Development & Communications Lead: Donor Growth & Storytelling

Merrimack Valley Project; Lawrence (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Merrimack Valley Project is seeking a Development & Communications Manager to lead fundraising, donor relations, and storytelling. You will plan annual campaigns, oversee communications, and supervise contracted support while collaborating with staff and volunteers to advance MVP’s mission in the Lawrence area.

The role emphasizes donor stewardship, grant management, and a strong storytelling voice across digital and print channels. Evening/weekend availability may be required.

Qualifications

• 3–4+ years of experience in fundraising or development, communications, community organizing, or a related field.
• Experience managing fundraising strategies, including annual giving, donor cultivation and stewardship, fundraising events, institutional giving, and grants.
• Experience managing EveryAction, Salesforce, or a similar CRM system.
• Experience researching, writing, or coordinating grant proposals and reports.
• Strong relationship-building skills with donors, grassroots leaders, volunteers, community partners, and institutional funders.
• Understanding of community organizing principles, including relational meetings, power-building, and values-based leadership.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms, Canva or Adobe, email marketing, social media management, and Google Workspace or Microsoft Office.
• Excellent writing, storytelling, project management, and organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
• Spanish, Haitian Creole, or Portuguese proficiency is a strong plus.
• Reliable transportation and flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Commitment to advancing racial, social, and economic justice.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement MVP's annual fundraising and development plan in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Manage annual donor appeals and campaigns including Giving Tuesday and year-end asks.
• Create donor communications, segment email campaigns, acknowledgments, and impact updates.
• Coordinate fundraising events (e.g., MICAH Awards Dinner, Annual Meeting) with sponsorships and logistics.
• Maintain donor records in CRM systems (EveryAction, Salesforce) including gift entry and reporting.
• Attend meetings to report progress and strategy.
• Coordinate and draft grant proposals with the Executive Director and contracted writer; track reports and deadlines.
• Collaborate with staff to gather program outcomes, budgets, and supporting materials.

Skills

Donor engagement

Fundraising strategy

Communication

Event planning

Project management

Campaign coordination

Tools

EveryAction

Salesforce

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Merrimack Valley Project is seeking a Development & Communications Manager to lead fundraising, donor relations, and storytelling. You will plan annual campaigns, oversee communications, and supervise contracted support while collaborating with staff and volunteers to advance MVP’s mission in the Lawrence area.

The role emphasizes donor stewardship, grant management, and a strong storytelling voice across digital and print channels. Evening/weekend availability may be required.