Development & Community Relations Manager

The Society; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

The Society is seeking a Development and Community Relations Manager to lead the development and community relations team, drive fundraising and marketing efforts, and manage grant writing and public relations initiatives. You will work with leadership to expand partnerships, plan events, and advance advocacy on disability issues.

Ideal candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, 5+ years in fundraising/marketing with supervision experience, and strong communication and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or related field; five years in marketing, fundraising, and development with two years in supervision.
• Must be proficient using design and publishing programs, as well as social media.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrates initiative, creativity, and sound judgment; able to motivate others.

Responsibilities

• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates the development & community relations team.
• Leads Board Development Committee and builds relationships with external stakeholders.
• Creates and executes a strategic funding and marketing plan with senior leadership.
• Leads grant writing activities and ensures timely, compliant applications.
• Oversees special events and donor engagement to meet revenue goals.
• Manages PR and marketing across channels to raise awareness and support advocacy.

Skills

Leadership

Grant writing

Fundraising

Public relations

Communications

Social media

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public relations/communications

Tools

Design software

Publishing programs

Social media platforms

Job description

Job Title: Development and Community Relations Manager

Position Summary: This position serves in a leadership role overseeing the development and community relations team and is responsible for the agency’s fund development, marketing, and public relations.

Essential Functions:

• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates development & community relations team members. Leads team members and fosters professional and personal growth within the organization.
• Leads Board Development Committee. Builds strong relationships with external stakeholders. Collaborates with members of the Society team and other non-profits.
• Creates and executes a strategic funding and marketing plan in collaboration with the Executive Director and Senior Management. Responsible for the development and coordination of fund development, including developing and maintaining partnerships with businesses and supporters, annual fundraising plans, special events, legacy donations, community fundraising activity and grant writing projects.
• Leads grant writing activities for all programs. Ensures that applications are submitted to the appropriate grantor and are written according to the grant requirements and reported on according to the grant specifications.
• Oversees all special events and works with Development & Community Relations Coordinator to ensure all special events achieve/exceed revenue goals by implementing industry best practices for recruiting event committees, teams, sponsors, and individuals to grow stakeholder base. Evaluates event results and prepares recommendations for future events, manages the event budget, engages media, supervises event logistics, ensures databases are updated, and provides an excellent experience for all participants.
• Aggressively seeks new corporate and foundation funding and maintains relationships with current and past donors. Monitors all donor information and provides it to management team and boards. Leads special projects and experiences to engage donors.
• Responsible for public relations of The Society brand. Oversees marketing and communications on all platforms to maximize public awareness of the agency, promote fundraising, support advocacy efforts, and educate on disability issues. [Newsprint, website, social media, Provider Guide Plus website, crisis communication site]
• Demonstrates leadership, teamwork, cooperation, and effective working relationships with individuals, family members, guardians, coworkers, professionals, donors, The Society Board of Directors, SHC Foundation Board of Directors, and the general public.
• Adheres to The Society’s policies and acts as a role model in adherence to these policies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Bona fide Occupationally Required Competencies and Credentials:

• Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, or related field. Five years of experience preferred in marketing, fundraising, and development with two (2) years of supervision and management preferred.
• Must be proficient using design and publishing programs, as well as social media.
• Must have ability to effectively and clearly communicate thoughts both orally and in writing.
• Must show initiative, creativity, and exercise sound judgment.
• Must demonstrate confidence and the ability to motivate others.

Highly motivated and self-driven to work within a team structure toward diverse and inclusive problem-solving.

Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License, good driving record, and carry the proper liability insurance amounts required by The Society.

Location: Main Office

Travel: Meetings, site visits, marketing and fundraising events both inside and outside the agency.

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA Status: Exempt; Full-time (40 hrs./week)

Supervises: Development & Community Relations Coordinator

Works with: Internal and external stakeholders.