarity with basic fundraising concepts (donor lifecycle, engagement steps) is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Salesforce experience
• Prior work or internship in a nonprofit or public-sector environment supporting fundraising/operations

Apply

Please submit an application and cover letter at https://fuse.org/careers/ by clicking on the associated job description. The cover letter should explain your motivation to join FUSE and how you anticipate leveraging your experience in this role.

FUSE is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position.