What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development and Communications Manager position at Maryland Nonprofits?
The Development and Communications Manager is responsible for advancing the visibility, reputation, and funding of CHAI and Myerberg through strategic communications and effective donor engagement. This role will oversee both the marketing and development functions, ensuring that all materials, messaging, and outreach align with the organization’s mission and objectives. The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, creative thinker, and relationship builder with a passion for supporting community development initiatives.
Tasks/Responsibilities
Communications
Tasks/Responsibilities
Communications
- Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy to increase awareness, engagement, and support for CHAI and Myerberg’s missions
- Write clear, compelling descriptions of the agency and programs, incorporating data and client stories as needed
- Understand the various agency audiences and target communications accordingly
- Draft issue-area briefs to support key initiatives
- Develop core messaging, including key words and phrases, to ensure consistency across communications
- Curate and update website content regularly in collaboration with program staff, ensuring it is current and engaging
- Draft press releases and agency statements in response to external events as needed
- Uphold and enforce brand guidelines across all agency materials, communications, and websites
- Assess brand clarity and strength; suggest and coordinate any needed brand development
- Provide templates and guidelines for program staff to market programs within CHAI’s branding standards
- Align branding across CHAI, Myerberg, and CHAI’s portfolio of properties
- Establish and maintain a consistent tone and style for all agency marketing and communications
- Oversee contractors involved in marketing efforts, including social media, graphic design, photography, website design, and management
- Coordinate the production and updating of agency collateral, including the annual report, brochures, and program-specific materials
- Serve as the point of contact for LinkedIn marketing, offering suggestions for content and reviewing posts
- Support event planning and content development, including framing the structure and messaging
- Stay informed on communications trends and best practices, particularly within relevant issue areas for CHAI and Myerberg
- Assist in stewarding relationships with existing and potential funders, including foundations, corporate funders, and individual donors
- Maintain regular communication with funders, ensuring follow-up and information sharing as appropriate
- Gather and provide documentation needed for funding requests or to support funder relationships
- Serve as point of contact for contracted grant service
- Handle overflow grant work, including reports, Letters of Intent (LOIs), and applications
- Research new funding opportunities and work with staff and stakeholders to provide input for new grant proposals
- Assist in the planning and execution of funding campaigns, including the annual Myerberg Friends and CHAI Community Investment Tax Credits campaigns
- Support special event fundraising
- Stay informed on best practices for nonprofit fundraising and resource development
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a strong ability to write persuasively
- Creative and intuitive thinker with a knack for developing engaging content
- Strong work ethic and results-driven approach
- Reliable, accountable, and highly organized with attention to detail
- Skilled relationship builder who thrives in collaborative environments
- Bachelor’s degree required, degree in marketing, communications, psychology, English, or a related field preferred
- 3-5 years of experience in development or communications role, with nonprofit experience preferred
- Experience engaging with donors and funders a plus