Fund Development and Communications Manager

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp.; California (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Cabrillo Economic Development Corp. (CEDC) is seeking a strategic Fund Development and Communications Manager to lead fundraising, grant development, donor engagement, and communications across our administration division in Ventura, CA.

The role collaborates with the CEO, leadership team, and program staff to advance CEDC’s mission through diversified funding and compelling external messaging. The ideal candidate will bring five or more years of nonprofit fundraising experience, exceptional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
• Minimum five years of nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, communications, or development experience.
• Proven success securing foundation, corporate, and government grants.
• Track record of developing and implementing fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship strategies.
• Experience managing multiple funding sources and complex grant compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive annual fund development plan aligned with goals and priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, major gifts, corporate sponsors, and partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to support growth and sustainability.
• Manage annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, major gifts, and donor recognition programs.
• Oversee donor database management, reporting, gift processing, and tracking.
• Lead all grant development activities including research, writing, submissions, and compliance.
• Prepare grant-related reports and manage grant calendars and compliance.
• Collaborate with program, finance, housing development, and management staff to gather data for competitive applications.
• Oversee communications strategy and public relations efforts to support fundraising and brand awareness.

Skills

Grant writing

Proposal development

Communication

Project management

CRM systems

Donor relations

Fundraising databases

Data visualization

Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Bloomerang

Foundation Search

DonorPerfect

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Microsoft Office

Job description

Fund Development and Communications Manager

Position Description

Division: Administration

Department: Administration

Status: Full-Time; Exempt

Location: Ventura, CA

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

CEDC COMMUNICATION AND ENGAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

CEDC’s philosophy is that excellent property management is an essential part of its overall construction of affordable housing activities. CEDC provides a superior living environment for its residents. CEDC implements a team management approach to its work with particular coordination between its activities within its Property Management, Real Estate Development and Resident and Community Services Departments.

THE POSITION

The Fund Development and Communications Manager is responsible for leading and implementing the organization’s comprehensive fundraising, grant development, donor engagement, and communications strategies. This position serves as the primary lead for philanthropic revenue generation, including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation funding, and government grants.
The position oversees all aspects of grant seeking and administration, donor stewardship, fundraising campaigns, special events, and organizational communications. Working closely with the CEO, leadership team, Board of Directors, and program staff, the Manager develops strategies that increase funding, strengthen community partnerships, raise organizational visibility, and advance CEDC’s mission.
This role requires a highly organized, results-oriented professional who combines strategic thinking with exceptional writing, relationship-building, project management, and communication skills.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Fund Development & Donor Relations (35%)

• Develop and execute a comprehensive annual fund development plan aligned with organizational goals and strategic priorities.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with individual donors, major gift prospects, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
• Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to support organizational growth and sustainability.
• Manage annual giving campaigns, donor appeals, major gift initiatives, planned giving opportunities, and donor recognition programs.
• Coordinate donor stewardship activities, acknowledgments, impact reporting, and engagement strategies.
• Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate records, reporting, gift processing, and tracking.
• Develop fundraising revenue projections and monitor progress toward annual fundraising goals.
• Support and engage Board members and leadership in fundraising activities and donor cultivation efforts.

Grants Management & Institutional Funding (40%)

• Lead all grant development activities, including research, planning, writing, submission, and compliance for government, foundation, and corporate funding opportunities.
• Research and evaluate funding opportunities that align with CEDC’s strategic priorities and program objectives.
• Develop compelling grant proposals, letters of inquiry, applications, budgets, and supporting materials.
• Manage a comprehensive grants calendar, ensuring timely submissions, reporting requirements, and renewals.
• Monitor grant performance and compliance, maintaining accurate records and internal reporting systems.
• Collaborate with program, finance, housing development, resident services, and property management staff to gather data and prepare competitive applications.
• Track federal, state, and local funding trends related to affordable housing, resident services, community development, and organizational operations.
• Attend NOFA, RFP, bidder conferences, and funding workshops as appropriate.
• Partner with the CFO and leadership team in developing grant budgets, cost allocations, revenue projections, and funding strategies.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with foundation representatives, government agencies, corporate funders, and community stakeholders.
• Prepare grant-related presentations and reports for executive leadership, Board committees, and funding partners.

Communications & Community Relations (25%)

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for all organizational communications, marketing, branding, and public relations efforts.
• Supervise and support communications staff and consultants responsible for content creation, digital communications, social media management, website updates, design projects, and media outreach.
• Develop and implement an annual communications plan that advances organizational goals, fundraising priorities, community engagement, and brand awareness.
• Review and approve newsletters, annual reports, press releases, donor communications, marketing materials, and other public-facing content to ensure quality, consistency, and alignment with CEDC’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Ensure consistency of organizational messaging, brand standards, and visual identity across all communication channels and materials.
• Collaborate with leadership and department managers to identify stories, outcomes, and impact data that support fundraising, housing development, resident services, advocacy, and community engagement efforts.
• Oversee website content strategy, social media presence, media relations, and digital engagement efforts while monitoring performance metrics and recommending improvements.
• Support communications staff in coordinating organizational events, public presentations, stakeholder outreach, and community relations activities.
• Serve as a strategic advisor to executive leadership on external communications, public messaging, and reputation management.

Leadership & Project Management

• Supervise, mentor, and support development, communications, and volunteer staff as assigned.
• Coordinate and manage fundraising events, donor recognition activities, and community engagement initiatives.
• Develop and monitor departmental budgets.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and maintaining quality standards.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to advance organizational goals and funding priorities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Business Administration, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, grant writing, communications, or development.
• Demonstrated success securing foundation, corporate, and government grants.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful fundraising campaigns and donor stewardship strategies.
• Experience managing multiple funding sources and complex grant compliance requirements.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional grant writing, proposal development, and technical writing skills.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with donors, funders, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze funding opportunities and develop strategic recommendations.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across departments.
• Experience with donor and grants management systems, CRM platforms, and fundraising databases.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to develop reports, charts, graphs, and data-driven presentations.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to CEDC’s mission, vision, and values.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of affordable housing, community development, and nonprofit funding environments.
• Experience with government grants and housing-related funding programs.
• Experience with Bloomerang, Foundation Search, DonorPerfect, or similar platforms.
• Graphic design and digital content development experience using Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Bilingual or multilingual communication skills.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.

LICENSES & OTHER REQUIREMENTS

A valid California driver’s License and proof of automobile liability insurance. Ability to travel throughout Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties as needed.

CEDC IS PROUD TO BE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER