Communications Manager

The Autism Program of Virginia; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Commonwealth Autism is seeking a Communications Manager to translate our mission into clear, compelling communications that advance fundraising goals, strengthen brand visibility, and build trust with donors and the broader community.

In this full-time Richmond, VA role, you will collaborate with the Director of Development to create donor-facing and marketing materials, blend storytelling with digital communications, and elevate our voice across channels.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, or related fields.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience with graphic design and marketing materials (digital and print).
• Experience managing websites and digital content platforms.
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and CRM systems.
• Strong project management and ability to collaborate across teams.
• Ability to translate complex programs into clear, engaging narratives.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Development to support annual fundraising goals through strategic communications.
• Develop and execute an integrated donor communications plan, including annual and special appeals, email campaigns, newsletters, updates, and impact reports.
• Ensure consistent voice, tone, and messaging across all donor-facing materials.
• Segment communications to align with donor interests, giving levels, and engagement history.
• Design and produce marketing and communications materials across digital and print formats.
• Maintain visual brand consistency across platforms and materials.
• Manage and maintain the Commonwealth Autism website and coordinate program-related updates.
• Capture and share stories highlighting outcomes in employment, community access, and statewide impact.
• Draft press releases, respond to media inquiries, and shape public messaging.

Skills

Writing & storytelling

Donor communications

Project management

Collaboration across teams

Brand & messaging

Tools

CRM systems

Email marketing platforms

Website content management

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Communications Manager

Full Time RIchmond, VA, US

7 days ago Requisition ID: 1021

Salary Range: $50,000.00 To $65,000.00 Annually

Position Overview

The Communications Manager is responsible for translating Commonwealth Autism’s mission, programs, and impact into clear, compelling communications that advance fundraising goals, strengthen brand visibility, and build trust with donors, partners, and the broader community.

Working in close partnership with the Director of Development, this role plays a critical part in meeting annual fundraising goals by ensuring that all communications—donor-facing, public-facing, and marketing-related—are strategic, visually engaging, and consistently aligned with organizational priorities. This position blends storytelling, design, digital communications, and media engagement to elevate Commonwealth Autism’s voice and reach.

Our Core Values:

1. Helpful: We share the instinct to help our customers, clients, and each other. Our community values our willingness to provide an experience that makes a difference.

2. Curious: We ask bold questions, exploring new ideas, and challenging the status quo. We create space to try, learn, and adapt to be stronger together.

3. Beyond Self: We act with purpose that transcends personal ambition. Our work is rooted in service beyond our self-interest. We create impact together.

4. Bold Integrity: We are honest and accountable with each other and the people we serve; we are not afraid to do the right thing to ensure we're accomplishing our goals of stronger, healthier communities.

5. Desire and Passion for the Mission: We strive to make a difference in people’s lives. Our bring heart, energy, and purpose in everything we do. Our mission is not just what we do but why we show up every day.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with the Director of Development to support annual fundraising goals through strategic communications.
• Develop and execute an integrated donor communications plan, including:
  • Annual and special appeals
  • Email marketing campaigns
  • Donor newsletters and updates
  • Impact and stewardship reports
• Ensure consistent voice, tone, and messaging across all donor-facing materials.
• Segment communications to align with donor interests, giving levels, and engagement history.

Marketing, Design & Brand Management

• Design and produce marketing and communications materials, including digital and print assets (graphics, one-pagers, event materials, presentations, social media content, and fundraising collateral).
• Maintain visual brand consistency across all platforms and materials.
• Collaborate with the Good Foods Grocery Marketing Manager to align messaging, promotions, and co-branded materials related to Good Foods initiatives.
• Support the development of case statements, pitch decks, and campaign materials.

Website & Digital Communications

• Manage andmaintainthe Commonwealth Autism website, ensuring content is current, accessible, and aligned with fundraising and communications priorities.
• Coordinate updates related to programs, impact, events, campaigns, and news.
• Optimizedigital content to support donor engagement and storytelling.

Storytelling & Impact Reporting

• Capture and share stories that highlight outcomes in employment, community access, and statewide impact.
• Partner with program staff to translate data, experiences, and results into compelling narratives for donors and the public.
• Develop donor- and community-facing reports that clearly connect contributions to measurable impact.

Media Relations & Public Messaging

• Draft and distribute press releases and media announcements.
• Support media engagement and respond to media inquiries in coordination with leadership.
• Help shape andmaintainconsistent public messaging across platforms, events, and external communications.

Qualifications

• 4–6 years of experience in nonprofit communications, marketing, or related fields
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Demonstrated experience with graphic design and marketing materials (digital and print)
• Experience managing websites and digital content platforms
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and CRM systems
• Strong project management skills and ability to collaborate across teams
• Ability to translate complex programs into clear, engaging narratives