Communications and Development Specialist

The Hope Foundation, Inc; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits program

Employer-matched 403b

Job summary

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, seeks a Communications and Development Specialist to advance fundraising, strategic communications, and donor engagement. The role bridges communications, donor outreach, events, and reporting, contributing to program impact and community partnerships.

Responsibilities include coordinating the annual giving program, managing a mid-level donor portfolio, and ensuring data integrity across the CRM.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, or related field.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines in a time-sensitive environment.

Responsibilities

• Supports the development and execution of communications assets and donor stewardship materials.
• Leads the annual giving program alongside the team and manages donor relationships.
• Maintains donor data in CRM and ensures data accuracy across the organization.

Skills

Communication skills

Donor stewardship

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, or related field

Tools

Bloomerang

Job description

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research

Supporting SWOG Cancer Research Network

The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research is a national public charity with the mission of supporting clinical research and educational programs for SWOG Cancer Research Network to prevent, treat, and eradicate adult cancers. Since its founding by cancer researchers in 1993, The Hope Foundation has worked alongside physicians, scientists, statisticians, advocates, and other oncology experts to accelerate science and bridge critical gaps in cancer care through clinical trials. Where federal resources fall short or critical needs are present, we step in to advance research and support the experts who drive it forward.

Position: Communications and Development Specialist
Job Type: Full-Time Hybrid, Exempt
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Compensation Package: Competitive salary, full benefits program with employer matched 403b

Accountability: Reports to the Director of Communications and Programs

POSITION DESCRIPTION The Communications and Development Specialist is an integral member of the Development, Communications, and Programs team. This team advances the Foundation's mission by aligning program delivery, community engagement, strategic communications, partnership development, and philanthropic support. The team is united by a commitment to fostering a shared culture in which every team member plays a role in building relationships, sharing impact, deepening community connection, and securing the resources needed to sustain and expand our work.

The Communications and Development Specialist supports the Director of Communications and Programs and the Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships, serving as a bridge between functions. They connect communications, donor engagement, partnership outreach, events, reporting, and administrative functions. They help translate program impact into communications and development activities while ensuring information flows effectively across the team, surfacing gaps, and ensuring that efforts reinforce one another rather than operating in parallel.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Achievement of annual plan goals specific to the role Timely and accurate donor stewardship specific to personal portfolio Effective and secure management of constituent data across the organization Consistent and on-brand execution of communications Collaborative collection and organization of impact stories and programs outcomes Successful coordination of events and special projects Accurate tracking and reporting of metrics Cross-functional collaboration and information sharing

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications (30%)

Supports the development and execution of communications assets, including storytelling resources, digital products, donor stewardship materials, and sponsorship collateral Assists in the creation of donor-focused materials such as newsletters, appeal mailings, and other outreach Ensures all materials are produced on time, on brand, and aligned to organizational priorities

Development & Annual Fundraising (40%)

In collaboration with the team, leads the execution of the annual giving program Supports the development and execution of resources needed to advance strategic partnerships and individual donor relationships Manages a personal donor portfolio of mid-level donor upgrade prospects Prepares curated touchpoints and briefing materials for the CEO’s key donor engagements, in partnership with the Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships Explores and tests new revenue concepts in partnership with the team to identify viable pathways for organizational growth

Data & Operations (30%)

Supports CRM management to ensure donor and partner data is current, accurate, and organized Maintains data systems that are trusted across the organization as a reliable source of truth to inform strategy and tactics Ensures donor stewardship is timely, accurate, and complete

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, fundraising, or related field
• 2-5 years (or similar experience) in the field of nonprofit fundraising, communications, or development
• Proficiency with Bloomerang or other donor databases and prospecting tools
• Ability to work independently and take initiative to meet deadlines in a time sensitive environment with attention to detail and accuracy
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills
• Exceptional time-management and organizational skills
• Knowledgeable about the mission of The Hope Foundation for Cancer Research
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and relate well to donors, board members, staff, and other key stakeholders
• Commitment to donor confidentiality and ethical behavior while employing best practices in fundraising
• Travel as required

The Hope Foundation’s Diversity Commitment At The Hope Foundation, we value unique experiences and are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic disposition, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under federal, state, and local law.