Development and Communications Officer

Overview
The Development and Communications Officer plays a pivotal role in advancing our mission through the implementation and growth of our fundraising, donor engagement, and communications strategies to drive sustainable growth. Reporting to the CEO, this role oversees donor database management, grant writing and reporting, strategic communications, and event planning while ensuring compliance with all funder and organizational requirements. They serve as a key liaison with the Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee, providing regular updates on fundraising performance and donor engagement activities.

This role requires strong communication abilities, both written and verbal, attention to detail, and relationship-building skills. The Development and Communications Officer must effectively balance daily operations with strategic initiatives and demonstrate a commitment to the growth and continuous improvement of our fundraising, communications, and event initiatives.

Duties

• Lead comprehensive development strategy, including creation and execution of annual fundraising plan, and maintenance of development infrastructure to meet organizational goals
• Manage donor database system, including data integrity, donor tracking, gift processing, acknowledgments, and reporting to support effective donor stewardship and relationship management.
• Direct grant program, including prospect research, proposal writing, reporting, compliance monitoring, and coordination with program staff to secure and maintain grant funding.
• Lead organizational communications strategy through compelling storytelling and content creation, managing websites, social media, email campaigns, and newsletters while maintaining consistent branding through basic design tools.
• Plan and execute fundraising and donor engagement events managing all aspects including budgets, logistics, sponsor relations, marketing materials, and post-event analysis while ensuring positive ROI.
• Partner with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Leadership Team to build and maintain strategic relationships with donors, community partners, and corporate sponsors to advance organizational mission and funding goals.
• Monitor and report on all development activities through KPI tracking, budget management, and regular analysis of fundraising initiatives' effectiveness.
• Support the Board of Directors and Fund Development Committee through regular reporting and coordination of board stewardship activities.
• Oversee charitable gaming applications and renewal, ensuring compliance with state regulations, and managing required documentation and reporting.
• Manage organizational digital registrations and profiles across key platforms, including Sam.gov, Candid/GuideStar, and third-party donation portals (Benevity, Your Cause), ensuring accurate and current information for compliance, donor engagement, and funding opportunities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of development experience including donor relations and grant writing.
• Proficient in preparing and executing effective communication strategies, both verbal and written to a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work well both as a team member and individually.
• Work independently, set priorities, and anticipate the reporting and communication needs of CEO.
• Proficiency in Teams, Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and donor management systems.
• Experience working with diverse populations and stakeholders, demonstrating cultural sensitivity, adaptability, and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• You must possess a valid driver’s license, transportation, and automobile insurance to operate a motor vehicle in Ohio.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• No weekends

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• donor relations and grant writing: 3 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Akron, OH 44311 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Akron, OH 44311: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Akron, OH 44311

Salary : $65,000 - $70,000