Development and Communications Manager – Savanna Institute

Gathering Waters, Inc.; Madison, Northern (WI, KY); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Savanna Institute in Madison, WI, invites applications for a Development and Communications Manager who will serve as the operational backbone of the Advancement Team, coordinating fundraising, communications, and donor engagement activities.

This role oversees systems, projects, data management, vendor relationships, and cross-functional workflows, working closely with Development, Communications, Finance, and Programs to ensure accurate, timely delivery of Advancement initiatives.

Job description

Development and Communications Manager - Savanna Institute

The Savanna Institute invites applications for a Development and Communications Manager. This position serves as the operational backbone of the Advancement Team, ensuring the efficient execution of fundraising, communications, and donor engagement activities. The role manages the systems, projects, and administrative functions that enable the organization to build strong philanthropic relationships and effectively communicate its impact.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Development and Communications Manager coordinates fundraising operations, donor and partner data management, communications production, project management, vendor relationships, and cross-functional workflows. The position works closely with Development, Communications, Finance, and Programs to ensure Advancement projects are delivered with consistency, accuracy, and exceptional attention to detail.

The Savanna Institute seeks applicants who share a passion for ecological and equitable agriculture as a climate solution and who are motivated to widen the circle of people who have the opportunity to inform, support, and benefit from its development. To that end, they are seeking a diversity of voices at the table and strongly encourage people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

The Savanna Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Madison, WI and Urbana, IL. Established in 2013, they work in collaboration with farmers, businesses, and scientists to lay the groundwork for widespread agroforestry in the Midwest US. Inspired by the native savanna ecosystems that once covered much of this region, they envision a transformed agricultural system, centered on trees and other perennial crops, that fosters ecological resilience, climate stability, economic prosperity, and vibrant, equitable communities. Learn more about the Savanna Institute on their website .