Philanthropy Communications Manager

HSSV; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) in Milpitas, CA, seeks a Philanthropy Communications Manager to translate fundraising priorities into donor communications that demonstrate impact and keep donors connected to HSSV’s mission.

Reporting to Marketing and collaborating with the Philanthropy team, you will develop proposals, reports, newsletters, and stewardship materials, manage production schedules, and ensure messaging aligns with HSSV’s brand and donor expectations.

Qualifications

• Exceptional writing and editing for donor audiences; nonprofit experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building with staff, donors, boards.
• Ability to translate complex program data into accessible narratives.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in donor information.
• Collaborative across departments and with stakeholders.
• Commitment to brand guidelines and confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Translate program outcomes into compelling donor communications.
• Draft major gift proposals, reports, newsletters, and stewardship pieces.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Philanthropy to source stories and content.
• Manage project schedules and ensure timely, accurate deliverables.
• Maintain organized library of proposals and templates.
• Proofread and verify donor information with partners.
• Support centennial fundraising campaign materials.

Skills

Writing & editing

Communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Nonprofit experience

Job description

Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV), a privately funded, 501(c)(3) non‑profit, has been serving people and pets in Silicon Valley since 1929. HSSV is a leader in animal welfare through our lifesaving efforts, community programs, and the many ways we are working to move the animal welfare industry forward.
Our mission is to save lives, keep families together, and create a better future for pets and their people.

We are a passionate, high‑performing team who believes that collaboration is key to our success. Our best work is achieved by leveraging each other's strengths and creating opportunities for professional growth. Join a team that focuses on our key values of kindness, courage, and impact!

Overview

The Philanthropy Communications Manager creates compelling donor communications that connect generosity to HSSV’s impact. Reporting into Marketing and working closely with the Philanthropy team, this hands‑on writing and project management role translates established fundraising priorities and aligned messaging into proposals, reports, fundraising materials, and stewardship communications that help donors understand what their support makes possible. This individual drives information gathering, drafting, review, and production to deliver clear, compelling materials on time and in HSSV’s voice.

Key Responsibilities

Donor Communications Development

• Translate program information, outcomes, and funding needs into accessible, compelling communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropy.
• Tailor materials to specific donors and giving opportunities using fundraising objectives, donor insights, and background provided by the Philanthropy team, within established Marketing messaging and brand guidelines.
• Write and edit donor-facing materials, including major gift proposals, impact and endowment reports, donor newsletters, stewardship updates, personalized correspondence, and fundraising collateral.
• Prepare fundraising appeals, event communications, and donor recognition copy in support of annual giving campaign, events, and stewardship leads.
• Draft donor-related talking points, presentation copy, and remarks for the President & Executive Director, Leadership Team, Board of Directors, and Philanthropy team, as requested.
• Prepare and update case statements and campaign materials using approved fundraising priorities and messaging, including materials for HSSV’s Centennial fundraising campaign.

Content Collaboration

• Build and sustain cross-functional partnerships across Marketing, Philanthropy, and program teams to strengthen information sharing, identify compelling donor stories, and align communications with fundraising priorities.
• Partner with the Marketing Content Manager to source and adapt stories, visuals, and other approved content for proposals, reports, and donor communications.
• Develop ongoing relationships with program staff and subject matter experts to stay informed about HSSV’s work and gather accurate information about funding needs, outcomes, and emerging opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy team to understand donor communications needs and confirm donor details, gift purpose, recognition preferences, and reporting requirements.
• Establish clear processes for gathering input, coordinating reviews, and resolving feedback across teams to keep projects moving and ensure shared accountability for timely, accurate materials.
• Ensure all materials follow HSSV’s established messaging, brand standards, and editorial guidelines.
• Draft and update fundraising-related website and digital copy, coordinating with the Marketing team for review and publication.
• Proofread materials and verify facts, figures, names, and giving information with the appropriate internal partners before final approval.

Project Management and Production

• Manage the day‑to‑day development of Philanthropy communications, from initial request through final delivery.
• Maintain a production schedule for donor materials and stewardship deliverables, working with Marketing leadership and Philanthropy to prioritize assignments and align deadlines with the broader Marketing editorial calendar.
• Coordinate cross-functional feedback and approvals to ensure messaging, brand, and donor-specific accuracy; maintain version control and keep stakeholders informed of project status.
• Maintain an organized collection of approved proposals, reports, templates, and donor communications for efficient reuse and adaptation.
• Use available communication metrics and stakeholder feedback to improve future materials and production processes.
• Other job duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to create clear, persuasive materials for different donor audiences and purposes; experience in a nonprofit environment strongly preferred.
• Outstanding interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills with the ability to build strong working relationships and trust with staff, Board members, donors, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex program information and data into accessible narratives that connect donor support to tangible outcomes.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, including experience coordinating multiple deliverables, deadlines, reviewers, and approvals.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy in written content, data, and donor information.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills; able to gather information and work effectively across departments and with a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to apply established messaging and brand guidelines while adapting content to individual assignments.
• Sound judgment and discretion when working with confidential donor information and sensitive stories.
• Comfortable using shared document, presentation, and project management tools and coordinating print and digital production.
• Passionate about animal welfare and making a difference in the community; able to work in an emotional field where a positive attitude, sense of humor, and empathy are essential.

Work Days and Hours

This is an onsite position with a primarily Monday–Friday schedule. Participation in occasional evening and/or weekend events may be required based on organizational needs.