Overview: Marian Middle School, the only school of its kind in St. Louis, providing 11+ years of transformational education to girls to break the cycle of poverty, is seeking a Development & Communications Manager.
In this full-time role, the team member serves as a highly valued strategic thinker, relationship builder, fundraiser, and most importantly, a powerful advocate for Marian Girls.
The manager will be responsible for: Marian’s mid-level donor portfolio and mid-level giving program, the content and event management for Marian’s signature fundraising events, and stewarding and building relationships with Marian’s fundraising sponsors and organizational grantors. This position is a critical part of Marian’s Development & Communications Team, which includes a Development & Communications Associate, a Director of Development & Communications, a Development Assistant, and an external grant writer.
Specific Duties include:
- Work with the Development Team, Advancement Committee, and Board Members to identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors and prospects to meet annual fundraising goals.
- Relationship Management and Stewardship of mid-level donors: Implement and manage a robust, personalized stewardship program for mid level donors and the mid-level giving campaign, which includes prospecting, cultivation, solicitation, in-person meetings & tours, email campaigns, timely thank-you communications, and other personalized, creative touches.
- Oversee Marian’s signature fundraising events to support donor acquisition, inspire existing donors, and bring greater awareness to the mission. Lead a comprehensive events strategy that engages and excites donors, fostering a love for the mission. Lead budgeting, sponsorship outreach and management, scriptwriting, and mailing lists; and collaborate with Development Associate on invites, RSVPs, ads, and marketing communication. Work closely with outside event consultants on site selection, catering, parking, and the overall guest experience.
- Lead stewardship efforts of corporate supporters and grantors, including collaborating with the grant writer to execute grant reporting.
- Digital Donor Communication and Content Development: Oversee Marian’s digital donor communications, such as e-newsletters and social media, with the support of the Development Associate.
- Oversee Career Luncheons, which match female professionals and students over lunch, to foster the stewardship and acquisition of donors and event sponsors in a mission focused way.
- Lead targeted efforts to re-engage lapsed members and production of renewal campaigns.
- Participate in organizational events, programs, and cocktail parties that support efforts to meet annual fundraising goals and foster acquisition and cultivation.
- Work closely with the Director of Development and President to provide expertise and input for the strategies, best practices, systems, implementation, and innovation to meet goals.
Skills, Qualifications, and Values:
- 3 to 5 years of experience in the fundraising and development field. Experience in the marketing and communications field is a plus.
Non-profit experience is a must. - Collaborator and strategic thinker, who can independently plan and execute, manage up, divvy assignments, generate and seek best-in-class ideas, and welcome and model team-oriented approach.
- Attention to detail, capable of managing multiple tasks, projects, and timelines.
- Ability to anticipate needs, see opportunities, and use good judgment in dealing with confidential information.
- Experience collaborating with, overseeing (and learning from) contractors, consultants, partners, and committee members.
- Driven to advance the mission of Marian and support for Marian Girls through top quality work alongside a great team and faculty.
- Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Passion for storytelling and community engagement.
- Experience in growing social media engagement.
- Experience with Raiser’s Edge/BlackBaud/NXT.
Reports to: Director of Development and Communications
Supervisory Responsibilities: This position manages the Development & Communications Associate, and oversees projects with outside vendors (including printers and a graphic designer). Alongside the director, this position also co-leads the Advancement and Marketing Communications committee.
License(s)/Certifications(s) Required:
Physical Work Requirements/Work Conditions:
- Constantly operates computers and other office equipment. New team members can choose to work from home 1 day a week, and this option can be expanded to additional days after the first year of training and employment.
- Frequently works in an indoor office environment, spanning 4 floors within a school (no elevator)
- Occasionally required to move materials up to 40 pounds.
Salary: $60,000 – $70,000, in addition to medical health insurance covered by the school, and a 403b plan with matching benefits.
Application Instructions: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and references to Kristin Gumper, Director of Development & Communications, at kgumper@mms-stl.org.