development communications manager
Job Title: Development Communications Manager
Location: Jamestown, VA
Division/Department: Development
job summary
The Development Communications Manager oversees a variety of critical fundraising efforts for Jamestown, including but not limited to: the Foundation’s donor communications program; personal donor engagement and stewardship communications; and other donor correspondence on behalf of Jamestown’s president and staff.
essential functions
- Implement and measure the success of the Foundation’s fundraising program, maintaining a detailed calendar of mailings throughout the year.
- Prepare comprehensive production plans for large-quantity renewals, new donor acquisition mailings, and additional giving appeals with in-depth segmentation.
- Collaborate with colleagues to produce newsletters, mailed to both existing donors and potential supporters nationwide. Duties include drafting informative copy for articles and collecting corresponding photographs; preparing constituent mail lists, ensuring the appropriate audience is selected; and coordinating with vendors on both design and mailing.
- Conduct detailed revenue analysis to measure individual appeal results and report results. Includes careful and regular review of complex data.
- Proofread and edit as needed a variety of Foundation communications, including but not limited to: proposals to foundations, corporations, and individuals for general-operating and restricted funding; acknowledgment letters, ensuring timely and personalized recognition of contributions; press releases sent to local, regional, and national media outlets; emails and social media posts.
- In collaboration with audience management team, collect, organize, and carefully maintain constituent information to ensure the donor database is accurate and up-to-date at all times.
- Maintain thorough records, both electronically and hard-copy, of all completed Development mailings and appeals, their individual components, and various segments, ensuring sample books are kept current.
- Reach out to new, existing, and potential donors throughout the year via emails, phone calls, personal visits, and handwritten notes to cultivate meaningful and lasting donor-Foundation relationships, assisting with special gifts as appropriate.
- Serve as an informed ambassador for Jamestown during on-site Board meetings, press visits, and donor events throughout the year. Assist the events staff with preparation for these gatherings, such as designing and mailing invitations, and compiling welcome material.
job requirements and qualifications
Education and Skills Required:
- Four-year degree
- Five to seven years of experience in development, copywriting, and/or marketing.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Excel and Word.
- Experience with design software, such as Canva and InDesign, preferred.
- Experience with The Raiser’s Edge or other fundraising software preferred.
Experience Requirements:
- Knowledge of the fundraising and marketing processes and how they support the mission of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to express Foundation objectives in a compelling and concise manner
- Exemplary writing and proofreading skills with a thorough understanding of grammar and language usage
- Organized and detail-oriented
- Must be able to work proactively with minimal supervision to meet deadlines and manage priorities
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively when required.
- Flexibility to work in an environment with widely varying workload levels and responsibilities
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and exercise sound judgment to make recommendations and solve problems
- Must have a polished and professional demeanor as a spokesperson of the Foundation
- Travel may be required occasionally. Some weekend and evening work is required on site, typically for events, periodically throughout the year.
to apply
Please submit a cover letter and résumé to hjadmin@preservationvirginia.org by July 5.
The Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation is a subsidiary of Preservation Virginia. Preservation Virginia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
